It's In The Mail

METRO's guide to do-it-yourself card making (artistic ability preferred but not required)

Creating your own holiday cards is the perfect way to say 'See how much I care?'

Image credit: Photo by pink.polka via Creative Commons

Recommended by the Editor

A Minnesota Marketplace

A Different Aesthetic

By: Emily Cain

Season’s greetings. Happy Holidays. Wishing you a Festivus Miracle.

Whatever you celebrate, this is the time of year to share happy sentiments with your loved ones. Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a greeting card, and nothing says, “See how much I care about you, I put thought into this?” like a card made with your own two hands.

Whether your fine craftsmanship skills could get you a job at Santa’s Workshop, or whether your art talents peaked at kindergarten play-doh glob-making, there are card making possibilities for everyone.

For those ambitiously seeking to get their craft on, here are a few places we suggest visiting.

Archiver’s, Mall of America, 2501 Killebrew Dr., 339 E. Broadway, Bloomington, 952-858-8292

A scrapbook Mecca, Archiver’s will be offering vintage Christmas card workshops on Nov. 28, Dec. 2, Dec. 5, and Dec. 12. For $20 Archiver’s provides all the materials and step-by-step instruction by a craft professional. If you’re short on cash don’t fret, there are several free Make and Take days offered throughout December, including a Make and Take Weekend from Dec. 15 –  Dec.19.

Lunalux, 1618 Harmon Place, Mpls, 612-373-0526

The charming Loring Park paper goods store has sets itself apart by using vintage letterpress equipment and modern photopolymer technology. On Dec. 3, you can stop by and make your own holiday photo card. For $29 you’ll get a set of 10 printed pieces with matching plain envelopes. Using their 5×7 metallic white cards that have been pre-printed with decorative stripes and a holiday greeting. Lunalux will also print your family name or a brief personal message along the bottom of the cards. Take them home, add your own 3.5×5 photo, and voila: holiday cheer. Optional upgrade to lined envelopes is also available. For $1 more, you’ll get envelopes with vibrant matching liners – a nice finishing touch for that extra special someone.

Paper Source, 3048 Hennepin Avenue S, Mpls, 612-377-0700

For the über-crafter, Paper Source, home to fine artisanal papers, stationary, and greeting cards, is in the midst of its sixth annual holiday card making contest. If you think you have what it takes submit your most creative work by Dec. 19 (using your favorite Paper Source materials of course) to Paper Source corporate office. Winner gets a $50 gift card and some serious holiday bragging rights.

The Internet, Anywhere U.S.A.

Even if you’re artistically illiterate, you can customize the holidays with online greetings. There are a variety of online card-making options that will have you on your merry way with just a click of your mouse but our favorites are someecards.com and jibjab.com. Someecards, known for it’s wry sense of humor may not be the best choice for grandma, but kooky uncle Bob, why not? You can make your own or choose from a variety of pre-made cards. With Holiday sentiments like, “I found the perfect gift for someone with money to give you,” you’re thoughtful and honest message will (maybe) be appreciated. For a multimedia e-card extravaganza, turn no further than Jibjab.com. Upload photos of your friends and family and watch them dance, sing, star in Jibjab classic movies, and more! For the edgier crowd, there’s a series of cards described as “twisted fun” that definitely should not go to grandma, lest you wish to receive coal in your stocking.

+ See METRO's e-greeting card featuring a few familiar Twin Cities faces here. Happy Holidays!