Every year, Kayo and I usually make several of the presents we give away for Christmas. Some of my favorites that we’ve given away in the past were framed artworks and cotton shirts with our own designs printed on them. They’re fun to make and very special because they were made with one specific person in mind. They’re always much appreciated. This year, we’re doing the same thing and making some of our presents.
The last two weeks, I’ve been busy handcrafting my gifts to some of my girlfriends. I made blank card sets with my own rubber stamp designs on them. These were really fun to make and I must say they came out quite lovely.
I simply bought No 4 size envelopes in different colors. To make the cards, I cut up pieces of board paper (White, 200 GSM) in the size that fits best in the envelopes. Using one of my favorite craft tools – the rounded edge puncher (Available in Muji!) – I cut out the sharp corners of each card. This little detail really makes a lot of difference and takes it to a higher level of pretty! Now, the tedious part is the carving of rubber stamps. I’ve made several in the past so I used those but I also made new ones for more variety. If you’re interested in learning how to make your own rubber stamps, check out these links and sites for tutorials, as well as workshops you can join in Manila:
sjanecraft: Hand Carved Stamp Tutorial (video)
Mollie Makes Project: Make Your own Rubber Stamp
Life After Breakfast (workshops)
Hey Kessy (workshops)
I used different colored stamp pads and stamped on the front of each card. I played with different patterns and color combinations. Some I filled with design and others had a simpler look. My favorites were the ones using the gold and silver stamps. They look quite elegant! Finally, I got some jute string and baker’s twine and tied a set of six cards and envelopes together, then attached a tag on it. I decided not to wrap them anymore because they already looked really nice as is.
Last week, I came from a Christmas party and these were the gifts I gave my friends. I’m so happy because they liked them. Some of them even used it already! I’m still making a few to give away for Christmas but now that I’m thinking about it, this is actually a great gift idea for other occasions too!
If you haven’t finished shopping yet and you’re thinking of making some of your presents, try making these hand-stamped blank cards. You can make a lot in a day, they’re quite inexpensive and your loved ones will be pleased to know you handcrafted them yourself. Enjoy and have a very merry, crafty Christmas! 🙂
Check out the other projects in our 12 Crafts for Christmas:
No 12: Paper Crafts on Wreath
No 11: “Oh What Fun” Paper Mobile
No 10: DIY Advent Calendar
No 9: Christmas Themed Art Display
No 8: DIY Fabric Wrapped Christmas Balls
No 7: A Joyful, Joyful Pillowcase
No 6: Bottle Cap Photo Frame Ornaments
No 5: Five Cheap & easy Gift Wrapping Ideas
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