Make a colorful DIY holiday card using paper, markers, stickers, and simple folds. Design, decorate, and write a warm message to share.



Step-by-step guide to make a DIY holiday card
Step 1
Gather all your materials on a clean table so everything is ready to use.
Step 2
Fold one sheet of paper in half carefully to make the card base.
Step 3
Pick a holiday theme for your card like snowy night reindeer or cozy fireplace.
Step 4
Lightly sketch the main picture on the front of the card with your pencil.
Step 5
Color your pencil drawing using markers or other coloring materials.
Step 6
Cut small shapes from extra paper to make layered decorations using scissors.
Step 7
Glue the paper shapes onto the front of the card where you want them.
Step 8
Add stickers to the front and inside to decorate and make it sparkle.
Step 9
Write a warm holiday message inside the card with a pen or marker.
Step 10
Let any glue and ink dry completely before closing the card.
Step 11
Share your finished holiday card on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!


Help!?
What can I use instead of markers, extra paper, or glue if I can't find them?
If you don't have markers or extra paper, color the pencil sketch in step 5 with crayons or colored pencils and make layered decorations for step 6 by cutting shapes from old greeting cards or cereal boxes, attaching them with a glue stick or double-sided tape.
Why does my card wrinkle or the ink smudge and how can I fix it?
To prevent wrinkling or smudging, use only a thin layer of glue and press glued shapes flat under a heavy book while drying after step 6, and let marker or pen ink dry completely before closing the card in step 9.
How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?
For younger kids, pre-fold the card base in step 2 and give large pre-cut shapes and stickers for steps 6–7, while older kids can add a detailed pencil sketch in step 4, intricate layered cuts in step 5, or pop-up features when gluing in step 6.
How can we enhance or personalize the card before sharing on DIY.org?
Make the card extra special by adding a pop-up element or glued cotton snow to the front in step 6, metallic or glitter stickers in step 7, or a small photo inside before writing your holiday message in step 8 and sharing in step 10.
Watch videos on how to make a DIY holiday card
Facts about paper crafts for kids
✂️ Traditional origami uses only folds (no glue or scissors), turning one square of paper into amazing shapes.
✉️ Americans buy about 6.5 billion greeting cards every year — that’s a lot of heartfelt messages!
🎨 Bright, warm colors like red and yellow are often used in holiday cards because they feel cheerful and energetic.
💌 Many people keep special handwritten cards for years as treasured keepsakes and memories.
🎄 The first commercial Christmas card was created in England in 1843 by artist John Calcott Horsley.


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