The aim of this project is to paint your own Christmas cards to send out.
Image: © Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc.
There's nothing like receiving a Christmas card in the post to make you feel specialm even more so when it's one handmade by a friend featuring their art. It just adds so much more to the meaning of the card. So the challenge of this project is to paint your own Christmas cards.
The first thing to decide is what paper or board you're going to make your use for your cards. If it's a thickish card, it need be folded in half only, but if it's a sheet of paper it's probably best to fold it twice to ensure it stands up as shown in the photo. (Read full instructions.)
Next you need to decide what you're going to put on the front. If you've got lots of time, or only plan to send out a few cards, then you can paint individual cards, each unique. If you're a bit pressed for time, you might consider a simpler composition, with fewer elements in it. Wax resist is a technique that lends itself to quickly making some cards, and a great option for kids (as is stencilling).
Another alternative would be to opt for a small format, say artist's trading card size. Of course, you could also scan in one of your paintings, or take a digital photo of it, and print the cards. (For further ideas, see Techniques for Making Christmas Cards.)
Don't forget that you'll need envelopes for your cards, so either ensure that your card will fit into a standard envelope that you can buy or make your own. If you're giving out your cards with presents, why not include a frame that the card could be put in for permanent display?
Project Deadline: If you complete this project, you're invited to submit a photo for the project gallery. Paintings will be considered for inclusion in the project gallery if submitted between 1 and 20 December only.
The first thing to decide is what paper or board you're going to make your use for your cards. If it's a thickish card, it need be folded in half only, but if it's a sheet of paper it's probably best to fold it twice to ensure it stands up as shown in the photo. (Read full instructions.)
Next you need to decide what you're going to put on the front. If you've got lots of time, or only plan to send out a few cards, then you can paint individual cards, each unique. If you're a bit pressed for time, you might consider a simpler composition, with fewer elements in it. Wax resist is a technique that lends itself to quickly making some cards, and a great option for kids (as is stencilling).
Another alternative would be to opt for a small format, say artist's trading card size. Of course, you could also scan in one of your paintings, or take a digital photo of it, and print the cards. (For further ideas, see Techniques for Making Christmas Cards.)
Don't forget that you'll need envelopes for your cards, so either ensure that your card will fit into a standard envelope that you can buy or make your own. If you're giving out your cards with presents, why not include a frame that the card could be put in for permanent display?
Project Deadline: If you complete this project, you're invited to submit a photo for the project gallery. Paintings will be considered for inclusion in the project gallery if submitted between 1 and 20 December only.
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