How to Make Ribbon Edge Christmas Cards

Read through the tutorial before starting.

Step 1: Select Colors

The sample card uses the traditional Christmas colors of red and green with accents in black, yellow and brown. Select a ribbon, markers and stamp pads to render the color theme.

Tip: Use whatever color scheme you like. Base the color selections on your card's theme, the ribbon color or the rubber stamp images.  Keep the number of colors to just a handful.

Step 2: Cut Edge

Unfold the card blank. Draw a light pencil line ½" in from the  bottom edge. Cut along the traced line with the decorative edge scissors. Carefully align the scissor's pattern as you cut. Erase any remaining pencil marks.

Step 3: Make Background Stamp

Make a rectangular stamp, for stamping backgrounds, from a white plastic eraser. At the end of the eraser, use your pencil to draw a rectangle that is approximately 5/8" by ¾". Cut out the rectangular stamp using your craft knife.

Tip: Craft stores and school supply outlets sell carving blocks for making stamps. The blocks are easier to cut than an eraser and with basic carving tools you can make rubber stamps of your own design.

Step 4: Plan Card

Before stamping the card make samples of the design on scrap paper. With the rectangle background stamp, create a red and green checkerboard that is 2 by 9 blocks. Stamp "Merry Christmas" in black ink on the blocks. See if the checkerboard fits on the card and the letters are readable. Make adjustments as needed—overlap or spread out the blocks and adjust the lightness of the checkerboard blocks.

Tip: For lighter background blocks, make the stamp's first impression on scrap paper then stamp three more impressions on the card before re-inking the stamp.

Step 5: Stamp Background

Draw light pencil lines as a guide for stamping the checkerboard. Draw one line ¼" from the cut decorative edge and the second line about 1½" (2 times background stamp height) from the first line.

Stamp a checkerboard pattern of alternating red and green blocks. After the ink is dry, erase any visible pencil lines.

Step 6: Stamp Images and Letters

Stamp "Merry Christmas" on the checkerboard design in black ink. Above the checkerboard stamp your Christmas images.

Tip: Stamp Christmas images that are right or left facing with the face towards the card's center.

Step 7: Color

Use the markers to color the stamped images and draw accent lines. The sample card has thick red lines on the top and bottom of the checkerboard and near the top of the card. Narrow black lines are above and below the stamped images.

Step 8: Glue Ribbon

Cut a 6" length of ½" to ¾" wide red ribbon. Open the card flat to reveal the inside. Glue the ribbon near the bottom of the card's inside, leaving a small white margin at the bottom.

Use scissors to trim excess ribbon from the sides.

That's it! Your card is complete!

You can easily make several identical cards by setting up a production line for yourself or for you and a helper or two. To do this, take 6 or so cards through each step together.