Early Crafty Holiday Shopping with Altenew

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about spreading some festive cheer through handmade cards and gifts.

If you haven’t started your crafty holiday shopping yet, this blog is for you! Let us help you make the holidays extra special with our amazing products, seasonal crafty sales, and creative card making ideas. So get comfy, put on your favorite holiday tunes, and let's get started!

Why Early Crafty Holiday Shopping?

You might be wondering why we're all for early crafty holiday shopping. Well, here's the thing – when it comes to cardmaking and gift-giving, time is of the essence.

By starting early, you'll have more time to experiment with different techniques, play around with various designs, and truly enjoy the process without feeling rushed.

Plus, it's always a good idea to beat the holiday rush and ensure your loved ones receive their handmade gifts on time. They'll appreciate the thought and effort you put into each creation.

Spend more time crafting and less time shopping with our Crafty Holiday Shopping Guide!

5 Basic Paper Crafting Must-Haves to Kickstart Your Crafty Holiday Shopping

To help get you started on your holiday shopping, here are some of our top recommendations:

 

1. Let's talk about our stamps – they are the heart and soul of Altenew!

We pride ourselves on creating unique and innovative designs that will make your handmade projects stand out. From gorgeous floral arrangements to cool shapes to cute critters and everything in between, our stamps are perfect for creating eye-catching holiday cards.

And the best part? They are made from high-quality photopolymer, which means crisp and clear stamped images every single time. Take your card a step further and get our coordinating stamps and dies for that extra “wow” factor! 

Here’s a fun DIY Christmas card idea from Jaycee.

 

2. Now, let's move on to Altenew dies. These little wonders are like magic in your hands! With just a few die-cuts, you can transform a simple piece of paper into a stunning work of art. Our dies are made from durable steel and are compatible with most die-cutting machines out there. 

 

3. Oh, and did we mention our pigment and dye inks? They are the icing on the cake!

We offer a wide range of vibrant and fade-resistant ink colors that will bring your stamped images to life. Whether you prefer bold and bright or soft and subtle, we've got something for everyone.

Plus, Altenew inks are water-based and easy to blend, making them perfect for creating beautiful backgrounds and gradients.

Find out how to Get Ready for Christmas Card Day (7 Tips for Creating Cards in Bulk!)

 

4. Your holiday shopping list isn’t complete without paper and cardstock! From basic white cardstock and gradient cardstock paper to fancy glitter cardstock and watercolor paper - we’ve got all the paper you need to whip up those holiday cards. 

Need something fun, colorful, and sparkly? Try the Sparkle & Dazzle Glitter Gradient Cardstock Bundle. Looking for just the right amount of metallic shine? The Brushed Gold Metallic Cardstock is just what you’re looking for. And don’t forget to grab some color-coordinated envelopes - where else would you put your lovely handmade Christmas cards? 

 

5. Never underestimate the power of paper crafting tools! Your crafty tools can make or break you. For instance, imagine running out of foam tape when you still have 20 Christmas cards to make or trying to create a beautiful holiday wreath without the convenience of a stamping platform a.k.a. The Stampwheel *wink wink*.

Holiday Cardmaking Tips and Ideas

Now that you know why early crafty holiday shopping is a must and how we can help you in your creative journey, let's dive into some cardmaking tips and ideas that will make your handmade cards truly unforgettable.

 

1. Embrace the Festive Colors: When it comes to holiday cards, traditional colors like red, green, gold, and silver never go out of style. Don't be afraid to incorporate these colors into your designs. But, of course, there’s nothing wrong with going for non-traditional holiday colors and images too.

You can use our fresh dye inks to create beautiful holiday backgrounds or stamp holiday images and sentiments using our versatile stamps.

 

2. Mix and Match: Who says you have to stick to just one design or style? Mix and match different stamps, dies, and stencils to create unique and personalized holiday cards. For example, you can combine our floral stamps with some geometric dies for a touch of elegance or add some shine with our hot foil plates.

Learn more tips and tricks in our Last Minute Holiday Cards Online Cardmaking Class

 

 

3. Get Crafty with Dimension: Add some oomph to your cards by incorporating dimension. You can use foam tape for added layers and embossing folders for layers + texture, or try heat embossing for a raised effect. Don't forget to finish off your creations with some sequins or gems for that extra bling!

 

4. Personalize It: Nothing says "I care" more than a personalized card. Consider adding names or initials using our alphabet stamps and dies. You can also include a heartfelt holiday card message inside each card to make it extra special.

 

5. Don't Forget the Envelopes: The envelope is like the cherry on top of your handmade card sundae! Consider decorating it with stamps or stencils to create a cohesive look. You can also use our envelope liners to add an extra pop of color.

Time to Start Your Crafty Holiday Shopping! 

We hope this blog post has inspired you to start creating beautiful handmade cards and DIY gifts for your loved ones. Remember, the holiday season is all about spreading joy and love, and what better way to do that than through heartfelt creations made with your own two hands?

Don’t forget to join us In the Craft Room and read up on 11 Simple DIY Holiday Card Ideas to Impress Your Loved Ones, DIY Christmas Card Ideas, Quick and Easy Christmas Cards, and more! 

FREE E-BOOK: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STAMPS FOR PAPER CRAFTING