Last December, my mailbox was literally overflowing with picture postcards; the ones depicting friends and family in the familiar holiday poses. They were printed on a sheet of Kodak paper and they fit perfectly into a standard 4" x 9" envelope. To me, this seemed like the perfect solution for the holiday card, because you can include not only a warm sentiment, but also a holiday or recent photo. It would also eliminate the cost of the expensive cards that are sold this time of year.

So, I went to the local drug store to have ours done. First, I was shocked at the cost! Not only was it pricey, but the graphics you were forced to choose from were plain and nondescript, and not at all "warm and fuzzy" as I would have liked. Plus, the turnover time was tremendous. I didn't have two weeks to wait for my cards to be printed! So, being the scrapbooker that I am, I came home and put together my own drugstore Christmas cards and saved a bundle! Here is how I did it.

 

First, open a blank file that is 8.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches high. This will serve as the base of your Christmas postcard. (You can reverse this if you like; making the card taller rather than wide. Do whatever suits your photo best.)

 

Next, open the photo you would like showcased in your card. Move it to your postcard file and resize it as necessary. (Be sure to hold down that Shift key while you are resizing your photo so that it stays in proportion!)

 

Using the graphics of your choice, design a basic postcard. For this example, I used my own Secret Santa Collection and Corner Fold Embellishment Templates and Keri Schueller's Christmas Whimsy Collection Mini. Be prepared to resize your elements by about 50% since you are using items designed for a 12"x12" scrapbook page.

 

Add text. In this example I used Amanda McGee's Friendly Font and Sketchy Solid Font.

 

When you are happy with your results, save the postcard as a PNG file.

 

Now we can assemble the cards. Open a blank 8.5"x11" file with a white background. Open your PNG file. Then drag the postcard over to the blank file.

 

Duplicate your postcard twice and center them nicely on your page.

 

Flatten your image. Then go to "Print Preview." Be sure to click the box that says "Scale to Fit Media." This will give your images a white border on all sides.

 

Print them on photo paper, and then cut them in thirds. And you have the perfect picture postcards for the holiday! Print as many or as few as you need. With three to a sheet, you can do 75 cards with a standard package of photo paper (25-sheets). With your own personal touch, they will be the most unique card your friends and family will receive this year!

	Note: Commercial license versions of ScrapSimple Embellishment Templates: Corner Folds, AMC_Friendly Font and AMC_Sketchy Solid Font are also available.

Tutorial and project by Theresa Kavouras