Christmas Cards

Wax Resist Star

Taken from Greetings Cards by Sharon McSwiney, New Burlington Books.
These looked really effective, and were my favourites. We used a star design, which looked very good in yellow and red.

You will need:

• White wax crayon or candle
• Scissors
• Watercolour Paper
• Gouache paint (we just used acrylic, water based paints)
• Waterpot
• Paintbrush, size no. 7
• Palette (ie something to squeeze the paint onto)
• Cardboard (A5 - 14.85 x 21cm)

1. Draw out your design onto watercolour paper using a candle or white wax crayon. The wax can be seen if you tilt the paper into the light.
2. Take a brush loaded with paint and apply it to the paper. It is a good idea to limit the number of colours used to two or three as you can mix them on the paper to create additional shades.
3. Blend the paints together on the paper using a clean brush and water. Then leave it to dry for approximately 10-20 minutes.
4. Apply a strong glue to the back of the watercolour paper and stick it onto a longer contrasting piece of card.
5. Fold the card to complete.

Stencilled Star

These looked rather stylish. After looking at one batch, we decided to do another. Which meant we finished at 3:30am rather than 2 am.

You will need:

• Cardboard (manilla folders work well)
• Contrasting Paper (we used tissue paper and watercolour paper)
• Cardboard for the stencil
• Cutting knife
• Spray paint
• Pegs
• An old box

1. Cut the cardboard for the card to size (we used A5 = 14.85 x21 cm)
2. Trace the stencil design (clip art programs have good star images) on the other cardboard, and cut out using the cutting knife.
3. Rip or cut a piece of contrasting paper (slightly smaller than the card), and glue it to the card.
4. Cut one side out of the box, to use as a "spray booth".
5. Peg the stencil onto the card (if the card is uncovered at the edges, peg some paper there to cover it up)
6. Spray paint the stencil, remove, and leave to dry (about 5 minutes)

It's best to do a whole batch of these at at time (just make sure you don't get too much paint building up on the stencil. Make sure you use the spray paint in a well-ventilated area (ie outside)

Recycled Card

A good way to get some more life out of old Christmas cards or wrapping paper.

You will need:

• Cardboard for the new card
• Old Christmas cards or wrapping paper
• Contrasting paper
• Cutting knife
• Scissors
• Glue

1. Cut out the cardboard for the card (see the previous card for dimensions etc)
2. Sort throught the old cards/wrapping paper. Cut out any suitable designs with the cutting knife. If the card is small enough, rip the front off, trim the torn bit, and use it as it is.
3. Tear out a piece of contrasting paper (tissue paper works well), smaller than the card (it can be any shape you like)
4. If you like, loosely crumple the paper. Stick it onto the card. This step can be omitted.
5. Stick the design from the Christmas card or wrapping paper on top of the contrasting paper.

This is very easy. I might use it with my Brownies this Christmas. Plus, it helps the environment - you can make a whole card without having to buy any new materials!