You’ve decided to make your own Christmas cards.
A bold, some might say heroic decision. Others might say, “Have you met December?”
But fear not. Whether you’re a crafting genius or someone who once glued their fingers together (we’ve all had that moment), this guide will help you create cards so good people will pretend they’re not going straight in the recycling on January 2nd.

Let’s begin.

1. Start With the Right Card

(Unless you enjoy floppy, sad cardboard disasters)

If your previous card-making experience involved flimsy printer paper and emotional distress, you’ll be thrilled to know proper cardstock exists.

For people who like their cards thick enough to double as lightweight body armour, start with heavyweight white card:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/white-crafting-card

Strong. Smooth. Respectable.
You’ll feel like you know what you’re doing.

Not into folding things neatly? Don’t worry. There is a solution for this.

Pre-scored white card blanks:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/pre-scored-white-card-blanks

Advantages include:

• No cracked, wobbly folds

• No bending your card repeatedly while whispering “just fold, please”

• No using spoons, rulers or the side of a shoe as a bone folder

Just fold-and-go. A Christmas miracle.

If your festive aesthetic is less traditional and more “stylish person who owns three black candles and a ceramic reindeer,” try these black 350gsm square pre-scored cards:
Black 350gsm Pre-Scored Square Card Blanks – 148mm × 148mm | Mankey Monkey

They’re dramatic in all the right ways.

2. Don’t Forget the Envelopes

(Unless you want to hand-deliver everything like a very slow festive courier)

Picture this: A beautifully handmade card… shoved into a random leftover envelope from 2018.

No.

Do things properly:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/products/envelopes

Brown kraft envelopes make everything look intentional, rustic and cosy. Even if you’re crafting in chaos.

3. Seven (Mostly) Foolproof DIY Christmas Card Ideas

Below are seven ideas that work on both flat cards and pre-scored cards. Whether you’re a crafting legend or someone who has to Google “how to cut in a straight line,” these will serve you well.

1. The Minimalist Tree

Take a white card. Draw a zig-zag Christmas tree. Put a star on top.
It’s simple, it’s chic, and it works.

Perfect with:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/pre-scored-white-card-blanks

2. Black Card + Metallic Pens = Designer Energy

Black card instantly looks like you shop in Scandinavian design stores.

Use with:
Black 350gsm Pre-Scored Square Card Blanks – 148mm × 148mm | Mankey Monkey

Add gold or silver pen details and watch your friends assume you spent hours on it.

3. Layered Paper Gift Boxes

Cut small squares or rectangles of patterned paper and stack them like gifts.
Tie a ribbon around the top.

Great with:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/white-crafting-card

It’s cheerful, colourful and hides any drawing skills you don’t have.

4. The Festive Scribble

Give a child a card and a pen. Let them draw whatever they want.
Call it modern abstract seasonal art.
Grandparents will melt.

Use with:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/pre-scored-white-card-blanks

5. Nordic Snowfall

Use black card as a base and add tiny white dots for snow.
Then write a greeting like “God Jul” and pretend you’ve been Scandinavian all along.

Use:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/pre-scored-white-card-blanks/black-350gsm-pre-scored-square-card-blanks-148-148-mm-heavyweight-craft-cards

6. Mini Wreath Card

Create a tiny wreath from paper, twine or foliage (ideally not stolen from a neighbour’s garden).
Glue it to the centre of a heavyweight white card.

Use:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/white-crafting-card

Instant charm.

7. Place Cards as Miniature Christmas Cards

These little heroes are perfect for gift messages, tiny cards or last-minute emergencies.

Two great options:

Black 450gsm place cards:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/place-name-and-save-the-date-cards/450gsm-black-place-cards-90mm-x-100mm-pack-of-50

Plantable seeded place cards:
https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/place-name-and-save-the-date-cards/large-plantable-seeded-place-name-cards-90mm-x-100mm

Cute, small and surprisingly classy.

Pro Crafting Tips That Will Save Your Sanity

• Avoid using loose glitter on carpet unless you want to vacuum until spring.

• Always test pens on scrap card before committing to your masterpiece.

• Do not craft while hungry. Glue dots should never be mistaken for sweets.

• Use kraft envelopes for a polished finish:
  https://mankeymonkey.co.uk/products/envelopes

Final Thought

Your cards don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be yours.

Anyone can buy a supermarket multipack with a cartoon penguin.
But you’re creating something with actual charm, character and personality.
And even if your first attempt looks a bit questionable, you can always give that one to someone who annoyed you this year.