The 2010 Esplin Christmas Card

39 Comments

I just got back the Christmas cards I ordered through Tiny Prints, and they turned out beautifully. I just love the thick paper & matte printing. It feels so smooth to the touch! I don’t much care for glossy printing, because it feels like nails on a chalkboard in my personal opinion. I’m a big texture snob. I know. Like I mentioned before, it was really nice not to have to think about the design of the Christmas card. However, I did want to personalize my card a bit. Here’s what I did:

First, I upgraded my Tiny Prints order to send me silver envelopes. Silver envelopes are much more fun to send than white ones. Second, I hand-addressed each envelope using my fancy pants calligraphy. In order to not confuse any postal workers, I made sure the address part was very clearly written in all caps.

Third, I designed a little blurb including some random tidbits about our family over the last year. I printed them on Avery repositionable shipping labels (courtesy of Avery) & stuck them to the back of each card. I made this fairly simple since I didn’t want to spend a whole lot of time designing the thing, but looking back, I sorta wish I had included a decorative border in the design. Meh. I’m over it.

All addresses pictured are fake, btw.

Fourth, Instead of licking or using a damp cloth to seal each envelope, I designed a little flourish and printed it on Avery clear address labels (courtesy of Avery). I was very much inspired by the decorative packing tape offered at Tapeswell (isn’t it pretty?). I could’ve ordered a roll (or twelve) of their tape, but I already had the clear labels on hand so I went that direction instead.

What do you think? I feel pretty excited to send these Holiday greetings off to friends & family. While someone out there might possibly be sending a card with the same design, I feel like it’s totally different because of these little details. Would you use address labels to seal your envelopes? Click on the button below to download the artwork!

If you’re struggling with getting it all to line up, click here for just the swirl.

This printable is free for personal use and should not be distributed without my consent. If you would like to this for commercial purposes, please email me. Thanks!

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    1. Danyelle says:

      I really love your cards, Melissa. Your calligraphy is beautiful and I love the personal touch you added to the back. So pretty.

    2. Madeline says:

      Oh Melissa, they turned out great! I am just a wee bit jealous. Your touches really do add something special.

    3. Justine says:

      wow, these are just so cute :) love the personalization!

    4. Heather says:

      love it all. wish i had been so inspired………time snuck up on me. i am just glad i got them done and mailed. next year i will try harder. well done lady.

    5. love the idea for the clear sticker on the back. and as usual, i love your calligraphy.

    6. Shaela says:

      LOVE these!! I wish I knew about these in time to send them off myself this year, haha. Oh well – there’s always next year! :)

    7. Becky says:

      These are amazing, Melissa! I can’t wait until my boyfriend and I have a more permanent residence so we can send legitimate Christmas cards!

    8. Bellesme says:

      Oh my gosh… that tape is just so cool… I swear you are the coolest and most creative person ever, its like your inner goodness and beauty is just pouring all over this card. I love it.. I actually really wish I was getting one… that would be nice. *sigh* =D Is that weird? Sorry, but thats how much I love it..
      I figured those addresses were fake, lol it would be funny to see someone be like “hah! I know where she lives” and then ring the doorbell on some random guys house.. hehhehe
      I LOVED “pooing in the bathtub” xD I cracked up… does she really do that? That must be… nice to clean =P
      Have a nice Christmas!
      Bellesme

    9. Heidi says:

      Your card is so fun and your calligraphy is beautiful!

    10. conundrum says:

      So precious, I’m always overwhelmed by sending out holiday cards this really provided some quick tips. Thanks for the post.

    11. I love the blurbs! So simple! I wish my mind worked that way. It’s too late for this year, but I’m definitely stealing that for next year.

    12. Julia says:

      Darling! I’ve gotta get myself on your mailing list. :)

    13. They turned out so cute Melissa!!

      Hey, I know you are super busy, but wanted to invite you to a cookie exchange at my house this coming Tuesday at 11. Email me if you might want to come :)

      xoxo
      Jen

      jennifer@tatertotsandjello.com

    14. Gloria says:

      i love all the sweet touches – what lucky friends and family you have!

    15. marissa says:

      1. I am SO glad you picked that picture – it was definitely my favourite!
      2. Your holiday cards turned out so awesome!
      3. THANK YOU for the super cool idea about the little person blurbs. I was just thinking about how to do the family update in a more interesting way this year and I am stealing your idea.
      4. The swirls are so pretty!
      5. Last but not least, I think you’re awesome, but you already knew that. :^)

    16. Stephanie says:

      I too love the personal blurbs. I am including a recipe card in mine this year, but this is pretty cool and could be added to traditional cards as well. I am not a big fan of the family letter, but this I think would be awesome.

    17. Laura says:

      Wow, love these cards. It’s been said already, but I like how there are so many personal touches.

      The blurbs were a great idea – they fill people in without you having to compose a big ‘update’ letter.

      The calligraphy provides a nice common style throughout the pieces as well.

      Beautiful job!

    18. Emily says:

      These are very cute. I am designing my save the dates and wedding invitations myself and I know you had the cards printed at tinyprints but what type of printer do you use at home? I need a new one and was hoping for some recommendations in regard to printing graphic design. Thanks!

    19. i LOVE how these turned out! simple yet still classy. you did a great job!

    20. Those little personal touches are so brilliant! Wish I had seen your post before I sent out my Tiny Prints cards this week. Those swirls are cute. And I agree – just say no to glossy paper.

    21. […] these Christmas cards and realizing that I better get busy getting ours […]

    22. Amanda says:

      Looks pretty cute. Yea for DIY!

    23. Kirsten says:

      Which address label did you use. (8660,etc) for the swirls?

    24. Tammy Fite says:

      Wow!! These are great!! I’m making my cards, but I might have to use your idea on the back! Short and sweet!

    25. What am I doing wrong? I print them on my clear 8660 labels and they are not lining up right? Do I need to resize it?

    26. Melissa says:

      Tera,

      Sometimes your print dialogue box will have the option to “fit to media” make sure that option is not selected & the artwork is printing at a scale of 100%. Hope that helps. Email me if you have any more problems. I’m here to help!

    27. Diane M says:

      Thank you so much for sharing such a fabulous idea!

    28. Nicole L says:

      These are tooo cute! what is the name of the font you used for “chris, melissa pen”

    29. Christina says:

      I LOVE the design you have for the clear labels to seal the envelopes, but I wanted to use the smaller ones. (Template 5195) Do you by chance have the squiggles on that template, or is it easy enough to put them on there? I really want to use it but I have no idea how to do something like that. Let me know–thank you!!

    30. Mandi says:

      Hi. I tried printing the swirls on the Avery 18660 labels and they are not lining up right. I even unclicked the “fit to media” box and still not right. Help! I’ve wasted 3 sheets of labels so far :(

    31. angie says:

      love the ideas

    32. Amy says:

      Asking for permission to use the design with the clear labels for wedding invitations! It’s so pretty! Or even wondering if you other designs like that? Thanks!

    33. […] Found on Pinterest via Melissa Esplin […]

    34. hannah says:

      love it! what font did you use for “chris,” “melissa,” and “pen”?

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