Who is sending holiday cards this year? It’s a tradition I have loved ever since I got married and if you share that tradition then let’s make personalized holiday cards today!
TIP #1: Start now and you’ll have more time for gift making later!
I’m working with Minted to create this year’s holiday card. Minted is a design marketplace of independent artists from around the globe and they offer a bazillion design options! It feels great knowing I’m supporting the independent artist community.
Let’s start:
Step One: Sign in to minted.com to create an account. You’ll want an account to save all your options and keep your uploaded photos for easy access. Once signed in then select the category for your card – I’ve selected Holiday: Christmas Cards.
Step Two: Set filters to help narrow down your choices: pick your number of photos, orientation, text placement, format and printing type. It can be overwhelming sifting through so many options so I definitely recommend setting the filters to help you find a card design that will work for you. Foil pressed cards were a huge trend last year and they are still hot this season. Minted offers foil pressed cards in gold, silver and rose gold! If you want foil pressed be sure to select it here in the printing type.
Step Three: Once you have selected a card design you love click on the ‘personalize’ button to upload your own photo. I recommend uploading multiple photos here so you have options to use if your first photo isn’t the best fit or style for that card design. You can crop and edit the photo then hit save.
TIP #2: Take tons of photos (if you plan to include photos). Go back through your photos from the year and select a few good ones. They don’t have to be professionally staged photos, candid photos are sometimes a better representation of your family.
Step Four: Move the text (if movable) and customize to your liking. Most card styles offer multiple text color options (left column) as well as fonts. Click on the text to edit font and size. This is also a good time to select the shape (right column).
Step Five: Preview! Once all your edits are done click preview to get a good idea of what your final card front will look like. You can go back and edit or hit save to be sure you don’t loose your hard work thus far.
TIP #3: Save as you go! After each step save your work, either replacing the existing card design or as a new design. This gives you the option to go back and use what you already started if one portion of the card ends up working the best.
Step Six: Back layout. Of course you can leave the background white or make use of that space for a color, pattern, photos and text! Minted offers a variety of backer options that allow you to add additional photos and text. Choose your background and layout if you desire then edit.
Step Seven: Envelopes and the icing on the cake! This just might be the number one reason why you should order your holiday cards now: all Minted holiday cards are available with matching envelope designs and recipient addressing FREE for a limited time! I absolutely love a matching envelope and the printed addresses save me tons of time. You do have to upload all of your recipients but it’s easy and fast and worth it.
There are lots of options for the envelope styles how can you resist!
Step Eight: Add to cart. Once you’ve done all the edits and entered any special requests select express service (no proof) or full service proofing if you prefer a digital proof. You can edit the quantity and shop for other items before continuing the checkout process.
Minted offers so much more than just holiday cards so while you’re there why not check off a few holiday gifts for friends and family? Beautiful personalized gifts, artwork and decor with so many options for color and styles you’re bound to find something for everyone!
Now go get started on your holiday cards so you can enjoy the season!
Disclaimer: I have received compensation and/or product from Minted for this blog post however all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am sharing my own holiday card process with you (these are not my actual holiday cards because I like to keep that a surprise!) in the hopes you might want to do the same.
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