Stamped with Love: My Handmade Holiday Tradition

Throughout the year my crafting table is strewn with paper, ink pads, rubber stamps, ribbons and accessories of all kinds, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Handmade holiday cards have become one of my most cherished creative outlets. It’s a tradition rooted in family, fueled by friendship, and kept alive by a desire to bring a little joy into mailboxes near and far.

A Creative Legacy

Creativity runs deep in my family. My mémé was a gifted seamstress and cake maker, and my mom hand-sewed our Halloween costumes when we were little. My brother followed in those footsteps, crafting elaborate costumes for himself and his wife in the early years of their marriage.

Me? I missed the sewing gene entirely. My baking is okay, but nowhere near mémé-level. Where I truly found my creative stride is in making handmade cards—especially for the holidays.

The Spark That Started It All

Years ago, I attended a stamping party at a friend’s house—remember those? The company sold rubber stamps, ink pads, accessories, and even idea books. The sales rep gave a full demo, showing us how to create beautiful cards step by step. I was instantly hooked. That night, I bought a few stamps… and then more at future parties. A new hobby had begun.

Creative Retreats and Card-Making Bliss

My friend Renee’s dad owned a cozy bed and breakfast in Vermont, where they hosted weekend scrapbooking getaways. I dabbled in scrapbooking, but I felt more at home with card-making. Those weekends away were a dream—time with like-minded crafters, surrounded by paper, laughter, and inspiration.

Back then I made all sorts of cards: birthday, baby, wedding, thank-you, and Christmas. But as life changed—kids grew up, big parties faded, weddings happened—I gradually narrowed my focus to what I loved most: holiday cards.

My Creative Process

When I sit down to make cards, I usually start with an idea book or a design I find

online. I look for layouts that suit the size of my stamps, then adapt them using my paper and supplies. I don’t like making a dozen identical cards—it starts to feel like a factory line. Instead, I’ll make one or two that are similar, changing up the paper, colors, or embellishments to keep things fun. I make cards with specific people in mind: loved ones from our wedding list, my employees, and U.S. military service members overseas during the holidays. Each one gets a card that fits them—whimsical for families with kids, romantic for someone sentimental, and neutral or inclusive designs for those I don’t know as well. The military cards are always Holiday-themed, out of respect for different faiths and beliefs. I want them to feel appreciated—not alienated.

A Year-Round Labor of Love

I send out around 100 handmade cards each year, so I create them throughout the year. Rainy summer afternoons and snowy winter days are perfect for crafting. It never feels like a chore—it’s something that grounds me, even comforts me. In the winter I find it especially fun to craft while drinking hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music.

Supplies for Fellow Crafters

If you’re interested in jumping in, you can find supplies at:

• Michaels
• Stampin’ Up!
• Amazon
• Local crafting shops

Just recently, I discovered a stash of vellum sheets I’d forgotten about and used them to create a new batch of cards. Even after all these years, forgotten materials still spark something new.

A Little Bit of Me in Every Fold

These cards are more than just ink and cardstock. They’re a way to stay connected, to slow down, and to send a little love—one envelope at a time.