Our First Ever Holiday Cards

Thank you to Shutterfly & Tiny Prints for sponsoring this post and providing the exclusive affiliate links 

A couple years ago after we received a few holiday cards, Mau asked me if we were going to do them. At the time, I thought it was silly to pose with our dog for a holiday card, but now I wish we would have had a few years worth of photos before the baby. Actually, I wish I would have been doing holiday cards long ago, when I had my own tiny apartment in Philly and Benny was actually the size of a real Beagle. Isn’t it always like that? We look at photos of ourselves from yesterday and think about how our hair didn’t lay right, or our outfit wasn’t as flattering. But then, a few years later, all we think about is how happy and fabulous we looked. But,c’est la vie. At least we got started this year. Here are our first ever holiday cards.

Since this year was also our first ever photo shoot ( if you don’t count our wedding), it made sense to use our photos for this year’s card. I initially wanted more natural photos for our shoot. And we did get a few of those, which I loved. But then, I saw this one and it just was so obviously meant to be our card!

I used Shutterfly to make the cards because I loved the options that they offered. I chose this subtle but oh so cute embossed lettering in gold. And it didn’t disappoint when the cards arrived. I loved how the lettering created an actual dent, and the sheen of them. It’s such a simple, but pretty design.

One very important lesson I learned from a designer friend was to use envelope liners. Honestly, I didn’t really understand the value of them, until she pointed out how having them made the difference between a generic stock envelope and a custom looking one.

Aside from an additional design element and a customized look and feel, envelope liners also add a heaviness to the envelope, which to me makes the holiday card a more regal appearance. If there was such a thing as regal holiday cards. Liners cost a little extra, but the benefits outweighed the cost, for me.

It was quite a hassle to have Benny join our photo shoot, but I’m so glad we got to include him. It really wouldn’t have been the same without him.

For our wedding invites, I made each liner by hand and then used glue to adhere it to the envelopes. I saved a lot of money, but if I would have done it this time around, everyone would have got our very first Christmas card at Easter.

The liners came perfectly cut for the envelopes and with a simple adhesive strip. Such a breeze to put them into an envelope.

I also saved money by addressing the cards myself. Shutterfly and their partner Tiny Prints, both offer self-addressed envelopes, but I like the addition of the personal touch, especially since I didn’t add any personal message to our card for each recipient.

Plus, I came across this trick on Pinterest, and have been obsessed with practicing my fake calligraphy skills. If you get my card in the mail, let me know your thoughts 🙂

If you’re thinking it’s too late to make a holiday card this year, it’s not. Both, Shutterfly and Tiny Prints (40% + rush delivery) offer amazing deals on last minute cards, as well as expedited shipping. Kind of makes me wish I waited!

I was thinking about a way to save our card, without having to put it in a drawer, only to forget about it and eventually toss it. And then I saw that I can make it into an ornament. Isn’t it a great keepsake for years to come?

Tiny Prints is offering a 20% additional discount with code TINYPRINTS20, so jump on in on the holiday gift card train.

Happy Holidays,

Alina

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