Christmas Cards and Garlands (a DIY post)

The Christmas season is truly one of my favorite times of the year. I love the twinkling lights, the nippy air, the beautiful songs, and the lovely decorations.  I love the focus on helping others, making memories and keeping in touch with loved ones.  Since Adam and I got married 3 years ago, I have wanted to send out Christmas cards to help us stay connected with our family and friends, but because of work, traveling for the holidays, and other commitments throughout the season, it has never happened.  Each year I would think to myself, "Next year, we will take beautiful photos, and I will mail out Christmas cards".   I have always loved receiving Christmas cards; seeing friends' children grow up, and hearing about the adventures that loved ones have had during the past year.  It always makes me feel connected to my past. This year, I finally did it!  We used Tiny Prints to make our Christmas cards to send out to our family and friends; and as a cute and personal touch, I decided to put a little Christmas garland in with them.  This would be a fantastic project to do with little kids.  Even though I just did it on my own,  I hope our nieces and nephews feel a glow of Christmas Spirit as they pull these mini-garlands out of the envelopes and hang them up in their houses!

Christmas Garlands
Materials Needed:
Scissors
Glue or Glue Gun
Coordinating Christmas paper
String
Glitter (optional)

1.  Design your pattern (you could trace cookie cutters, if you have them), and cut out a pattern for each shape.  I made a candy cane, a mitten, a Christmas ornament, and a Christmas tree.

2.  Trace your pattern onto your Christmas paper (I would trace it on the back of the paper so you don't end up with pencil lines on your cute paper).  Cut out the Christmas Paper.

3.  Cut your string to fit your garland
4.  Hot glue or tape the string to the back of each cut out.

5.  Stuff your envelope with garland, confetti/glitter, and a Christmas Card!

Merry Christmas!