Make your own Christmas cards for an alternative to store-bought cards that don't always reflect who you are. Whether you send Christmas cards for business or just to say hello to friends and family, you can create cards that look professional and that will be remembered.  Here are some ideas to get you started.

Photo Collage Cards
Show everyone how much your family has grown this year by making holiday cards featuring a collage of photos from the past year. 

Materials:

• Photo editing program
• Digital photos
• Printer
• White card stock, 8 ½ x 11 inches

Begin by finding 6 to 10 digital photos of your family. Arrange the photos into a collage using a photo-editing program. You can add borders or text, as well. The finished collage should be sized to fit on one half of a page, and can be arranged either vertically or horizontally. Print out as many copies as you need. Fold the card stock in half to make your cards; it can help to score the center of the card stock lightly with a craft knife before you fold, just be sure not to cut all the way through.

If you do not wish to make this card digitally, you can make it by hand with photo prints, scissors and a glue stick. You can then have color copies made at a copy center or print shop. Be sure to have the copies made on card stock or heavyweight paper, for that greeting card feel.

Kids' Art Cards
It's easy to turn your children's artwork into adorable holiday cards. Aunts, uncles and grandmothers will be thrilled to receive these cards. Try asking your child to draw a holiday scene or image, or use artwork you already have on hand.

Materials:

• Child’s artwork
• Scanner
• Printer
• White card stock, 8 ½ x 11 inches

Scan your child’s artwork, and adjust the size, if necessary, with a photo-editing program. To fit two cards on each sheet of card stock, the image should be sized to fit one quarter of the paper. Arrange the image on the paper in the orientation you desire, either horizontal or vertical. Print out as many copies as needed. Cut the sheets of card stock in half, and fold.

If you don't have a scanner, check with your local library. Many have scanners available that are free or inexpensive to use. Copy shops can also scan images and give them to you on a CD so that you can use them on your computer. The copy shop option can get expensive, so check with several copy shops on prices.

Stamped Cards
Rubber stamps are a great way to create professional-looking handmade cards, even if you can’t draw a straight line. Craft shops have hundreds of great holiday-themed rubber stamps in every style, from elegant to whimsical to retro. You’re sure to find something that suits your taste.

Materials:

• Card stock, 8 ½ x 11 inches
• Rubber stamps
• Ink pads
• Paper scraps
• Colored pencils, pens, etc.

Start by cutting the card stock in half, so that it measures 8 ½ x 5 ½ inches . Fold the card stock in half, so you have a blank card measuring 4 ¼ x 5 ½ inches. Use rubber stamps to print a design on the cards. If you wish, you can layer stamped paper scraps on your cards as well, to give your design added dimension. Use colored pencils or pens to add color. Repeat for as many cards as you need.