The holiday season is one of my favorite times to create and share handmade cards! But when it comes time to send them, extra layers, raised embellishments, and thick bows can make mailing a challenge. In this post, I’m sharing three easy to mail Christmas cards—each one beautifully layered, festive, and flat enough to send without extra postage.
Card One: Festive Penguin from Gina K Designs
For my first design, I used the Festive Penguin Stamp Set from Gina K Designs. This playful penguin makes an adorable holiday card. It’s ideal for creating easy to mail Christmas cards that stay flat and cheerful.
I began with an A2 card base (8½″ × 5½″, scored at 4¼″). The background is a 4″ × 5¼″ piece of patterned paper from Winter Wonderland by Carta Bella.
Next, I die-cut a blue matte and a white layer using Spellbinders Nested Postage Edge Dies. I stamped the penguin and greeting on the white layer. Then I colored the penguin with my Ohuhu markers. A few softly stamped snowflakes finished the background and added a wintry feel.
Inside, I added a white layer with a ⅜″ × 5¼″ strip of matching patterned paper. I stamped several small snowflakes for a coordinated touch. This kept the card clean, simple, and flat—perfect for easy mailing.
At first, I added a few gems for sparkle. Later, I removed them to keep the card flatter. I realized it looked just as cute without them—and much easier to mail!
Card Two: Bottle Brush Trees with Gingham Charm
For my second card, I used a pine green A2 card base. The background features kraft-colored gingham patterned paper for a cozy look. I added a ¾″ strip of pine gingham paper across the lower third of the card. This simple band grounded the design and added contrast. Both of these papers are from Ginghams Patterned Collection by Scrapbook.com.
Next, I die-cut six large trees using Simon Says Stamp’s Intricate Bottle Brush Trees Dies. I doubled each tree for added stability. Then I spaced them evenly along the gingham strip. The soft pine tones created a calm and classic holiday feel.
For the sentiment, I used Spellbinders’ Stay Snuggly Stamp Set. I stamped a warm greeting and cut it out with the matching die. It adds charm without bulk—perfect for easy to mail Christmas cards.
Inside, I added a cream-colored layer to finish the design. Along the bottom, I placed a matching strip of pine gingham paper. One small die-cut tree ties the inside to the front beautifully.
Card Three: Holiday Magic with Rub-On Transfers
For my third design, I used a kraft card base with red gingham patterned paper. The paper is from the Ginghams Patterned Collection by Scrapbook.com. I love the cozy, country feel of red gingham for holiday cards.
I reached for my Spellbinders Nested Postage Edge Dies again. They are perfect for creating a quick focal point. This time, I tried something different—I used rub-ons instead of stamps. It has been years since I last used them!
I fell in love with Spellbinders’ Holiday Magic Rub-On Transfers. There are so many charming images to choose from. For this card, I used the little penguin and a rub-on greeting. The transfers went on smoothly and gave a crisp, professional finish.
Inside, I added a matching strip of red gingham patterned paper along the bottom. Then I placed a miniature penguin rub-on to tie everything together. The result is sweet, flat, and another perfect example of an easy to mail Christmas card.
Wrapping Up: Three Easy to Mail Christmas Cards
Creating easy to mail Christmas cards doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice creativity or personality. With a few thoughtful design choices—like flat layers, rub-ons, and smart die-cuts—you can make beautiful cards that travel well and bring joy to everyone who receives them. Whether you love coloring adorable penguins, layering gingham papers, or trying rub-on transfers, these simple ideas show that less can truly be more.
If you’d like to see these projects step-by-step, watch my full video tutorial below. You’ll find helpful tips, cutting dimensions, and design tricks to make your holiday card-making faster, flatter, and more fun.
Supplies
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means if you shop through them, I may receive a small commission — at absolutely no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use and love. Your support helps keep Simply Kards By Kathi creating and inspiring! Thank you! View my disclosure page. Products listed below with an * are not affiliate links, but there for your convenience.
- Intricate Bottle Brush Trees Dies (Simon Says Stamps) *
- Stay Snuggily Stamp Set (Spellbinders)*
- Stay Snuggily Dies (Spellbinders)*
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