The Lost Art of the Handmade Card

Graphic by Téa Sklar

With the holiday season upon us, as I’ve found myself elbow deep in Amazon wishlists and calculating the earliest shipping, I’m acutely reminded how expensive loving people can be. Every year I swear I’ll start shopping earlier, spend less, plan better- and every year I end up panic-scrolling gift ideas on pinterest like it's an olympic event. 

I’ve always had a soft spot for handmade, thoughtful gifts. When we were little, the only thing expected of us for holidays was love! Pure! Simple! No wrapping paper!. We showed up with hugs, bad drawings for the fridge and everyone acted like they were the crown jewels. But now, if I show up to an event with free hugs and smiles, it's not enough. Suddenly I’m “unprepared,”” “ungrateful,” and “too old.” 

I was the kid that used to give my own parents photos of me smiling, glued and glittered to a plastic ornament. My priceless art was displayed with pride like a treasure. I understand I can’t completely  return to those glitter-bomb, popsicle stick ways, but I do miss the lost art of the handmade card.

This year, instead of letting my ramen and potatoes budget stress me out, I’m returning to simpler ways. So here it is: my short guide from a broke and self-proclaimed card-making professional. Let me persuade you to bring back the handmade holiday card- crooked foldings, misspellings and all. It costs almost nothing, means everything, and is perfect for this holiday season.

1. The handmade card can be on any sort of paper: plain printer, a piece pulled from the chem notebook you don’t use, any color/pattern your heart desires.

2. Decorate the cover! Honestly, the jankier the better. Who cares if you're not a great artist! I say lean into it! A good laugh at bad art is joy for free, if they wanted something thought provoking, advise them to purchase a ticket to the Louvre. This is not advice for you.

3. Fill the inside from top to bottom. Recall any fond memories you have together, a time you recently missed while you were away, something you wish they were there for, etc. A good card doesn't require eloquence or poetry. You are not trying to outwrite english literature giants! If you are, I hope you’re enrolled as a creative writing major, and this advice is not for you. A good card holds true to your character, whatever that may be. 

4. Be confident and give it to them! It’s worth little in monetary value but the time and effort you have put in at this rate is worth the world to the right people. I hope you have the right people to understand that. 

So grab some paper and a pen, and have a great season full of subpar stick figures, illegible handwriting, and a bright smile or two.