Etiquette experts agree that the week after Thanksgiving or the first week of December are the best times for mailing Christmas cards — giving friends and family plenty of time to display and enjoy your thoughtful holiday greetings.
While I can’t say that I’m always that organized, I certainly do enjoy receiving cards — especially when they’re handmade.
I mean, who wouldn’t love opening this oh-so-trendy card with a three-dimensional effect? Just print out our attached templates to make assembling this card a snap: 
What would the holidays be without a little snow? Send warm-climate friends and family an interactive holiday shaker card with a magical falling-snow effect: 
Go retro with this colorful card that combines layers of patterned paper with an easy-to-create felt pennant: 
A vintage clip art nativity scene and sheet music create this charming Christmas card: 
Check out 9 more handmade holiday card ideas and tell us in the comments below, have we convinced you to craft your cards this year?
+ GET MORE HANDMADE HOLIDAY IDEAS:
Weekday Crafternoon: Two Handmade Holiday Ornaments
5 Ways to Use Peppermints During the Holidays
Designer MacGyver: 5 Jolly Ideas for Indoor Christmas Lights
(Cute!) Mitten Advent Calendar
Painted Stocking Pails
34 Do-It-Yourself Holiday Decorations
20 Easy-to-Make Ornaments
25 Homemade Food Gifts
[...] Holiday Cards to Make (and Send!) Now HGTV Design Happens Wed, November 28, 2012 3:35 PM UTC HGTV Design Happens Rate Share (function(){var [...]
[...] Holiday Cards to Make (and Send!) Now HGTV Design Happens Wed, November 28, 2012 3:35 PM UTC HGTV Design Happens Rate Share (function(){var [...]
The nativity scene card is my favorite.
Great cards. Thanks for sharing.
Love the card with the falling snow.
[...] HANDMADE HOLIDAY IDEAS: 4 Handmade Holiday Cards to Make (and Send!) Now Designer MacGyver: 5 Holiday Straw Crafts to Drink Up Weekday Crafternoon: DIY Holiday Pompom [...]