Christmas craft: How to make a layered Christmas tree card
Colouring pens at the ready! Christmas cards date back to the 1840s but you can make your own festive fun.
Use our step-by-step guide and video to create your own handmade Christmas tree card, complete with decorations.
A Christmas Tradition
Have you ever wondered who invented the Christmas card? The first one was designed in 1843 by painter John Callcott Horsley at the request of his friend Sir Henry Cole, who wanted an easy way to correspond with people over the festive season.
The card featured a Victorian family party above the phrase, 'A merry Christmas and a happy new year to you.' The custom of sending Christmas cards took several decades to catch on but, by the late 19th century, it had become an integral part of seasonal celebrations.
The first Christmas card by John Callcott Horsley in 1843 © Getty Images
You will need:
- A piece of coloured A4 card
- Christmas card colouring-in page (download here)
- Colouring pens and pencils
- Scissors
- A glue stick
Step 1. Fold your card
Fold the piece of coloured A4 card in half - this will be the body of your Christmas card.
Step 2. Colour in
Download and print out the Christmas card colouring-in page (link at the bottom of the page).
Colour in the Christmas tree and decorations using coloured pens, pencils or even paint!
Step 3. Cut out
Carefully cut out the Christmas tree and decorations, following the dotted line.
Step 4. Stick the tree down
Stick the cut-out Christmas tree to the front of your folded card using the glue stick.
Step 5. Decorate the tree
Arrange the decorations on top of the Christmas tree before sticking them down with the glue stick. We finished off our Christmas tree with some glittery pens but you could add tinsel or sequins for an extra bit of sparkle!
Have fun getting creative - and why not ask your parents to share your designs with us on Facebook and Twitter.
Video: How to make a layered Christmas tree card
Watch our video to see how to make a layered Christmas tree card and to pick up some ideas for how to colour in and decorate your card.
Download the Christmas card templates
Download our festive templates of a Christmas tree and decorations to print, cut out and colour in at home.
Download christmas card templateMORE CHRISTMAS CRAFT IDEAS
How to make an angel garland
There's no better way to add some festive cheer than by making a pretty angel Christmas garland.
Follow our simple guide and you'll be able to create garlands to decorate your mantelpiece or Christmas tree, following a tradition that was popularised in Victorian Britain in the mid-19th century.
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