Whenever we sit down to create cards, especially during the frenzied rush of the holidays, we often seek designs that feel fresh while remaining relatively fast to complete. While the standard A2 size (4.25×5.5) is the usual go-to, I’m here to showcase another size equally easy to create – the slimline.
There are many variations of the slimline design, the most common being:
- Standard – measures 3 5/8 x 8 5/8
- Popular – measures 3.5 x 8.5
- Big – measures 4 x 9
- Mini – 3.5 x 6 OR 3 x 6
I’m excited to share plenty of festive slimline samples with you today, hopefully helping you “wrap” up your Christmas cards for another year. Or, if you’re a notorious last-minute shopper/creator, perhaps this will be more of a get-the-sleigh-moving type of post.
Pretty Paper, the Real Christmas MVP
One of the best things about slimline cards is you can let your fancy paper – especially the ones with larger icons/scenery – become the star of the show.
For this set of frosty snowflake cards I kept most of each image intact, trimming slightly off-centre to appeal to the eye. Matting the designs with a coordinating colour, and then with bold sparkle paper, added the perfect twinkle. A quick stamped sentiment finished them off.
This next batch, of quirky elf slimlines, was created similarly. The only real difference is that instead of stamping the sentiments, as seen in the previous set, I utilized an ephemera pack of sayings I had in my stash. I love the bold pops of red in each design, and how the elves have so much personality.
Trim With Layers & Embellishments
If you’re looking to still keep things simple, but want to add additional elements, consider using ephemera to add layered embellishments to your cards.
These two ornament slimlines came together very quickly. However, instead of leaving the background scenes to stand on their own, I used foam adhesive to embellish each design with some fancy ornaments. I then drew the ‘thread’ hanging down by hand, using a black pen with white gel highlights.
These nutcracker cards are bold and vibrant, the simple mat borders creating a pop of complementary colour. But, to take them to the next level, I layered seasonal greenery with circular elements and typewriter-style sentiments. I used varying thicknesses of foam to add shadow and depth, and mimicked the gold of the buttons and epaulets by adding gold gems.
Set the Scene with a Holiday Theme
Pretty paper, layers, and embellishments can truly make putting a slimline card together easy-breezy. And sometimes if you’re truly lucky, the products in your stash (or those recently purchased as a “Happy Christmas to me” present) just might inspire you in unexpected ways.
That’s exactly what happened upon purchasing this Christmas Parcels 8.5×11 paper pack from Simply Stated Design. Laying eyes on the paper for the first time immediately brought to mind the lyrics of A Few of My Favourite Things. Thus, before adhering my patterned pieces to the bases of my slimlines, I wrapped & tied each one with jute. Then, I finished off each card in the set by handwriting a line from the song onto tiny banner flags before tucking them under the string and attaching.
Of course, these cards will be great to give out individually. But by incorporating a theme, you open up the possibility of gifting a set of cards to that ‘special someone.’
Make Your {Slimline} Lists, and Check Them Twice
One thing I like most about the size of a slimline is the potential to adapt your design to other formats. This could include TNs, mini-albums, or folios.
For this magical holiday notebook – intended to hold wish lists, track shopping, and organize receipts – I created a 2-layer cover using the popular and mini slimline sizes. Crafted during an ArtFest tutorial with Dooreen Rousseau, the notebook perfectly captures how seemingly one-dimensional designs (such as slimlines) can be translated to other projects. I crafted each slimline panel using the same process as usual. But, instead of adhering to card bases, attached them to the actual notebook instead.
A Mini Slimline Goes A Long {Holiday} Way
In my honest opinion, Santa’s best kept secret in the cardmaking area of the workshop is the mini slimline (specifically the variation measuring 3×6). Not only is it cute, but you to use up all that 6×6 paper you have stashed.
In this mini slim I’ve used various dies to layer patterned paper. To add some unexpected flair, I stamped and coloured an image from the Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps set Mermaid Friends. By keeping to a more traditional colour palette, the unconventional oceanic theme still feels Christmassy.
Non-Traditional Tags with a Slimline Feel
Slimline designs can also provide inspiration for additional holiday projects like bookmarks or tags. Stamped backgrounds, patterned paper, layered die-cuts, coloured string, and dangling ephemera are all elements/techniques easily incorporated.
These specific tags were made for my friends and I to display with our Beervent, which we build together annually. They are yet another example of a non-traditional project made easy due to the streamline nature of the slimline shape.
Christmas Cards Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
Alternative card sizes, like slimlines, are the perfect way to jazz up your crafting style. They also fit in your standard white #9 (3 7/8 x 8 7/8) or #10 (4.125″ x 9.5) business envelope, and can be mailed as regular post – A HOLIDAY MIRACLE!
And hey, if it turns out the slimline format just isn’t your thing you can always try a … square! <giggle giggle>
Regardless of shape or size, with SO many alternative card options out there you’re bound to be wrapped up in crafting opportunities until at least next Christmas. We can’t wait to see what you create.
Until next time…stay fun and fantabulous, scrappers!