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  • “Let It Snow!” Holiday Card Tutorial

    by

    Lindsey Bugbee

    , , , , , ,

    Today’s holiday card tutorial is both charming and approachable, coming together in just a few steps. Be sure to check out the included PDF guide if you’d like some practice before getting started!

    Holiday card with white calligraphy and pine branches that says "Let It Snow!"

    In this tutorial, we’ll create an elegant “Let It Snow!” holiday card using black cardstock, white ink, and a touch of artistic flair. It’s a relaxing project that results in a beautifully festive design. In order to make it, you’ll need the following supplies:

    1. Prepare the Cardstock

    Cut your cardstock to 10″ x 7″ (25.4 cm x 17.78 cm) to get started. You can measure and mark the dimensions with a ruler; or, for convenience, trace around an unfolded 5″ x 7″ greeting card that you already have on hand.

    Cutting black cardstock to make a greeting card
    If you have an old greeting card lying around, open it flat and trace its outline onto your black cardstock with a white pencil. Finish by cutting along the traced lines for a perfect card shape.

    Next, fold the card in half.

    A7 folded black card
    For a super crisp crease, you can reinforce the fold with a bone folder.

    Now, download the “Let It Snow!” PDF Design Guide, which was created to make the next two steps easier to follow. You can download it here and open it on your device to use as a reference. To use the guide for calligraphy practice, print it out on pointed pen-friendly paper such as 32# HP Premium laserjet (affiliate link).

    Quick reference sheet for the "Let It Snow" Card
    DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

    2. Write the “Let It Snow!” Calligraphy

    Now, draw two wavy guidelines with your white pencil. Use those wavy guidelines to write “Let It Snow!” in bouncy, casual calligraphy.

    White pencil draft of "Let It Snow!"

    Then, go over the pencil draft with your pointed pen and white ink. Alternatively, you can use the faux calligraphy technique and a white Gelly Roll pen.

    White ink "Let It Snow!" calligraphy
    I opted to use a Brause Rose nib to write this calligraphy because I knew it would produce thick, bold downstrokes.

    3. Add Pine Branches

    Next, use your white pencil to sketch the basic framework of several pine branches. For specific instructions and examples of branch placement, see the “Let It Snow!” Reference PDF.

    Adding pine branches to a greeting card

    Now, use your pointed pen and white ink (or a white gel pen) to trace over the branches and add pine needles. As a right-handed person, I prefer to start at the top left of the card, then move to the top right, followed by the bottom left, and finally the bottom right. This sequence helps to minimize smudging. Left-handed writers will likely find it helpful to work in the opposite order.

    Drawing pine branches on a "Let It Snow!" Greeting Card
    Exert minimal pressure as you draw the pine needles in order to achieve delicate, thin strokes.

    Keep tracing over the pine branches with ink until all of them are complete. You’ll likely need to add a few extra branches and needles to create a lush, full appearance.

    "Let it Snow!" Card with pine branches

    4. Paint Dots of Snow

    Once the ink you used to make the pine boughs has dried, use a size 3 (-ish) brush to gently dot snow in random spots around the branches. Try to vary the pressure you’re using such that some dots are large and others are small. Avoid painting too close to the “Let It Snow!” calligraphy to help the greeting stand out.

    Finishing off a "Let It Snow!" card with snow
    Experiment with dot sizes to depict snow; larger dots will make the snow look closer, while smaller ones will create the effect of snow farther in the distance.

    Once you’re finished painting the snow and all of your ink has dried, carefully use an eraser to rub away any pencil guidelines. Note that Bleed Proof White ink needs time to dry! If possible, leave it out overnight before running an eraser over it.

    "Let It Snow!" holiday card

    I hope that you enjoyed this tutorial, which produces a festive card without much of a fuss! Here are a few notes that will help to ensure your success:

    • When it comes to the snowflakes, less is more. Shoot for making no more than 100 snowflake dots. (While this may sound like a large quantity, it’s pretty conservative.)
    • If you’ve never worked with Bleed Proof White ink before, read How to Use Bleed Proof White Calligraphy Ink before attempting to write with it. It can be a bit fussy!
    • Making one of these cards will help you figure out the placement, so you probably won’t need a pencil draft for additional ones. As such, the design is ideal for creating multiple cards.

    Thanks so much for supporting TPK by being a Premium member! If you need clarification or have any questions about this tutorial, I’m just an email away. Remember, there’s a treasure trove of holiday-related tutorials on the TPK Blog from years past, which you browse by clicking here. Happy holidays, and happy creating!

    Warmly,