Festive Paper Crafts to Try this Christmas

Posted on 23rd December 2025 by Papermill Direct
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When it comes to Christmas, there’s nothing more magical than receiving a gift with a handmade element. Whether it’s the gift itself, the tag, or the card, knowing that someone has put thought and effort into a present can be more valuable than a thousand shop-bought items.

Handmade gifts and decorations also fit beautifully into a more thoughtful and sustainable Christmas. A few sheets of coloured card can be transformed into keepsake ornaments, heartfelt cards, or clever wrapping details that friends and family will treasure. With Papermill Direct’s range of Christmas envelopes, pick and mix card boxes, and pure pearl Christmas mixed card packs, it’s easy to find everything you need for a season of making.

Handmade Christmas Cards

Probably the most obvious Christmas craft is also typically the most cherished. Handmade Christmas cards are not only satisfying to make, but they are always appreciated because of their timeless charm.

For beginners, something as simple as layering different festive colours (such as red 290gsm card and gold sirio pearl double sided 300gsm card) can add a professional finish. Be sure to add simple silhouettes, such as trees or stars, to add some festive dimensions. We recommend checking out this Christmas Poinsettia card by Vicki, a festive favourite in our handmade cards.

For more seasoned hobbyists, you could use white translucent vellum to add a frosty finish to a winter scene, or add further details, such as twine and buttons for a more traditional look.

Finish your cards with a coordinated Christmas envelope to add impact. Choose a pearlised envelope for a luxe finish, or a Kraft envelope if you want it to look like it’s been delivered straight from Santa’s workshop.

Christmas Gift Tags

If you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly craft, Christmas gift tags are ideal. For a cost-effective way of creating them, browse our range of paper offcuts and trim them to the size you need for each gift.

Cut tags from sturdy 240–300gsm card, punch a hole at the top, and thread with ribbon or twine for a more traditional finish. Using silver and gold metallic markers, you can write the recipient’s name in brush lettering, draw simple patterns using alternating stripes, or even add baubles and stars if you’re a more confident artist. There are some great patterned gift tag ideas by Lisa who has created polar bears and dogs!

DIY Christmas Decorations

Paper decorations are a festive favourite, and they’re far more versatile than many people realise. Using our pearlised pick and mix card packs, you can create:

Mini Christmas Wreath

Create a charming mini Christmas wreath using rich red and deep green card for a classic festive look. The heavier weight card helps the wreath hold its shape, making it perfect for decorating doors, gift wrap, place settings, or even your Christmas tree.

Finish your wreath with a ribbon or twine for hanging or add small embellishments like berries or bows for extra detail. Best of all, these mini wreaths are durable enough to be stored away and reused year after year.

Handmade Wrapping Ideas

Beautiful wrapping doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity, you can use paper and card to enhance your gift presentation in a charming, handmade way. We recommend using handmade wrapping paper for small gifts as it gives it that extra personal touch.

Coloured Card Sleeves

Slide small gifts such as chocolate bars or seed packets into a custom-sized sleeve made from red gingham patterned card. Secure it with twine to keep your gift intact.

Paper Wrap Accents

Using kraft Materica 120gsm paper to wrap your gifts can give your presents a rustic feel. Add a personalised touch by painting a repeated pattern of baubles or stamping snowflakes onto one side of the paper. You can even add accents such as paper flowers as an alternative to a bow.

Envelope Liners

Add colour to simple envelopes with a festive liner. See our blog on how to make an envelope liner here. Use white and red, or green and gold, for a festive touch.

Place Cards and Menus

If you’re hosting Christmas Dinner this year, you can instantly elevate your place settings by creating name cards and menus for everybody. It not only creates a talking point, but you could add your own festive facts, jokes, or a game, to the back of your place cards to create a bit of festive fun around the dinner table!

Place Cards

Use sturdy card of 240gsm-300gsm in colours that match your colour scheme. This could be a traditional emerald green, or a more modern navy, depending on the theme you’re going for!

Menus

A tall menu card printed or hand-written on smooth white or ivory menu paper adds elegance to any dinner setting. Glue it onto a larger metallic card for an elevated background that matches your colour scheme.

Practical Tips for Christmas Paper Crafting

Choose the Right Paper Weight

• 140–170gsm: Great for folding decorations or envelope liners.

• 240–300gsm: Ideal for cards, tags, place cards, and sturdy ornaments.

• 350gsm and above: Perfect for luxury cards or structural projects.

Plan a Colour Theme

Classic red and green always work, but don’t overlook modern palettes such as navy and gold, white and kraft, or pastel winter tones.

Add Finishing Touches

A little goes a long way. Try metallic gel pens, ribbon, twine, mini bells, or glitter card for that extra festive sparkle.

Christmas Crafts Sorted

No matter your skill level, there’s always somewhere you can add a touch of homemade love to your Christmas festivities, so make sure you sift through our range at Papermill Direct to find all of the supplies you need!

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