Did you know that during the 1870’s Christmas cards were mass produced for the first time in America? The trend (now tradition) actually started in Britain, and Americans thought it was a charming custom. Our third and final craft for today reflects the extravagance of the historical period and honors that beginning of the Christmas card.

The 1870’s is also the beginning of the “Gilded Age” of American history. There’s a story set in this time period in With Gladness; it’s “Curses or Blessings?” The Gilded Age was known for beauty and extravagance among the elite of society. Some of that opulence influenced holiday decorations and traditions.

Here’s a description from the story: The ornate furniture and abundance of knick-knacks were endless curiosities to a young lady who was accustomed to plain, useful, and cheap. Best of all were the Christmas decorations. Gold, silver, and burgundy ribbons held boughs and sprigs of greenery to the stair railings. Mistletoe hung from the chandeliers, and garlands of holly perched on the large mirrors in the hallway and parlor. (page 66)

What You’ll Need:

Card Stock

Copied sheet music (the more music notes on the page, the better it will look)

Stencil or cookie cutter (any design will work; I used a holiday bell)

Red or green stamp pad

Gold or silver ribbon/cording

Glue

Glue stick

Scissors

Pencil

Fold and cut a card out of cardstock. Any size with work as long as the stencil will fit too.

Trace and cut a piece of copied sheet music to fit the front of the card.

 

 

Trace the stencil into the middle of the sheet music and cutout the design.

 

 

 

 

Press the edges of the front side of the sheet music onto the ink pad. You’ll want it to look sort of “misty” or old-style. Let it dry!

Glue the sheet music to the front of the card.

 

 

Tie the ribbon or cording into a simple or elaborate bow. Glue in place on one of the corners. Let it dry.

Write a thoughtfully cheery message and send the card to someone special!

 

 

Share a photo of your craft on Gazette665’s public Facebook page! And use the hashtag #craftingwithgladness