For the past four holiday seasons, I’ve had the absolute joy of collaborating with Tyra on her family’s holiday cards. Each year, she brings me an idea, a spark of inspiration, and from there, we play! The result? A unique, show-stopping holiday greeting that stands out in the sea of seasonal mail. From candy-colored trees dusted with hand-applied sparkle snow to oversized envelopes bursting with personality, every detail is crafted to bring joy and surprise to its recip
Designing Beyond the Ordinary
Tyra’s vision is always clear: her holiday cards need to be different. They should capture attention, delight the senses, and feel as special as the season itself. Over the years, we’ve experimented with various themes and styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional holiday card design.
One year, we went full-on tropical, embracing over-the-top beach vibes that brought sunshine to the winter months. Think bright coral and turquoise hues, palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and playful, whimsical typography. Another year, we leaned into retro aesthetics, featuring dynamic rays of color printed on a luxe soft-touch stock with metallic gold foil accents that added an extra layer of elegance.
Most recently, we took the frosty winter theme to new heights with a vertical fold card printed on Stardream paper. The shimmer of the paper itself added an ethereal glow to the already magical winter wonderland imagery. Paired with bold, vibrant envelopes and cleverly illustrated return address stickers, this year’s design brought an extra layer of holiday enchantment.
Envelopes That Set the Tone
An unforgettable holiday card experience begins before the envelope is even opened. That’s why we choose vibrant, eye-catching envelopes that immediately stand out in the mailbox. Whether it’s a deep jewel tone, a bright pop of color, or a soft pastel hue, the envelope sets the expectation for something special inside.
The return address labels also add a personal and playful touch. We create custom illustrated stickers that tie into the theme of the card, reinforcing the story and theme before the recipient even opens the envelope.
Why Custom Holiday Cards Matter
In a world where digital greetings are becoming more common, receiving a beautifully designed, high-quality holiday card in the mail feels like a rare and cherished experience. It’s a tangible piece of holiday joy—something people can display, admire, and keep. Custom holiday cards allow for self-expression, creativity, and the opportunity to bring a little extra magic to the season.
For Tyra and her family, the holiday card is more than just a greeting; it’s a tradition, an artistic statement, and a way to spread cheer in a uniquely personal way. And for me, getting to bring her vision to life each year is one of the highlights of the season.
The Power of Texture and Detail
One of the elements that make Tyra’s holiday cards so special is the attention to texture and finish. We carefully select premium paper stocks, incorporating soft-touch finishes, shimmering metallics, and embossed details that make each card feel like a gift in itself.
Hand-applied accents, like sparkle snow, foil embellishments, or even subtle raised printing, add a tactile experience that digital cards simply can’t replicate. The weight of the card, the smoothness of the finish, and the glimmer of metallic ink all contribute to a sense of luxury and thoughtfulness that resonates with recipients.
Size Matters: Going Oversized
A holiday card should never feel like an afterthought. That’s why we typically opt for an oversized format. Not only does it create a sense of importance, but it also ensures that the card doesn’t get lost among the standard-sized greetings. The larger canvas allows us to play with composition, ensuring that every design element—from the photography to the typography—is displayed in its full glo