Create a snowy photo gift card

Step by step guidance to create your own unique gift cards

As the season of gratitude and gathering approaches, I wanted to share a little idea that I originally shared on Instagram. If feels both creative and comforting, a way to slow down, make something with your hands, and add a touch of nostalgia to your holiday giving.

These simple, handmade gift cards are created from old photographs, transformed to look as though they’re nestled in snowdrifts; each one becomes a tiny keepsake.

So, light a candle, make yourself a cup of tea, and settle into a cosy corner. Let yourself drift into the gentle rhythm of creating, and make this year’s gifts a little more personal and entirely your own.

What you'll need:

• Old photos: I used black and white or sepia vintage photos but use anything that you have... maybe make them personal with family photos

• White gesso

• A small paint brush, stylus or knitting needle... something with a fairly fine point

• Tweezers (optional)

• Palette knife or scraper

How to create your snowy cards

Absolutely no artistic skill is needed to create these charming cards... but a little bit of patience is required!

We start by dipping the photo into some gesso. Why dip rather than paint the gesso on? Dipping gives a lovely smooth snowy surface that I couldn't replicate with a brush. Feel free to experiment though and see what works best for you.

See below for the easy steps to turn your own photos into bespoke gift tags or cards to use this holiday season.

Step 1

Select your photograph, and, holding it with some tweezers, dip the bottom of the photo into a pot of white gesso. When you've reached the depth that you want (in my example, I covered the girls legs with 'snow'), gently pull the photo out of the gesso.

Hold the photo above the gesso pot for a while to allow the excess to drip off; get as much off as you can whilst still leaving a smooth coverage. 

The back of the photo will also be covered in gesso so gently scrape it off using a palette knife or scraper, without disturbing the gesso on the front.

When the back is clean, lay the photo down to dry overnight (or until completely dry). Be patient, it can take a while depending on the thickness of the gesso.

Step 2

When the gesso has dried, add the snowflakes. I used a metal stylus, but anything with a fine point will work. Dip the point into your gesso and dab spots across the surface of the photo.

Vary the size of the snowflakes.

Leave to dry.

And that’s all there is to it; simple and full of charm.

Your snowy photographs are now ready to be turned into beautiful gift tags or heartfelt greeting cards. Each one a little story ready to share.

Have fun exploring different images, old portraits, faded landscapes, or anything that catches your eye. One of my favourites was a misty mountain scene that looked wonderfully authentic once the “snow” settled across it. 

And don’t be afraid to play. Try unexpected pairings, mix eras and moods… let curiosity guide you. Sometimes the most magical results come from the most surprising combinations.

If you enjoyed this, take a look at my online classes for more creative inspiration.

See my online classes

Wishing you a peaceful, creative start to the festive season, and many cosy hours of making, imagining, and giving.

Warmly,

Jane