Make simple and elegant cards, gift tags, even Christmas tree ornaments, using reproductions of old-fashioned and Victorian designs. These beautiful or whimsical images, whether postcards, paper dolls, or clip art, are perfect for creating a range of greeting cards and decorations. With designs available from the Dover Catalog company or free online from sites specializing in Vintage clip art, there are myriad images to choose from in creating your unique project.

Gift Tags

An old-fashioned gift tag is easy to make from reproduction images, especially miniature paper dolls.  Simply glue the outfit of your choice to the doll (or leave separate to keep the doll “playable”). Outline the edge of your doll and outfit with glue and sprinkle clear glitter for a festive touch. Write the “To” and “From” information on the back with a calligraphy pen for an elegant touch, then string the doll and any separate decorated outfits onto a metallic thread and needle.  Tie at the top, then loop over your package’s ribbon and let dangle.

Perfect paper doll choices include Dolly Dingle, miniature Godey’s Ladies, or tiny editions published by the Dover Catalog Company, but there are many editions available on clip art sites for free, featuring old-fashioned magazine paper dolls.

Transforming reproduction postcards and greeting cards is slightly more challenging than paper dolls and clip art.  If you don’t want to use the whole card, just trim around your favorite part, then highlight the edges and details with glue and metallic glitter.  Use a ribbon or thread to attach to your package.

Greeting Cards

While old-fashioned greeting cards are easy to find online, making your own adds an extra-special touch.  Use paper doilies to make lacy envelopes or plain brown paper rubber-stamped with colorful designs.  Trim around the edge of your design using an exacto knife to leave the delicate details attached; write your message on a card or Victorian decal (like a heart or flower bouquet) and tuck inside with your glittery Victorian image.

Ornaments

Ornaments are easy to make, especially using old-fashioned paper dolls.  Glue the outfit of your choice on a doll of any size, then decorate with glue, glitter, mini paper flowers, even miniature beads or sequins.  Use a needle and metallic thread to create a loop so the doll can hang from the tree, or glue a looped ribbon to the doll’s back.

Glue postcard or greeting card designs to a sturdy cardboard backing, then decorate with glitter and old-fashioned decals.  Punch holes in the top corners and string with Christmas tinsel, decorative wire, or ribbons for hanging.  A few metallic threads of dangling holiday charms are the perfect finishing touch — just punch a hole at the bottom, thread them through, then knot in the back.