Simple Handmade Crafts for Children Handmade: Cards

Handmade Christmas Cards — Simple Handmade Christmas Crafts for Children - Mercurius Australia Online

Simple Handmade Crafts for Children: Cards

As holidays, school breaks, and special occasions approach, it’s easy for little ones—and even adults—to get caught up in wish lists, plans, and the constant swirl of “I want.” Yet these moments hold a gentle invitation to slow down, create together, and reconnect with what truly matters. Whether it’s a summer holiday, a long weekend, or a quiet afternoon at home, simple Waldorf-inspired crafts can guide children away from the focus on receiving and towards a deeper sense of giving, togetherness, and calm.

The Handmade Cards craft comes from Erica Russell, a former teacher turned homeschooling mum who grew up immersed in the rhythms of Steiner education. With a passion for nurturing slower, more connected childhoods, Erica shares one of her family’s most cherished traditions: making handmade cards. Her thoughtful approach offers families a meaningful way to embrace creativity, calm, and heartfelt connection during holidays, school breaks, or any free time together.

Simple Handmade Crafts for Children Handmade: Cards - Mercurius Australia

A Joyful Tradition of Handmade Cards

For special occasions, we set aside an afternoon to make handmade cards for friends and family, creating a calm, creative tradition focused on giving and connection. This gentle activity lets children enjoy the joy of giving, slow down during holidays or quiet afternoons, and explore simple techniques—like using silhouettes and coloured tissue paper—to create a magical stained-glass effect that makes each card extra special.

You’ll need:

Thick paper or thin card paper, such as the Mandala White or Black Paper
Coloured kite paper
A Stanley knife or sharp scissors
Craft glue

Explore Card Making Essentials

Introducing Steiner Educator and Creator Erica Russell Blog - Mercurius Australia

Step-by-Step Guide

Fold your paper or card in half to create your card base. You may like to round the edges to help create a softer finish for your child.
Cut out a simple shape or silhouette on the front—whether it’s a star, sun, heart, flower, or tree, any design works beautifully and can suit holidays, special occasions, or just a quiet, creative afternoon at home
Draw with beeswax crayons or pencils around the silhouette on the front of the card.
On the back of the front cover, glue a square of kite paper behind the cut-out shape.
When the card is closed, the coloured kite paper will show through the silhouette.
Write a short message inside, and your handmade card is ready to share.

Simple Handmade Crafts for Children Handmade: Cards using Kite Paper and Stockmar Crayons - Mercurius Australia

Finding Calm and Connection During Quiet Moments

As your child watches their card glow with colour, they’ll feel that quiet sense of pride that comes from creating something with care. These gentle moments—hands busy, minds calm, hearts connected—become memories that last far beyond any single holiday or break.

Whether you tuck these cards into envelopes for loved ones or display them around your home, each one carries a little spark of joy and connection. In the simple act of making and giving, children discover the true magic of special occasions: creating something meaningful and sharing it with others.