The greeting card has been around for centuries. In the early 1400's hand made paper greeting cards were found throughout Europe. Prior to that messages were etched on wood and stone. Papyrus scrolls were used by the Egyptians to send their greetings. It wasn't until the 1850's that the greeting card started to grow into the incredible industry we know today. Two of the main reasons for this popularity were the means to put greeting cards into printing production and the introduction of the postage stamp on May 1, 1840 in Great Britain.

The greeting card industry didn't hit our shores until 1856. This is when German born immigrant, Louis Prang began printing greeting cards in his small lithograph shop in Boston. He's also credited with creating the Christmas card. It took until 1862, however, before the custom of exchanging Christmas cards with friends and family became a common practice.

We've come a long way baby! Or have we? The greeting card industry is huge. There is a card made for everything imaginable, including a card for no reason at all. But why rely on someone else to make a greeting card for you to send to your friends and loved ones when you can make it yourself. We've come full circle. Many of us are again making our own cards. Cards that are beautiful, unique treasures for lucky family and friends receiving them.

There's no better way to personalize a card than with a photograph. Many people send Christmas cards with family pictures every year. If you plan on having the family photo on your card, select their outfits carefully, color coordination is a must. Take your camera bag with camera and accessories, don't forget the tripod, and go to your pre-selected location. Be creative. If you're able to find a beautiful grotto, set up there for an impressive, unique family portrait. If you live at the beach, make your Christmas photo at the beach. Place yourselves where you live, let people see your life. If you prefer the traditional, Just carry your camera bag into the living room, set up your tripod, arrange yourselves in front of your beautiful fireplace and take that warm, cozy family portrait.

When taking your pictures, keep in mind how you're going to want your cards to open, from the side or from the bottom. This will determine how you'll take your shots. You might take some shots both vertically and horizontally. Then you can decide how they look best on your cards. You may decide to make both kinds. That's the beauty of making your own greeting cards, you're in control.

Once you've selected the photographs you want to use, upload them from your camera, print them out using photo editing software, and begin assembling your cards. After trimming the photo, you can place the it on the outside or the inside of your folded card stock with glue or double sided tape. Make sure you fold your card perfectly straight and place your photo perfectly straight for a professional finish. Add your personal message, either hand written or printed out on your computer. Embellish with what suits you, elaborate or simple. You can use ribbon, glitter, buttons, paper die-cuts to name a few. Keep with the theme you've selected.

It's never too early to begin working on your Christmas cards. Starting early avoids the last minute frantic rush to finish. It's fun, it's easy, it's relaxing. The recipients of these cards will treasure them for years to come. Once you begin making your own photo greeting cards, you'll never go back to buying cards again.

All you need is a trusted camera and accessories that you've carefully placed in your quality camera bag. Carry that camera bag with you and take pictures throughout the year to use for all your cards. Your family and friends will love receiving them.