Summer Challenge #5- Cards for the Military

Challenge 5 of 5 – Layered Tree Card

As we wrap up our 5-part Summer Challenge series, we’re proud to present the final design: the Layered Tree Card — a festive, folded creation that turns scraps into something truly special. This card features an off-centered fold and layered triangle pieces to form a stylized tree, perfect for showcasing recycled materials and your personal flair.

Whether you've followed along with each challenge or created your own designs this summer — thank you. Your creativity and care make a real difference for Canadian Armed Forces members spending the holidays away from home.

Suggested Supplies

 (Feel free to get creative- use what you have on hand!)

• Card Stock (8.5" x 11”) plus smaller pieces in contrasting colours
• Envelope to match card size (or handmade envelope)
• Decorative papers (recycled Christmas cards, wrapping paper, or double-sided paper)
• Markers or calligraphy pens
• Glue or preferred adhesive 

No glitter, confetti, or strong scents please.              

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut & Prep Your Papers (see diagram below)

• Cut main cardstock to 8.5" x 5.5"

• Score and fold cardstock 

• Cut inside message panel (from another piece of cardstock) to 5" x 5"

• Use the attached traingle template to cut five pieces from decorative scraps

 

Step 2: Assemble the Card

• Attach the triangle pieces to form a tree shape (see photos below)

• Lynn Slevinsky, a BVCG member has graciously offered the following lettering style to use for the challenge. It is a fun, monoline alphabet that is perfect for holiday cards!

  Holiday Lettering Guideline

• Optional: Add extra strips of paper, stickers, etc to add flair to the card , both inside and out.

Step 3: Write Your Message

• Place the inside panel and lightly trace the triangle outlines from the front
• Add pencil guidelines for your message, then write your greeting
• Erase pencil marks and adhere the panel

Using your favourite calligraphy tools, letter a thoughtful holiday message on the centre panel. Do sign your first name. You may optionally include "Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild member, Calgary, Canada" on the back of each card.

 Popular greetings:

• Wishing You Peace This Season

• With Gratitude & Warmth

• Happy Holidays from the Home Front

• Warm wishes from Canada

• Warm wishes from a fellow Canadian

• Thank you for your service and warm wishes from Canada...

• Your service is appreciated by me and by many. Warm wishes...

• Handmade with gratitude and warm wishes...

• Thank you for your gift of service. Warm wishes from Calgary, Canada...

• Gratitude and warm wishes from Canada

Writing Suggestions

• Keep your tone warm, positive, and secular (e.g., “Thinking of you with thanks this holiday season.”)
• Avoid specific references to politics, religion, or combat
• Always write legibly and spell-check your message

Step 4: Create or Decorate the Envelope

On the front of the envelope, write:

To: Any Canadian Armed Forces Member

Optional: add a border, small icon, or patriotic detail. Try adding doodles to match a design element from the recycled card (i.e. snowflakes, etc). 

Step 5: Getting Cards Ready for Drop-Off or Mailing

Stack cards gently with their envelopes — let's make mailing easy! Place each card under the envelope flap (not inside the envelope), and please don't seal the envelopes. Click here for where you can drop off or send your cards.

Share Your Work & Tag Us!

Finished your design? We’d love to see! Email us here for us to post on the BVCG's socials. Or share on your socials and tag us. Tag @bowvalleycalligraphy and use #CardsForTroops or #CalligraphyForACause 

Coming Up Next in the Summer Challenge:

Stay tuned for our Summer Challenge wrap-up and final card collection details in the September 9th eBulletin!

Let’s keep the creativity flowing and brighten a soldier’s season — one handmade card at a time.