As part of our Holiday Cards for the Military initiative, the Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild is proud to create heartfelt handmade cards for military personnel stationed away from home this season. Each card in this five-part series features a unique design, hand-lettered message, and a matching envelope — crafted with love, creativity, and gratitude.
Challenge 1 of 5 – Gate Fold Card Style
Based on online tutorials, BVCG's Donna Uncles has prepared the following instructions.
Suggested Supplies
(Feel free to get creative- use what you have on hand!)
- Card Stock (12" x 6”)
- Envelope to match card size (or handmade envelope)
- Decorative papers (recycled Christmas cards or wrapping paper works beautifully)
- Stickers, brads, stamps, ribbon
- 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
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Cut cardstock to 12" x 6"
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Cut decorative papers to slightly smaller than 2" x 6" (2 pieces for side panels);
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Cut centre panel (plain paper) to slightly smaller than 4" x 6"
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Score cardstock at 2”, 4”, 8” and 10”
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Fold as follows: Mountain folds at 2” and 10”; Valley folds at 4” and 8”
Step 2: Decorate the Card
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Adhere decorative papers to the 1st and 5th panels
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Decorate 2nd and 4th panels with stickers (great time to use the charity stickers we all have, trim them and keep the border!)
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Decorate centre panel (lots of options- be creative!)
Step 3: Write Your Message
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:
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Wishing You Peace This Season
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With Gratitude & Warmth
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Happy Holidays from the Home Front
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Warm wishes from Canada
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Warm wishes from a fellow Canadian
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Thank you for your service and warm wishes from Canada...
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Your service is appreciated by me and by many. Warm wishes...
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Handmade with gratitude and warm wishes...
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Thank you for your gift of service. Warm wishes from Calgary, Canada...
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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
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
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.
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 in the Summer Challenge:
Next card design: to be released on July 15th
Stay tuned for more festive, calligraphy-friendly designs that brighten a soldier’s season!
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