The Challenge:
Not to brag, but we like to show off a little when we send something to our customers and partners, especially at the end of the year.
Typically, our holiday send is just a card, something that fits in a standard envelope. But standard doesn’t mean boring. Each year, we challenge ourselves to add a twist; an unexpected print technique, a wow-worthy finishing detail, or an interactive element that encourages people to engage with the piece instead of tossing it aside with all the other holiday cards.
This year, we took inspiration from the “Crafty Christmas” trend that dominated Pinterest and TikTok in 2025 – our feeds were full of DIY, budget-friendly décor ideas like paper chains, dried citrus garlands, and cardboard gingerbread houses. The trend tapped into a marketing shift we’re already seeing in 2026: the desire to slow down, use your hands, and bring back the joy of “real.”
Our challenge was to create a card that felt tactile, creative, and playful, while still showing just how much (real) thought can go into simple print, paper, and finishing.
The Solution:
Our marketing team dreamed up a set of templates that let recipients create their own 3D paper snowflakes, bringing a little winter decoration into their homes through the magic of making. To elevate the experience, we showed off a few specialty papers available for use on our digital presses: the templates were printed on Neenah Pearl in white, flaxen, and sterling to add a subtle shimmer and wintery sparkle.
The card itself was printed on Hazen Twinkle, giving the snowflake design a silvery, holographic look that catches the light just right. The card’s design had a full wash of Tactive blue, but we dialed back the opacity at the top of the card so more of the paper’s sparkle could shine through. Then, to give the silver paper a gold touch that matched the flaxen snowflake paper, we printed over some of the sparkles with yellow toner at a low opacity, keeping the shimmer while shifting the color.
Inside, the card was signed by our entire team and included a QR code for a how-to video for a simple way to marry digital and print elements together. For the final touch, we die cut the back of the card so the Tactive logo could peek through.
Proof that when you layer smart design, thoughtful paper, and intentional finishing, even a standard holiday card can sparkle!
