Still looking to make holiday cards or newsletters?
Phil Evans gives some quick advice and links to favorite free templates for newsletters and cards. Whether you send them via post or email.–Doug
Newsletters
- Keep it short. I tend to keep it no longer than one page. This strikes a good balance between giving you enough space to write something interesting, but not overwhelming people.
- Keep it interesting. Think about what your audience will find interesting in your life this year, and write according to that. Throwing in one or two short, humorous anecdotes will also help keep people reading.
- If you’re going to print it, do it on paper that is easy on the eye. I once had an aunt who used to print her newsletter on the most horrendous pink, yellow and red paper. With patterns down the side. You know, I’m not sure I ever got to find out what had gone on in her life, as immediately after opening the newsletters I usually fell into seizures induced by the paper.
- Add photos or clip art (or both) to bring what you’re talking about to life and break up the text.
- Don’t get bogged down in the process of trying to create it from scratch. Download a template, customize it to fit your needs, and Bob’s your uncle.
Cards
I’m consistently amazed by the ridiculous prices that shops can command for small pieces of card at this time of the year. I’m also amazed at the amount of paper that is wasted each year, given how much we are all trying to avert a global warming-induced wasteland. With these two things in mind, you should remember that with Office you can create your own cards, create as many copies as you need, and save yourself a bundle. You can then email them to some or all of the people on your list. And, if you do want to print them, many of the Office card templates work with the specialty papers (card, envelopes, labels, etc) that you can buy at the shops - so your card will look pretty professional.
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