HOLIDAYS : Do-It-Yourself Cards

Even the smallest child can make greeting cards for the holidays. All they need is a set of stamps, some ink pads and basic card stock that is sold by the pound in colorful shades at select stationery stores.

To cut down on landfill overflow--and save money and time--send out postcards for Christmas greetings. Postage is less, there is no envelope waste and correspondents can get away with writing shorter messages.

Another plus: Senders can purchase Hanukkah stamps for cards to Jewish friends without springing for a large box of 25 or so they may not use.

Many stationery shops sell ready-made Christmas ink pads and stamps. At Valley Stationers, holiday stamps sell for between $5 to $10 each. Think your design through before walking up to the counter with a handful, since the tally can easily add up.

Many stores also sell postcard stock papers by the piece or the pound. Valley Stationers in Sherman Oaks sells a pound of 8 1/2-by-11 postcard stock for $4.20.

Practice on a few sheets of paper until you get your design to your liking. Rubber stamps can easily be cleaned with Windex or typewriter cleaner, says Tom Kelsey, assistant manager for Valley Stationers.

If you are really on a budget, make your own stamps out of firm vegetables and use craft paint. Adults should handle the cutting of zucchini, eggplant, jicama or potatoes with a paring knife. Cut back against a flat surface to create a Jewish star or Christmas tree shape. Vegetable ends work best since the back side acts as a kind of handle that is easy to grab onto. Simply pick up the “stamp,” dip it into the paint and press. Let dry thoroughly before addressing or mailing. Unlike store-bought stamps, these should be disposed of after use.

Another way to really save is to buy plain white 3-by-5 index cards in packs of 100 for under a dollar. A budget-minded card maker could get away with spending about $9 for 100 cards, including index cards, one rubber stamp and an ink pad but not postage. Best of all, the stamps are ready to go for next year’s projects.