Photographic Christmas cards

It is always pleasant to send and receive Christmas cards from your friends and neighbors. Sending your own photographic cards is even better.

The easiest way is to buy folders into which you insert your photograph. It involves very little work unless you do your own photographic processing.

Another method is to create the complete card yourself. I have done this for over 50 years. Naturally, my work is done in black and white. Over the years, I have had to change and improvise. Originally, I used contact photo paper, but that is not available in small quantities. Also, I used a 4 x 5 inch size but the post office objected, so now I make the cards larger to conform to regulations.

Some of my earliest cards were made of a photograph with the verse imprinted over the picture. I used personal pictures of the family. Now I try to create something more sophisticated.

First I find a picture from one of my color slides. After putting the slide in the enlarger, I project it onto a piece of 4 x 5 inch black-and-white sheet film. I usually have to trim the 4 x 5 inch film down a bit to fit the size needed for the card.

Next, cut a piece of black paper somewhat larger than the finished card. This is used as a mask. On this paper cut out a section to fit the black-and-white negative made from the slide. Now find a suitable verse and copy it to the correct size on Kodalith film.

Do the same with the names and any other decorations you may want. Cut out areas on the mask to fit the verse, names and decorations. You now have a mask with four or five separate pieces of negative affixed to it. Put the mask with the negatives on a contact printing box. (See picture.) (I had to obtain a rheostat to dim the lights in the printing box so I could use enlarging paper.) Place a sheet of enlarging paper in contact with the mask and negatives, turn on the light underneath for about three seconds and then develop the print in regular paper developer. Printing and developing are done in the dark with a safelight.

The contact printer consists of a box with lights at the bottom, diffusion glass above the lights, plain glass at the top to accept the mask and negatives and a cover to hold the paper in contact with the negatives. My box is homemade but you can probably find one in a photo store.

Use a paper cutter to trim the final card to fit the envelope. You must determine the size of your cards by the size of your envelopes. Envelopes can be purchased at any stationery store.

Some people might find this process to be a great deal of work, but, I have derived much enjoyment from producing a different card each year. My wife and I have received many compliments over the years.

If you enjoy darkroom work, I'm sure this would make a nice project for you.

Russell B. Ford joined PSA in 1970. He retired from high school teaching and counseling in 1975. Ford has acquired Four (plus) Stars in PSA Color Slides and Two Stars in PSA Nature. He also competes locally black-and-white prints. He continues to be active in a Star Slide Study Group.

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