To create a basic card that is easy to make, but still allows you to demonstrate your artistic side, simply draw a picture. Choose a pen color that compliments the color of card you are using. For Christmas cards, gold and silver stand out against a red or blue background. Sketch a simple silhouette of an angel, a Christmas tree or a star to embellish upon the holiday theme.
While a greeting card often features a simple message, the lettering is important. Invest in a calligraphy pen and practice different styles before writing the final version. Study the font styles in your computer's word processing program for inspiration: Type the same message in five different fonts and examine how the letters differ in shape.
Attach decorative items to a card to add visual interest and texture. Possibilities include a dried or plastic flower, tinsel, pictures from magazines, or anything that relates to the person to whom you are writing. If you're creating a card for a "golf nut," for example, attach a golf tee and a nut from a screw and nut set to create a humorous design.