Holiday card templates and prints?

[bethard728]

I'd like to make my own Christmas card templates. Mainly for me to use for my own family cards but eventually I may want to sell some templates if I'm able to make any that are good enough to sell to others. I'm wanting something like this. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33292949&ref=sr_list_9&&ga_search_query=card+template&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title I'm using GIMP and/or Microsoft Digital Imaging Pro. I made my own cards last year but they were just some pics with borders. Nothing fancy. I'd like to be fancier this year. The card in the link has sort of a paisley print. Where would I get something like that? Or snowflakes? I'm not really familiar with GIMP yet though I'm learning quickly. Any advice? I searched for holiday card tutorials and didn't come up with much. Maybe I didn't use the best phrase?
Also, once I come up with what I want, where would you recommend printing from? I don't want to spend a fortune since most people are just going to throw them away. Last year I got free postcards from Vistaprint. I wasn't impressed with the quality though I think a lot of it was my limited PP skills. Mpix website is down right now. So where would you recommend? Adorama? Other suggestions? Thanks in advance from a newbie!

[windrider86]

Print shop actually has some cute ideas

[vcw79]

I've made several templates in GIMP and the key is to know how to use layers. I got free paisley brushes and Christmas/Holiday images from these two links. They're fantastic!

Obsidian Dawn Resources - Photoshop & GIMP Brushes, Illustrator Vectors, and more!

Over 1200 Free Photoshop brush downloads

You'll need to build your template with several layers and save it as an .xcf file. The possibilities are endless. I had about 4 or 5 layers before flattening. Best of luck! I'm sure it will look great. I've attached an example that I made using GIMP.

[bethard728]

Thanks to both of you! vcw79, love your card! Now I can't wait to try to make mine! Gotta finish Halloween costumes first though! lol.

[bethard728]

I just downloaded a few brushes from Obsidian Dawn and it was so easy! I've never downloaded any because I didn't think I'd know how to get them or use them. I'm so glad I finally got some! They're awesome! Thanks!