Best Inks for Writing Holiday Cards

Introduction

The holiday season is a time for handwritten warmth — when a single line of ink can say more than any typed message ever could. Whether you’re crafting thoughtful greetings, adding flourishes to envelopes, or simply signing your name with style, the ink you choose can make every card sparkle (literally and figuratively).

Here’s how to pick the perfect ink for your holiday writing — and a few Ferris Wheel Press favourites to inspire your next masterpiece.

1. Choose the Right Type of Ink

Not all inks behave the same way. When writing on greeting cards or envelopes, it’s important to know how the ink interacts with paper.

Dye-based inks flow smoothly and dry faster, making them ideal for thick card stock.
Pigmented or shimmering inks add a special touch — metallic shine or sparkling light — but may take longer to dry.

If you’re planning to use shimmer or metallic ink, allow a bit more drying time before stacking cards.

2. For a Classic Holiday Look — Go Rich and Festive

Traditional hues always bring a sense of nostalgia and charm. Deep reds, evergreen tones, and warm golds capture the spirit of the season beautifully.

• Song of Scarlet — a timeless crimson that adds a touch of vintage warmth to every message.

• Hampton Harbour Sage — an elegant green with subtle sophistication, perfect for seasonal notes.

• Golden Gala — a luminous gold that dances under the light and pairs beautifully with embossed cards.

These colours feel classic and personal, making your handwritten greetings look effortlessly elegant.

3. For a Touch of Magic — Try Sheening or Shimmering Inks

If you want your words to shine like holiday lights, look for inks with sheen or shimmer.
Sheening inks reveal a hidden secondary colour as they dry — think deep blue that glows with a red halo. Shimmering inks sparkle with golden or silver particles that gleam on the page.

Some magical picks include:

• Blue Beryl Tonic — a teal with radiant pink sheen that adds festive surprise.

• Peppermint Drop — a sparkling mint hue with silver shimmer, sweet as candy canes.

• Wonderland in Coral — warm coral tones with a delicate golden sparkle, ideal for cheerful greetings.

When using shimmer inks, remember to gently shake the bottle before filling your pen to evenly mix the particles.

4. For Modern and Minimal Cards — Go Neutral or Cool

Not every card needs sparkle. Sometimes, understated elegance is the most powerful.
For a clean, modern look, go with cooler tones — slate blues, smoky greys, or soft browns.

• Steeped Umber — a warm brown reminiscent of winter tea.

• Lady Rose — a soft pink-beige that pairs beautifully with ivory stationery.

• Moss Park Green — a subtle, nostalgic tone that feels organic and timeless.

These choices are excellent for professional holiday notes or understated elegance.

5. Pro Tips for Writing Holiday Cards

• Use a pen with good ink flow: Medium or broad nibs show off shimmer and colour best.

• Let shimmer inks rest nib-down before writing to re-mix particles naturally.

• Blot gently with a tissue if writing on glossy or coated card stock.

• Test first on a spare card corner to see how your ink behaves on that paper.

• Seal with care: If you’re using wax seals, make sure the ink is completely dry before pressing.

6. Match Ink and Emotion

The ink you choose reflects the mood you want to share.

• Warm tones (reds, golds, ambers) evoke joy and connection.

• Cool tones (blues, greens, silvers) suggest peace and calm.

• Dark jewel tones (navy, plum, forest) bring formality and luxury.

When you match colour with intention, your words carry even more meaning.