October 12, 2025

Modern Christmas Suite: 3 Chic Cards (Ornament, Star & Trees)

 If you’re itching to kick off Christmas card season with something elegant (and quick!), you’re going to love the Modern Christmas Suite. Think classic black and white, luxe gold foil, and simple layouts that look oh-so-fancy. Tonight I’m sharing three chic designs: a gold-star showstopper, a joy-fold with evergreens, and an inlaid ornament that feels like jewelry for your card front.

Why the Modern Christmas Suite?

This suite makes it easy to craft “wow” cards fast. The specialty DSP gives you black-and-white patterns on one side and gold foil on the other—so every piece you cut feels designer. Add the Ornamental Christmas bundle (stamps + dies), twine, and optional large gold hoops, and you’ve got endless mix-and-match options.


Card 1: Wishing You Peace & Joy (Gold Star)



Vibe: Minimal, luxe, timeless
You’ll need:

How to assemble:

  1. Layer the 3" x 3" DSP over the 3-1/4" square foil. Wrap twine around the panel four times and tie a bow to the left (tweezers are your best friend).

  2. Die-cut a gold star and pop it up in the center with a single Dimensional.

  3. Gold heat-emboss “Wishing you peace and joy” on a 1/2" strip of Basic Black; pop it across the panel to finish.

Pro tip: When heat-embossing on black, swipe first with an embossing buddy to keep stray powder at bay and get that crisp, metallic shine.


Card 2: Joy-Fold “’Tis the Season” with Trees



Vibe: Interactive, classic, warm
You’ll need:

  • Thick Basic White (9" x 4-1/4", scored at 5-1/2") – main base

  • Thick Basic White (8-1/2" x 3-1/4", scored at 4-1/4") – inner flap

  • DSP panel (4" x 5-1/4") + front layers: Basic Black (4" x 3-1/4"), DSP (3-3/4" x 3")

  • Circle die-cut (≈3") for sentiment

  • Mossy Meadow ink + cardstock for trees, Memento for trunks (or a Basic Black Blend)

  • Low-profile gold dots, Dimensionals, Adhesive

How to assemble:

  1. Adhere the 4" x 5-1/4" DSP inside the main card base. Center and adhere the smaller folded card (inner flap) onto the left panel of the main base.

  2. Layer Basic Black (4" x 3-1/4") with DSP (3-3/4" x 3") and adhere to the small front flap.

  3. Stamp “’Tis the Season” slightly left-of-center on the circle, pop up with Dimensionals.

  4. Stamp two Mossy Meadow trees; color trunks; die-cut. Adhere one flat behind the circle; pop the second with Dimensionals so it overlaps the right edge of the circle.

  5. Finish with three gold dots for a rule-of-three sparkle.



Pro tip: Place Dimensionals only where the circle sits on the small flap—so your card still opens easily.


Card 3: Inlaid Ornament with Diagonal Embossed Panel



Vibe: Sophisticated, textural, couture
You’ll need:

  • Thick Basic White base (8-1/2" x 5-1/2", score at 4-1/4")

  • Basic Black layer (5-1/4" x 4")

  • Basic White layer (3-3/4" x 5")—cut diagonally, then trim 1/4" from the straight edge of both pieces to create a channel

  • Christmas Words Collage 3D embossing folder (hybrid)

  • Ornament dies: outline (Black), solid backer (White), detail inlay (Gold Foil) + topper (Gold)

  • Black/Gold baker’s twine, Gold dots, Dimensionals, Tear & Tape (as a “holder” for angled twine)

How to assemble:

  1. Emboss the two White diagonal pieces. Stamp “Merry Christmas” on the lower piece in Memento and let it dry.

  2. Adhere both diagonals to the Black layer, keeping an even gap between them for the twine channel. Wrap twine on the angle and secure on the back (use Tear & Tape to coax it into place), tie a small bow.

  3. Die-cut: Black ornament (outline), White ornament (backer), Gold detail circles + topper. Adhere Black outline to White backer; inlay Gold pieces; add Gold topper.

  4. Pop the ornament over the twine channel with Dimensionals; add three gold dots.

Pro tip: Inlay tiny pieces with micro-dots of liquid glue—just enough to hold, not enough to ooze.






What’s New & Can’t-Miss

  • Paper Pumpkin (November: “Wrapped in Cheer”) – Subscribe by November 10 for festive treat/gift-card boxes with tags, twine, and classic holiday colors.

  • Online Exclusives – Fresh holiday goodies (including this suite!) available online—some while supplies last.

  • 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar – I’ll be opening one box per night this week—join me live and craft along!

  • Best Join Offer I’ve seen: Choose $125 in product for $35 or $189 in product for $99—both with free shipping and a past Paper Pumpkin kit. If you’re curious, let’s chat—no pressure, just options.


I hope these ideas spark your creativity and make holiday cardmaking feel joyful, not stressful. Tell me: which card is your favorite—the star, the trees, or the ornament? Drop a comment, save this for later, and share with a crafty friend who loves black, white, and gold as much as we do!

October 5, 2025

Festive Friends Christmas Cards: Quick, Cute & Gift-Ready!

 

It’s officially Christmas card season, my friends — and I couldn’t be more excited! This week, I kicked things off with the Festive Friends Bundle, and let me tell you, it’s the perfect mix of fun, festive, and adorable. Between the sweet little elf, the sparkly snowman, and a Santa card that doubles as a gift-card holder, these projects will have you ready for holiday gifting in no time.

So grab your coffee (mine’s always close by 😉), and let’s dive into some easy, merry cardmaking!


🎁 The Bundle That Brings the Joy

The Festive Friends Bundle from Stampin’ Up! has everything you need to create whimsical Christmas cards that will bring smiles all season long. The set includes coordinating dies for every image — from Santa and his jolly hat to the sweetest little elf you’ve ever seen. You’ll also find trees, snowflakes, and a variety of tag shapes that make layering and embellishing so simple.

I love that it works beautifully with other seasonal favorites too, like the Traditions of Christmas Designer Series Paper and a touch of Wink of Stella for that frosty sparkle.


🧝‍♂️ Quick & Cute: Our Merry Little Elf


First up was our cheerful elf! I used Old Olive Stampin’ Blends for his outfit and Petal Pink for his skin tone, then gave his button a pop of Real Red. The design features a stitched circle layer and a fun label die borrowed from the Fright Night bundle — proving that mixing and matching your dies is half the fun!

Tip: When coloring with alcohol markers, work in small sections so your ink blends smoothly while still wet.

Add a few sequins, and voilà — one adorable card ready to make spirits bright.


☃️ Shimmery Snowman Delight


Next came the snowman — glistening with Wink of Stella from head to toe! His scarf and hat are colored in Real Red and Old Olive, and his nose in Pumpkin Pie (of course!). I layered him over a piece of glimmer paper and used a few die-cut snowflakes for texture and movement.

Don’t forget to decorate the inside of your cards too! I added a stamped tree and a few snowflakes for that extra “wow” when it’s opened.


🎅 A Gift Card Holder That’s Santa-Approved



The last project of the evening was my favorite — a simple card that doubles as a gift card holder! The card base is scored at 5½" and 9", creating a pocket for your gift card. I used tear-and-tape to secure the edges, added a bit of designer series paper for contrast, and finished with our jolly Santa colored in Real Red, Petal Pink, and a little Smoky Slate shading.

The sentiment “Santa’s Coming to Town” says it all — perfect for friends, teachers, or anyone on your list.




✨ A Few More Notes

  • The October Paper Pumpkin Kit subscription is open until October 10th — you’ll make nine Christmas cards with coordinating envelopes and festive embellishments.

  • Don’t miss the Kit Sale running Tuesday–Wednesday, where you can save up to 30% on all-inclusive kits (including that gorgeous card keeper box!).

  • And if you’ve been thinking about joining Stampin’ Up!, the $35 Join Special this month is the best I’ve ever seen. You’ll pick $125 in products, pay just $35, and get free shipping — plus 20% off future orders.


💌 Let’s Keep Crafting Together!

I had such a blast creating these cheerful Christmas projects, and I hope they inspire you to get festive early this year. Which one was your favorite — the elf, the snowman, or Santa’s gift card holder? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time, happy stamping, and may your week be filled with sparkle and creativity.

💖
Katrina
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

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