3 Simple & Beautiful Cards Using the 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar

When Simple Is Exactly What You Need

Let’s be honest — this time of year gets busy. Between work, family, weather, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time to sit down and actually enjoy crafting can feel like a stretch. That’s why this week’s projects are all about keeping things simple, beautiful, and stress-free.

Using supplies from the 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar, I created three handmade cards that come together quickly but still feel thoughtful and polished. These are the kinds of cards you can make in an evening, during a quick creative break, or even last-minute without panic crafting kicking in.

If you’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed or short on time, these designs are proof that simple doesn’t mean boring.

Why the 12 Days of Crafting Advent Calendar Works So Well

One of my favorite things about this Advent Calendar is that the coordination is already done for you. The papers, colors, embellishments, and textures all work together, which means:

• Less decision fatigue

• Faster card assembly

• More confidence while creating

When supplies are designed to play nicely together, you can focus on layout and layering — not second-guessing every choice.

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Card #1: Sweet Birthday Wishes

This first card is soft, cheerful, and perfect for birthdays of all ages. The patterned paper does most of the heavy lifting here, which makes this design ideal when you want something pretty without a lot of steps.

Why it works:

• Large DSP panel creates instant impact

• A simple sentiment label keeps it clean

• A small focal image adds charm without clutter

This is a great layout to keep in your back pocket because you can swap the sentiment and use it for almost any occasion.

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Card #2: Love You With Texture

The second card steps things up just a bit by adding texture — and texture is one of the easiest ways to make a simple card feel extra special.

Why it works:

• Embossed panel adds dimension fast

• Layered focal elements keep the design balanced

• Neutral tones make it versatile for many occasions

If you ever feel like your cards are “missing something,” try adding texture before adding more layers. It makes a bigger difference than you think.

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Card #3: For Someone Extra Special

This card is my favorite example of simple layering done right. Clean lines, coordinated colors, and just enough embellishment to draw the eye without overwhelming the design.

Why it works:

• Horizontal layering creates visual interest

• A bold focal image anchors the card

• Sentiment placement feels intentional and elegant

This design is perfect for happy mail, encouragement cards, or anytime you want to let someone know they matter.

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Tips for Making These Designs Even Faster

If you’re short on time (or patience 😄), here are a few ways to speed things up:

• Cut multiple card bases at once

• Pre-cut DSP panels for a mini card batch

• Stamp sentiments in advance

• Keep embellishments limited to 2–3 per card

Remember — finished is better than perfect.

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Final Thoughts

These cards are a great reminder that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours of time to create something beautiful. With the right supplies and a simple plan, crafting can feel relaxing again — not like another item on your to-do list.

If you give any of these layouts a try, I’d love to see them! Leave a comment, save this post for later, or reach out if you want help picking supplies or adapting the designs to what you already have on hand.

Happy crafting 💙

Simple & Elegant Nativity Cards Featuring the A Child Is Born Stamp Set

 If you’re craving some peaceful, elegant Christmas cardmaking before the holiday rush sweeps you away again, this week’s projects hit the spot. I’m featuring the A Child Is Born stamp set — a Last Chance item and beautifully discounted — paired with that jaw-dropping Lights of Aurora Designer Series Paper. These three cards come together quickly, but they look like you spent hours fussing over them. (You didn’t. No judgment if Christmas-card fatigue is very real right now. I’m right there with you. 😉)

These projects are perfect for beginners, perfect for batching, and perfect if you want something meaningful without getting lost in hours of coloring. Let’s jump in.

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Card 1: Soft Blocks + Vellum Overlay (For Unto Us a Child Is Born)

This first card is all about clean lines and glow. The blocked DSP layout lets those aurora swirls do most of the heavy lifting, and the vellum pulls everything together with a soft, ethereal feel.

Why it works:

• Vellum provides a subtle layer

• Simple stamping + a circle punch keeps the design clean

• Iridescent dots + sheer ribbon add just enough sparkle

Try it yourself:
Use 1¾" squares/rectangles 1 3/4" x 4", mix one stamped block with DSP blocks, and keep your sentiment low on the punched circle so the manger image can shine.

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Card 2: Silver Embossed Nativity (Oh Holy Night)

If you want a “wow” moment without the work, embossing is always the answer. Silver on white over those dramatic aurora skies? Absolutely stunning.

The process:

• Stamp Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus with Versamark

• Heat-emboss in silver

• Add a soft wash of Misty Moonlight with a water painter — just enough to tint the swaddling cloth

• Tear the edges of your panel toward you for soft texture

• Finish with a ribbon bow and frosted embellishments

Why this is a great batch card:
Embossing looks fancy, but once your heat tool is hot, you can knock out a whole stack of these in no time.

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Card 3: Book Fold Nativity (Oh Holy Night)

You know I love a good book fold — easy, pretty, and always impressive. This one uses black cardstock to add contrast against the bright Lights of Aurora DSP and crisp white embossing.

What makes this card pop:

• White heat-embossed nativity scene

• Coordinating DSP strip inside the card

• Soft blue sheer ribbon wrapped around the hinge

• Clean, classic sentiment punched with the new Banner punch from the Online Exclusives

This is the kind of card that looks like it belongs on a mantel. And yes — no coloring required unless you want to.

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Don’t Forget: Free Card Kits Through the 15th!

Because this was the first Sunday of the month, these card kits are FREE with any $40 purchase in my online store (before tax/shipping) through the 15th. I’ll ship everything by the 20th so you can finish your Christmas crafting with ease.

And if you don’t already own A Child Is Born, it’s on the Last Chance list and marked down — so now’s the moment to grab it.

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Wrapping Up

I hope these projects inspire you to create something peaceful and meaningful this week. If the cold has you wrapped in blankets like me, a good cup of tea and some simple stamping are the perfect combo.

Tell me in the comments:
Which of these three designs will you be recreating first?

Happy crafting, friends. 💜
—Katrina

Product List

A Child Is Born Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [169234] $21.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229] $17.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780] $14.00	Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [121045] $14.00
Lights Of Aurora 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper [165755] $12.50	2 3/8" (6 Cm) Circle Punch [161354] $25.00	Three Banner Punch [167050] $26.00	Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin' Pad [153118] $9.00
Gorgeous Grape Classic Stampin' Pad [147099] $9.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $9.50	Balmy Blue 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Sheer Ribbon [165767] $8.50	Frosted Iridescent Dots [165766] $9.00
Basics Wow! Embossing Powder [165679] $21.00	Metallics Wow! Embossing Powder [165678] $21.00	Heat Tool (Us And Canada) [129053] $32.00	Mini Stampin' Dimensionals [144108] $4.25
Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.25	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] $4.25	Stampin' Seal [152813] $8.00

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My Top 10 Christmas Cards of 2025 — Inspiration for Your Holiday Crafting!

 This year’s Christmas card season has been such a joy. Between classic greens, cozy critters, elegant neutrals, and a little Northern Lights drama, this lineup truly reflects everything I love about holiday paper crafting.

Whether you need quick & easy or full-blown “wow,” here are my Top 10 Cards of the Year and why they made the list:

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1. Celebrate the Season Snowflake

Bold, layered, and wintery. The stitched circle + giant snowflake combo is always a crowd-pleaser and is my number one card on Pinterest for saves and re-pins!

2. Gingham Tree Card

Simple pieces, big visual punch. You can replicate this one in minutes.

3. Festive Elf

Cute, quirky, and perfect for kids (or adults who act like kids — no judgment!).

4. Jolly Delivery Pup

This little dog in a sweater carries the whole season’s joy in one image.

5. Northern Lights Scene

DSP magic + silhouettes = breathtaking.

6. Llama Christmas

If you love whimsical cards, this one is pure personality.

7. Gold Star Classic

Black + gold + geometric lines = modern elegance.

8. Peace on Earth Dove

Soft blues and embossed texture make this one incredibly calming.

9. Pine Wreath

Traditional holiday style with a warm, cozy vibe.

10. Traditions of Christmas Floral

This one’s all about bold color and classic holiday beauty.

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I hope these designs give you inspiration as you finish your own Christmas cards this season. Want the tutorials? Join my email list — I send out free project sheets every week!

Elegant Christmas Cards with the Traditions of Christmas Suite (Plus HUGE Black Friday Deals!)

 **Elegant Christmas Cards with the Traditions of Christmas Suite

3 Simple Designs + Black Friday Savings You Don’t Want to Miss**

If you love fast, elegant Christmas cards, the Traditions of Christmas Suite is going to be your new best friend. This suite is loaded — two bundles, stunning paper, sparkling sequins, and ribbon with the prettiest shimmer. I used all of it in my live this week to create three simple-but-stunning cards you can recreate in no time.

And before we jump in… heads up. Black Friday is coming with some SERIOUS savings on crafting essentials — including Stampin’ Blends, ink bundles, trimmers, adhesives, cardstock, and more. Keep scrolling for full details plus my own Mystery Box special running Black Friday through Cyber Monday!

Let’s dive into the projects.

Card 1: Merry & Bright (Bubble Bath + Classic Red)

This first card shows off two of my favorite things: a non-traditional Christmas color and paper that does all the work for you.

I paired Bubble Bath with the rich reds in the DSP, wrapped a Real Red ribbon around the panel, and popped on a die-cut sentiment from the Traditional Labels dies. A few of the gold Traditional Sparkling Sequins finish the whole thing.

Why this card works:

Minimal measuring

Paper does the heavy lifting

Ribbon hides the seam (love that trick!)

Card 2: Seasons Greetings Floral Spray

This one looks fancy — but it’s just stamped, filled in with coordinating stamps, and die-cut. No complicated coloring, unless you want to pull out your Blends.

The Forever Plaid 3D embossing folder adds texture, the Christmas Greenery dies give you the perfect sprigs, and the gold Mix & Match ephemera sentiment ties it all together.

Quick Tip:

If the die-cut sprigs are too long, give them a haircut. No one will know but us.

Card 3: Layered Floral Season’s Greetings (Featuring Vellum!)

If you missed it — yes, vellum is back! And it's now 12×12 and it is perfect for softening busy patterned paper.

I used the bouquet images straight from the DSP (thank you, Stampin’ Up! for matching dies to paper!) and layered the vellum behind it for a soft glow. A big Season’s Greetings banner and a few sequins make this one feel special without any extra work.

What I love here:

Zero stamping for the main image

Vellum instantly elevates your layout

Die-cutting from the DSP = fast cards

**Stampin’ Up! Black Friday Sale

🗓️ 11/25/25–12/1/25**

This year, Stampin’ Up! is dropping one of the biggest Black Friday sales I’ve seen in a while. Get ready to stock up:

🔥 40% OFF

Stampin’ Blends

Paper Trimmer + Replacement Blades

Ink Bundles

✨ 25% OFF

Select adhesives

📦 15% OFF

Select cardstock

This is the time to refresh your basics, build your blend collection, and grab those pricey tools you’ve been eyeing.

**Katrina’s Mystery Box Black Friday Special

🗓️ 11/28/25–12/1/25**

And now for my Black Friday deal — because I love spoiling my community.

For four days only:

Spend $50 → Get a Mystery Box worth $75

Spend $75 → Get a Mystery Box worth $100

Spend $100 → Get a Mystery Box worth $125

And it keeps climbing in $25 increments

The product inside is my gift to you — you just cover shipping for the box. These go fast every year, so don’t wait.

Before You Go…

Which card are you going to try first?

Drop a comment, pin this for later, or come hang out next Sunday night so we can craft together. Wishing you a cozy week and a beautiful start to your holiday season. ❤️

Craft n Chat on Butter – A Night of Creativity and Community (Nov. 21st)

Grab your favorite project and join me for an evening of crafting and connection!

 

Make Time for Creativity and Connection

Life gets busy, and sometimes our creative passions take a backseat. That’s why I host Craft n Chat on Butter—a monthly, free craft-along designed to bring people together in a fun, supportive space. Whether you’re a seasoned card maker, a casual crocheter, or just need some time to play with paper, this night is for you.

On Friday, November 21, 2025, from 7–9 p.m. ET, we’ll gather virtually on Butter (a free, browser-based platform). All you need to do is bring whatever project you’re working on—card making, scrapbooking, sewing, crochet, knitting, or anything else—and hang out while we craft side by side.

Why You’ll Love Craft n Chat

• Zero pressure, all fun. Work at your own pace, on your own project.

• Creative community. Meet other crafters who “get it” and love handmade just like you.

• Fresh inspiration. See what others are making, swap ideas, and spark your next project.

• Relax and recharge. It’s your time to focus on something you enjoy—no stress, no demands.

How to Join

It’s totally free—just grab your project and click the button below to save your spot:

👉 Join Here

FAQ

What should I bring?
Anything you want to work on—card making, scrapbooking, knitting, crochet, sewing, even coloring books!

How much does it cost?
Nothing—it’s completely free.

Do I need to download software?
Nope! Butter works right in your browser. Just click the link and join.

Will there be a replay?
This is a live hangout, so no replay. The magic is in showing up live with us!

Can I invite a friend?
Absolutely—share the link with anyone who’d love a crafty night in.

Don’t Miss Out

Set aside a couple of hours for yourself and your creativity. You’ll walk away with progress on your projects, fresh ideas, and a happy heart.

👉 Click here to join

3 Easy Christmas Cards with the Jolly Delivery Bundle (Perfect for Pet Lovers!)

 

If you're anything like me, once mid-November hits, the crafting switch flips on and suddenly we’re knee-deep in cardstock, adhesives, and Christmas DSP. This week’s projects are all about keeping things simple, cute, and stress-free — because let’s be honest, the holiday craziness is already coming at us fast enough.

Today I’m sharing three easy Christmas cards featuring the Jolly Delivery Bundle from Stampin’ Up! These cards are adorable, beginner-friendly, and packed with charm… especially if you’re a pet lover like me. Dogs, mailboxes, Christmas packages — it’s all here.

Let’s dive in.

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🎄 Card 1: “Merry Christmas and Happy Wishes”

This first card is pure holiday coziness. I paired Poppy Parade, Garden Green, and that adorable mailbox-waiting pup for a classic Christmas look with a playful twist.

What makes this card work:

• The stitched circle keeps the scene clean and centered.

• Layered DSP adds texture without overwhelming.

• That tiny trail of paw prints inside the card? It seals the deal.

Tip:
If you’re using the Jolly Delivery stamps, Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends give the dog a warm, natural look. Add a pop of Poppy Parade to his scarf to tie in the card base.

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📮 Card 2: “Special Delivery”

This card may be simple, but it packs a punch thanks to the three-panel layout. It’s crisp, graphic, and the perfect way to let Stampin' Up!’s gorgeous DSP do the heavy lifting.

And the star?
Our little daschund in his red sweater marching across the front, mail in his mouth like he's on a mission.

Why this layout is a win:

• Narrow strips of DSP stretch your paper farther.

• The large stitched square creates an easy focal point.

• Using the coordinating dies to cut images directly from the DSP saves time. No coloring required!

Tip:
Keep a sheet of mini dimensionals handy — they’re perfect for small die-cut critters.

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❄️ Card 3: “From the North Pole”

This last one steps away from the traditional red-and-green Christmas palette and leans into Pool Party, White, and pops of Poppy Parade. The soft cool tones feel fresh and wintry.

I used the pre-cut pop-outs from the DSP (love when Stampin’ Up! does this!) — the cute little storefront and an envelope — and layered them over three soft polka-dot squares.

What makes this one fun:

• No stamping for the images — everything is pre-cut.

• Equal-sized squares make layout placement easy.

• Works with ANY leftover DSP bits you have lying around.

Tip:
Change the sentiment and you've got a perfect winter birthday, thank you, or happy mail card.

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✨ Final Thoughts

The Jolly Delivery Bundle is honestly way more versatile than I expected. Between the stamps, dies, laser-cut pieces, and coordinating DSP, you can mix-and-match your way through an entire stack of Christmas cards — and still feel inspired.

Whether you're into coloring, die-cutting, or keeping things quick with pop-outs, this suite makes it easy.

If you recreate these cards, I’d love to see them! Leave a comment below or tag me on Facebook or Instagram so I can cheer you on. Grab the tutorials below

Happy crafting, my friend — and may your mailbox be full of only pretty mail this season. 💌

Quick & Easy Christmas Cards with the Christmas Tags & More DSP

 If you’ve been procrastinating on your Christmas cards (no judgment—we’ve all been there!), then tonight’s project is exactly what you need. I’m featuring the Christmas Tags & More 6” x 6” Designer Series Paper paired with the Traditional Labels Bundle, and friends, these cards practically make themselves! They’re cute, festive, and—best of all—fast.

Between the hustle of the holidays, work, and everyday life, sometimes the creative mojo just doesn’t show up when you need it. That’s when simple, pre-coordinated paper like this becomes your best friend.

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The Secret to Stress-Free Christmas Cards

The Christmas Tags & More DSP comes with beautiful patterns—greens, reds, plaids, and holly—that make it easy to whip up cards without overthinking. You’ll also find laser-cut elements like stockings, candy canes, and ornaments that are perfect for quick layers and accents.

Each sheet is 6x6, so cutting is simple—just trim a few pieces, add a stamped sentiment, a touch of bling, and you’re done. Let’s take a look at the three designs I created in no time flat.

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Card 1: Season’s Greetings

For this card, I started with a Soft Sea Foam base (8½" x 5½", scored at 4¼"). A layer of Garden Green cardstock frames a plaid piece of DSP beautifully, and a simple tree image from the paper takes center stage.

The sentiment “Season’s Greetings” is stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink and cut using one of the dies from the Traditional Labels set. I finished it off with Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive-Backed Berries for just the right amount of sparkle.

Tip: When you’re not feeling particularly creative, reach for DSP that does the work for you. Designer paper can give you instant inspiration when your creative spark needs a boost.

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Card 2: Merry and Bright

Nothing says Christmas like stockings hung in a row! This card uses a Thick Basic White base with a narrow strip of patterned paper along the left side for contrast. The focal image—a trio of stockings—comes right from the DSP, layered on with dimensionals.

The sentiment “Merry and Bright” is stamped in Garden Green ink, pairing a bold serif font with a script for a bit of playful charm. Add a cluster of Cherry Cobbler berries, and you’ve got a festive, modern look that comes together in minutes.

Quick Tip: When stamping sentiments near the bottom of your card, start with the bottom word first (“and Bright”) and then build upward so everything fits perfectly.

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Card 3: Christmas Wishes

This one looks elegant but takes only minutes! The base is Soft Sea Foam, with a Garden Green mat and a leafy DSP layer. The sentiment “Christmas Wishes” is stamped in Cherry Cobbler onto a die-cut label from the Traditional Labels bundle.

A single embellishment between the two words adds the perfect finishing touch. This is proof that sometimes, less really is more.

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Why You’ll Love These

Each of these cards is proof that quick doesn’t have to mean boring. Using the Christmas Tags & More DSP, you can easily make a dozen cards in an evening—perfect for those last-minute holiday mailings.

And if you’re short on time (or energy), this kind of project is a lifesaver. You’ll still get that handmade, heartfelt look without spending hours at your craft table.

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Final Thoughts

If your creativity feels tapped or your holiday to-do list is too long, reach for your favorite Designer Series Paper and let it do the work for you. Mix in a few versatile sentiments, some simple die cuts, and a sprinkle of embellishments, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly those cards come together.

So go grab that paper and get crafting—you’ve got this!

Want to make these cards with me? Watch the full replay on my YouTube Channel and see just how easy they are to put together. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list for upcoming class announcements, promotions, and crafty inspiration all season long.

Product List

Traditional Labels Bundle (English) [165865] $43.00	Traditional Labels Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [165854] $19.00	Traditional Labels Dies [165864] $29.00	Christmas Tags & More 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Mix & Match Specialty Designer Series Paper [165907] $12.50
Soft Sea Foam 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146988] $14.00	Basic White 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Thick Cardstock [166782] $26.00	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780] $14.00	Garden Green 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [102584] $14.00
Cherry Cobbler Classic Stampin' Pad [147083] $9.00	Garden Green Classic Stampin' Pad [147089] $9.00	Cherry Cobbler & Pearl Adhesive Backed Berries [164119] $9.00

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