Category: Christmas

  • Rustic Holly Wreath | By Natasha Vacca

    Hi Birch Press Friends, it is Natasha here and I am excited to be back on the blog today. Today I am sharing a rustic inspired holiday card featuring the beautiful Holly Wreath Layering die set.

    I started by die cutting all the layers from the Holly Wreath layering die set. I die cut layer C using a gold glitter card stock from the Festive Glitter Paper pad from Memory Box. I then die cut layer B and A using the Lush Green paper pad collection from Memory Box. I used 2 different shades of green from the paper pad. Next I added a bit of distressing to both layer B and A using my oxide inks. I then adhered all the layers together using liquid glue. I then splattered my wreath using metallic gold watercolor and white acrylic paint. I set the wreath aside.

    Next I worked on my background with a piece of wood grain paper from Wood Grain White paper pack. I added a bit of distressing to the panel using oxide inks. Once this was complete, I used my distress tool to add texture to the panel edges and then added distress ink to darken the edges.

    Next I die cut a few leaves using the Adornment Dove die set. I added distress oxide inks to the leaves and then embossing powder to the leaves for added texture. I cut a few berries using the Eucalyptus Stem and Berries Contour Layers die set. I used the festive Glitter Pad and die cut the berries in red. To create the look of snow on the berries, I added a bit of embossing ink and sprinkled a white glitter powder on each berry, then heat set the powder with my heat tool.

    To complete my card I chose the Find Joy and Outline die. I die cut the sentiment 3 times and adhered it together with liquid glue. I embossed the sentiment using the same white powder as I used on the berries. I added a twine bow around the distress wood panel, tied the bow and adhered this to my card base.

    I adhered the wreath using foam tape and adhered the sentiment, berries, and leaves using liquid glue. I added a button from my stash on the bottom right corner. I had a lot of fun creating today’s rustic holiday card! The Holly Wreath layering set is truly beautiful!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    gp1006 Festive Glitter Pad
    sp1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack
    57496 Eucalyptus Stem and Berries Contour Layers
    57450 Holly Wreath Plate Layer Set
    57452 Find Joy and Outline
    57479 Adornment Dove
    sh44001 White Woodgrain Paper
  • All Is Bright

    All Is Bright

    Hello, Birch Press friends! I have a pair of cards to share with you today featuring the gorgeous Crochet Snowflake Layer Set. One of the great things about using a layering die set is that you can easily and quickly make more than one card in one sitting!

    I started by cutting two card stock panels to 4″x5.25″ – one in navy blue and one in lime green. I lined up the Crochet Snowflake Layer C die in the middle of each panel to cut out the snowflake. I adhered each of the resulting panels (with the cutout in the middle) onto a white A2 card base. I then adhered the green snowflake onto the navy card panel and the navy snowflake onto the green panel, lining up each snowflake into the exact position as the cutouts in the panels. In order to enhance the look of dimension on my cards, I only glued the very center of each snowflake onto the card panel. This way, the edges of the snowflakes pop up from the background.

    For Layer B, I made a white glitter snowflake for my green card and a white foil snowflake for my navy card. I adhered only the center of these snowflakes right on top of the center of the Layer C snowflakes.

    For Layer A (the top snowflake), I used a navy glitter card stock for my navy card and a lime green mirror card stock for my green card. Again, I only adhered the center of each of these snowflakes on top of the Layer B snowflakes.

    The Layer C snowflake die creates some fun cutout designs in the card panel. You won’t see these on the actual snowflake – you’ll only see them if you end up using the panel that you cut the snowflake from. I added a mix of jewels and gemstones to the round cutouts of the design, again choosing colors that would complement my cards. I finished the cards with a heat embossed sentiment from the retired stamp set called “Joy and Peace.”

    Thank you so much for joining us today. I hope these cards inspire you and bring a smile to your face!

    Wishing you a crafty day,
    Allison


    Supplies


    57474 Crochet Snowflake Layer Set
    gp1006 Festive Glitter Pad
    fp1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack
    sp1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack
    sp1006 Stormy Blue 6×6 pack

    Supplies


    cry102 Christmas Fairy Crystals
    gem102 Winter Fantasy Fairy Gemstones
    jwl003 Bright Jewels

  • Mistletoe Ornament | by Toni M Maddox

    Mistletoe Ornament | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, Birch Press fans! Toni here with you today sharing a rather more traditional holiday card than my usual. Sometimes you just need to go classic and elegant!

    I started the card by cutting the Meridian Ornament out of Memory Box Berry Red and Fresh Aqua 6×6 cardstock. I also cut out the Christmas Ornament Pop Up Easel elements from this.

    Next I sponged Distress Oxide Aged Mahogany on the red cardstock and Faded Jeans on the blue to give depth and add a vintage touch. I also covered the bow in Lawn Fawn Glitter Pen (Wink of Stella would have worked well too).

    For the Tiny Tuft Flowers & Leaves and Eucalyptus Stem & Berries Contour Layers, I used Memory Box Vintage Pastel Mirror, Lush Green, and Earth Neutral 6×6 cardstocks.

    I adhered those to the card front which used a cream shimmer paper from my stash then nestled the ornament within.

    I hope you enjoyed today’s card and have a great rest of your week!

    Supplies

    57470 Meridian Ornament Layer Set

    57455 Christmas Ornament Pop Up Easel

    57501 Tiny Tuft Flowers and Leaves Contour Layers

    57496 Eucalyptus Stem and Berries Contour Layers

    FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

    SP1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack

    SP1009 Earth Neutral 6×6 pack

    SP1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack

    SP1004 Fresh Aqua 6×6 pack

  • Bold Holiday Color Ideas / by Colleen Balija

    Bold Holiday Color Ideas / by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends,

    What colors do you generally resort to for your holiday cards? I like to venture out and try new colors and textures for my holiday cards, so today I want to share my idea on a bold and shimmery card that is unique for the holiday!!!

    For my card I’m using Birch Press Designs Herbarium Layering Plates, Merry Christmas Sugar Script & Outline die, Crochet Snowflake layering die, Eucalyptus Stem & Berries Contour Layering die, and Memory Box Majestic Hues and Rainbow Reflections paper pads.

    First step was to choose my color combinations. You can get inspired to find new colors by searching color mood boards or google popular colors, you can take inspiration from another card maker, or just choose your own colors! Try and limit your colors to no more than 3-4.

    Once my colors were decided upon, the next step was to choose the texture I wanted to add. Texture is a great detail to add to your card and it can come in many forms! I decided on a combination of mirrored paper and glitter paper. Glitter paper has a different texture than the smooth finish of mirrored cardstock, so I thought the combination of both was perfect!

    Next, I chose the design elements for my card (stamps, dies, embellishments). For me, it’s important to choose the color and texture first, as that makes it easier for me to choose the perfect stamps and dies!

    Once I had my plan in place and everything gathered around me, I was ready to put the card together. I started with the background using the Herbarium Layering Plates. This is a GORGEOUS and detailed layering die! Each layer was die cut in black glitter, white glitter, and mirrored gold paper from the Memory Box Majestic Hues and Rainbow Reflections 6×6 paper pads. The mirrored gold was actually the 5.5×4.25 card base as well so it served a dual purpose! I set my finished background aside and worked on the focal point – the sentiment.

    I die cut the Merry Christmas Sugar Script and Outline in magenta and glitter black cardstock. Since the sentiment is the focal point, I chose a color that would stand out from the background! After I finished the sentiment, I decided that I wanted more magenta on the card to even the colors out a bit more, so I die cut the Eucalyptus Stem & Berries Contour Layers in the same 2 colors as the sentiment.

    I wanted another layer to be added between the background and the sentiment so that the sentiment would stand out from the busy background. I die cut the Crochet Snowflake layered die in shades of silver, gold and white glitter and mirrored cardstock and adhered it over the background. I stayed with the same color scheme for the snowflake with the exception of black.

    Next, I tucked the Eucalyptus Stem & Berries behind the Crochet Snowflake and then added the sentiment, which was popped up on foam tape to help it stand out even more. Every little bit helps! I finished with a few gold sequins over the berries!

    If you look at the finished card below, you can see a nice flow of color and texture! The eye is drawn right to the sentiment, and that’s what you want! You can get away with as much busyness as my card has when you limit your colors and textures!

    Next time you work on your holiday cards, no matter what the holiday you’re celebrating, search the Color Mood boards or google popular winter colors to get ideas on unique combos that you can use for your cards. You won’t regret it and your recipients will be delighted to get such a beautiful and unique holiday card from you! I’m so glad you joined me today!

    Supplies

    57471 Merry Christmas Sugar Script and Outline

    57474 Crochet Snowflake Layer Set

    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set

    GP1008 Majestic Hues Glitter Pad

    FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

    57496 Eucalyptus Stem and Berries Contour Layers

  • Santa Baby | by Toni M Maddox

    Santa Baby | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, Birch Press fans! Toni here with you today sharing a simple holiday card using the BPD Adornment Santa. Isn’t he super cute?!

    I colored him up with Copic E00 and E11 and used a flocked red cardstock for his hat. Yes, I have flocked cardstock that’s been in my stash for years as I used it primarily at Christmas-time.

    I used the BPD Herbarium Plate A as an impression plate on the card base. You know I love adding texture this way–subtle but adds a lot of interest.

    I finished the card using the BPD Handwritten Merry Christmas & Outline. I was very pleased with how easy it was to line up the outline die with the stamped sentiment.

    I hope you enjoyed today’s card and have a great rest of your week!

    Supplies

    57482 Adornment Santa

    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set

    57478 Handwritten Merry Christmas and Outline

  • Felicity Snowflakes | by Crystal Komara

    Felicity Snowflakes | by Crystal Komara

    Hello friends! This is Design Team member Crystal Komara here with you today. If there is one thing I love when it comes to cardmaking, it’s the alcohol. Ink, that is! ; ) Initially I never thought I would have enjoyed working with alcohol inks as much as I have because, well. . . they’re messy. They stain. They are a tad unpredictable in outcome and all that just terrifies me. Yet, somehow I learned to love them and now can’t feature them enough on my cards.

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. I cut a 5 1/4″ x 4″ piece of Yupo (polysynthetic paper) and “ink blew” Ranger Adirondack alcohol ink in the color Stream over the Yupo paper. That’s it, just one ink color was all I used! As it moves around and dries, you get puddles of ink that look like other darker and lighter colors, but I assure you, I used just one color. Nice and easy!

    Using the Felicity Snowflakes dies, I cut the outer layer from vellum cardstock and the top thinner layer from white cardstock. I adhered the two layers together with liquid adhesive and then I adhered the snowflakes to the card with a small pop dot (which you can actually see through the vellum, it’s too hard to hide).

    Using the Contempo Christmas Greetings stamp set and coordinating die, I stamped the sentiment in Versamark ink on white cardstock and heat embossed it with turquoise embossing powder. I used the coordinating circle die to cut out the sentiment. I adhered the sentiment to the card with Scotch 3M foam adhesive for added dimension.

    Now that I think about it, you could make this same card in ANY color! Red or green alcohol ink would be very traditional, but I’m also thinking pinks and purples for a pop of pizazz too!

    Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

  • Be Merry Wreath

    Be Merry Wreath

    Hello, Birch Press friends. Happy November! The holidays are getting closer and closer, and there is no better time to start making those holiday cards. Of course, I love making them all year round. The most recent release is full of holiday fun. But I wanted to show you how to use some non-holiday products and turn them into a festive card.

    I started my card by dry embossing Layer C of the Flora Plate die set onto the front of a Kraft A2 card base. This is one of my favorite ways to create unexpected texture for a background. I then looked through my collection of Contour Layers die sets for the perfect leaf to create a wreath with. There are many floral sets with great options, but I chose the leaf from the Tiny Tuft Flowers set.

    I chose four different colors of green card stock and die cut a bunch of leaves. I then began arranging them in a circle to get an idea of placement and size. I originally was going to use a word die for a sentiment, but I decided to use the round “be merry” stamp for the center of the wreath. I heat embossed it onto Kraft card stock with red embossing powder and cut it out with the matching circle die. I adhered it to the card panel, and this gave me the center point to build my wreath around.

    There are three sets of leaves that are attached to branches, and I started by glueing the full elements down to form the wreath shape. As my wreath got more full, I would snip individual leaves off to fill in as needed.

    For the berries, I used the Eucalyptus Stem and Berries die set, which is now retired. Again, these berries come attached to a branch (I believe there are seven berries on the branch), but I cut them into smaller bunches or even single berries as needed. When I was finished, I splattered the entire card with some white acrylic paint, making sure to cover the stamped sentiment with some washi tape first.

    Thank you so much for joining us today. I hope this card inspires you and brings a smile to your face!

    Wishing you a crafty day,
    Allison


    Supplies


    57501 Tiny Tuft Flowers and Leaves Contour Layers
    8162 Contempo Christmas Greetings clear stamp and die set
    57437 Flora Plate Layer Set
    sp1001 Berry Red 6×6 pack
    sp1003 Lush Green 6×6 pack
  • Non-Traditional Holiday Cards / by Colleen Balija

    Non-Traditional Holiday Cards / by Colleen Balija

    Today I want to share a non-traditional holiday card! I am a big fan of testing the waters on unique color schemes for my holiday cards. I think they keep things fresh and interesting! Let’s get started with today’s card, called Merry Christmas with Love!

    First step was to choose the colors for this holiday card. I wanted to use a lot of black and white with just a touch of bold color, so I chose a shade of teal green. Now, green is a holiday color, but teal green is a bit different than the traditional Forest or Mistletoe green! NOTE: You could also go with shades of pink or yellow or purple! Choose a color that you love, and your card will be amazing!

    Once my colors were selected, I chose my Birch Press Design elements, which were Herbarium Layering Plates, Contempo Christmas Greetings stamp and coordinating die, Merry Christmas Sugar Script die, and Memory Box Vintage Pastel paper. I wanted foliage on this card, so I also chose Eucalyptus Stem and Berries Contour dies! These foliage dies will be perfect on holiday cards!

    With my colors and design elements chosen, I started on the background piece. the background here is also a focal point, so I wanted it to pop! I chose black, teal green, and a shimmery white for the layers of the Herbarium Layering Plates. I die cut each layer and adhered them together using liquid glue, going from darkest color to lightest on top. I just love how that black and teal green shine through all the layers! Once my background was finished, I set it aside and started on my sentiment and foliage.

    I wanted the sentiment and foliage to be in the same colors as the background. This way everything is cohesive and is easy on the eyes! I die cut the Merry Christmas Sugar Script in black and teal green and adhered the 2 layers together. I also stamped a sentiment “with love” and adhered both to the lower third of the background card panel.

    Next, I die cut the foliage from Eucalyptus Stem & Berries Contour set in silver, teal green, and black. I adhered the layers together and tucked them behind the Merry Christmas sentiment. I finished with embellishments in teal green.

    I love how the colors blend beautifully together to create a lovely and unique Christmas card! This card has the holiday shine and shimmer, but the colors are unique and will stand out to your recipients! Thanks for stopping by!

    Supplies

    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set

    57496 Eucalyptus Stem and Berries Contour Layers

    CL8162 Contempo Christmas Greetings clear stamp set

    57471 Merry Christmas Sugar Script and Outline

    FP1002 Vintage Pastel Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

  • A Country Christmas / by Colleen Balija

    A Country Christmas / by Colleen Balija

    Hi everyone, this is my first blog post with Birch Press Designs, and I just couldn’t be any more excited! I hope that you will enjoy my cards and find inspiration to create your own version! This card reminds me of A Country Christmas with the ever-so popular black and white gingham and pastel colors. Let’s get started on how I was inspired to create this holiday delight!

    The first step was to choose my colors. I always choose colors first because it inspires the rest of the card when I take this first step. Recently I was shopping at a craft store and saw beautiful holiday table wear in black and white. I took a picture of it so that I would remember to use those colors on my next card, which turns out to be this one!

    Once my colors were selected, I chose my Birch Press Design elements to use, which were the Herbarium Layering Plates (A only) and the Holly Wreath Layering Plates. Since most of the card was going to be in black and white, I wanted the wreath to pop with a bit of color, so I used pastel shades of green, coral, and black from the Memory Box Vintage Pastel patterned paper pack. I also grabbed a black and white gingham ribbon that I had on hand and a few embellishments. Now that I had inspiration and all my design elements ready, it was time to put everything together!

    Step one was to create the background. Starting with a 5.5×4.25 white card panel, I die cut Layer A from Herbarium Layering Plates, punched out the positive pieces, and adhered it using liquid glue to a 5.5×4.25 white card base. NOTE: I use liquid glue because it gives me a little wiggle room to place my design element where I want it before it adheres permanently! When my background was finished, I set it aside to work on the wreath.

    Next step was to die the 3 layers from Holly Wreath Layering Plates using the pastel paper I had set aside earlier. The darkest color (black) was the bottom layer. I find that going from dark to light helps to add dimension because the darkest colors look furthest away from your eyes. When I was finished die cutting all 3 layers, I placed the die cuts over the images on the packaging to guide me in aligning all the layers properly. And once again, I used liquid glue to help me adhere each layer perfectly! Then I glued my finished holly wreath over the background panel I created earlier.

    Next, it was time to work on my sentiment. As you can see in the photo below, the word “Noel” is placed over the wreath! There’s a secret to helping these little guys stand out from the wreath – read on to find out!

    Using Mod Alphabet die set and Felicity Snowflake, I die cut the word Noel, minus the ‘o’, in black and pastel green. I did the same for one of the larger and rounder snowflakes. I adhered foam tape onto the back of each letter and snowflake to help it stand out from the wreath, and then I adhered it to the top of the wreath. And by the way, that’s my secret to helping the sentiment pop off the page! Foam tape is a miracle worker because it lifts the image off the page. Going back to the sentiment, the snowflake replaced the letter ‘o’ because it looks like an ‘o’. These are the details that take your card from average to WOW!

    Next, I added the Merry Christmas sentiment to the middle of the wreath using Contempo Christmas Greetings stamp and coordinating die set. I created a bow using the gingham black and white ribbon and adhered that to the bottom of the wreath, trimming the ends at an angle. I finished with embellishments that look like red berries!

    This card was so much fun to create, and I just adore the black and white touches to it! Black and white is a color combo that can never go wrong. Start with that and then add your pop of color to your own card! Thanks so much for joining me today!

    Supplies

    57453 Felicity Snowflakes

    57450 Holly Wreath Plate Layer Set

    8139 Mod Alphabet clear stamp and die set

    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set

    FP1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad 6×6 pack

  • Slimline Snowflake Trio | by Toni M Maddox

    Slimline Snowflake Trio | by Toni M Maddox

    Hello, everyone! Toni here with you today sharing a holiday card inspired by Scandinavian designs I’ve seen here and there.

    I cut out the BPD Piped Icing Star from white and Memory Box Ocean Blue 6×6 cardstock. I cut the floral centers from scrap red cardstock and added white pigment pen dots.

    I cut out a slimline card base from Memory Box Woodgrain Cardstock and mounted the stars on top.

    I colored scrap cardstock using Copic R29 to match the star centers and cut the BPD Sugar Script Merry Christmas from it. I added a narrow strip to the bottom as well.

    I hope you enjoyed today’s card and have a great rest of your week!

    Supplies

    57454 Piped Icing Star

    57471 Merry Christmas Sugar Script and Outline

    SP1005 Ocean Blue 6×6 pack

    SH44001 White Woodgrain Paper