Cards by A Cook

Christmas Cards

Christmas Trees Dies Quick and Easy Card

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Create this simple card featuring the Christmas Trees dies from Stampin' Up! quickly and easily. The Whimsical Tree bundle is so cute, but this card uses only the little tree dies instead of the stamp set. I think they are my favourite part of the entire bundle.

Christmas Tree Quick and Easy Card

If you need to make a lot of cards this Christmas, this Christmas trees die card can be created using almost any patterned paper. I liked how the gold pairs with the Evening Evergreen paper in the Tidings of Christmas 6x6 designer series paper pack. Originally I was going to use two different patterns but simplified the design after trying many combinations. I'm happy with the result.

  • Christmas Trees dies
  • Brushed Metallic 12x12 cardstock
  • Stitched so Sweetly dies
  • Tidings of Christmas 6x6
  • Fine Art Ribbon
  • Brushed Metallic Adhesive dots

Using one piece of patterned paper as the background does make this card fast to assemble. I used the largest, scalloped rectangle in the Stitched So Sweetly dies to stamp the sentiment on. I cut it in half and plan on using it for a red Christmas card tomorrow. What colour is your favourite for Christmas cards? Leave a comment letting me know.

To help you create cards yourself, scroll down for the complete directions and measurements. If you live in Canada, you can support my blog and business by purchasing supplies for this card HERE.

Christmas Trees Dies Card

Use your Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine to create these three cute Christmas trees from the Whimsical Trees bundle from Stampin' Up! This card is quick and easy to make and a great design if you have a lot of cards to make. T
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 20 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Designer Series Paper: 4“ x 5¼"
  • Basic White: 8 ½” x 5 ½"; scored at 4 ¼ for card base
  • Basic White: 3 ¾ x 2 ¾ “

Die Cut:

  • Use the small trees dies and the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine to cut out 3 trees out of the gold cardstock.
  • Cut out 1 scalloped rectangle from Basic White using the largest rectangle die and the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine.  Cut in half lengthwise.

Stamping:

  • Stamp your choice of holiday sentiment on the bottom left corner of the scalloped rectangle.

Assembly:

  • Fold the Basic White cardstock in half along the score line to create the card base.
  • Adhere the patterned paper to the front of the card base (the basic white) leaving a small, even border as shown.
  • Adhere ribbon near the top edge of the scalloped rectangle. I like to use an inch of adhesive to the back on both sides, and wrap the ribbon around the front and adhere on the back.
  • Adhere the 3 gold trees as shown.
  • Use Stampin’ dimensionals to adhere the scalloped rectangle sentiment.
  • Add a brushed metallic adhesive dot to finish the card.
Keyword Christmas, Stampin' Up!, Trees, Whimisical Trees
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Wonderful Snowflake Christmas Card

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Who doesn't love snowflakes? Christmas and snowflakes go so well together that despite the non-traditional colour scheme, this card is still Christmassy. (not sure if that is a word!) This card works well is you want a design that is quick and easy. Create one or twenty in a short amount of time. Make sure you scroll down for the full instructions to print or download.

christmas card design
Wonderful Snowflakes Christmas Card
Make it yourself:

I used Stampin' Up!'s Layering Circles to die cut the circle on the Whimsy and Wonder designer series paper. The Night of Navy cardstock then shows through. Alternatively, you could punch out a circle. You could also add a Night of Navy circle on top of the patterned paper instead - it will give a slightly different look and you will need to decide what you like best.

The Wonderful Snowflakes come in a package of 24 - so enough to make lots of cards.

Whimsy and Wonder Coordination

Using different designs in the patterned paper would look wonderful as well. Try it yourself and be sure to post a picture in the comments.

Do you live in Canada? If you love this card design, you can purchase supplies to make it and support my business by shopping with me. See the products used HERE.

Wonderful Snowflake Christmas Card

Quick and easy Christmas card design that is great if you want to make 1 card or 24!
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Beginner
Total Time 15 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

  • Whimsical Trees stamp set
  • Whimsy and Wonder 12x12 designer series paper
  • Wonderful Snowflakes embellishments
  • Basic White 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
  • Night of Navy 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
  • Night of Navy ink pad
  • Blushing Bride Grosgrain Frayed ribbon
  • From my Heart Faceted gems
  • Stitched so Sweetly dies
  • Layering Circles dies

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Basic White Cardstock: 5 ½” x 8 ½” scored at 4¼”; small scrap for Joy sentiment
  • Night of Navy Cardstock:  5 ¼“ x 4”,
  • Designer Series Paper: 5”  x 3 ¾“

Die Cut:

  • Stamp the "Joy" sentiment on the scrap white piece. Die cut as shown.
  • Die cut a circle in the top third of the patterned paper as shown.

Assembly:

  • Score the Basic White cardstock in half and fold to create the cardbase.
  • Adhere the die cut patterned paper to the Night of Navy cardstock layer
  • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere to the Basic White card front.
  • Adhere the snowflake to the centre of the Night of Navy circle cut out.
  • Cut a 2 ½“ piece of ribbon.  Adhere as shown. 
  • Use Stampin’ Dimensionals to adhere the sentiment.
  • Add some From my Heart Faceted Gems to the front to add some extra bling. I use the Multitool or the tip of my scissors to help.

Notes

If you live in Canada, you can purchase materials to create this card yourself and help support my blog and business. See the full material list HERE
Thank you, Amy
 
Keyword Christmas, Quick and easy, Snowflake card
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sparkle of the Season Christmas Wreath card

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Who doesn't like wreaths? Christmas wreaths add a welcoming touch to front doors across the country. This card features a holly wreath from the Sparkle of the Season bundle by Stampin' Up! A simple Z fold adds interest to the design and the "Tidings of Christmas" patterned paper adds beautiful colours to an otherwise simple card. See some fall inspired cards featuring Sparkle of the Season wreaths HERE and HERE

Z fold cards are easy to make once you know the measurements to use. I created a bright and fun Rainbow of Happiness card featuring a Z fold as well. See it HERE. Scroll to the bottom to use my easy to print card recipe with complete measurements and instructions to make yourself.

Sparkle of the Season Christmas wreath card
Sparkle of the Season Christmas Wreath card
Make it yourself:

I started with the Tidings of Christmas 6x6 designer series paper by Stampin' Up! The patterns are so pretty! Choose your favourite for the background. I then pulled the 2 greens from the paper to create the wreath. Evening Evergreen and Soft Succulent are two colours I would not normally pair together but I like the final look. I found using only one wreath looked too skimpy but layering two wreaths created a full looking wreath easily.

I also used the Jolly Felt to add some festive holly berries to the Christmas wreath card. I love that the Sparkle of the season dies allows you to cut out 6 berries at one time.

If you are in Canada and would like to make this yourself you can purchase the supplies needed HERE in my store. I appreciate your support of my business.

Want to purchase premade cards?

I am happy to create a set of Christmas cards for you to give to friends and family this Christmas. Contact me to make arrangements.

Christmas wreath card

Sparkle of the Season Christmas Wreath card

Use your Stampin' Cut and Emboss machine to create beautiful holly wreaths. This Z fold card is easier to make than it looks with all the measurements included below.
Print Instructions Pin Recipe
Level of Difficulty Intermediate
Total Time 30 mins

Tools

Supplies
  

  • Sparkle of the Season bundle
  • Tidings of Christmas 6x6 designer series paper
  • Basic White 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
  • Evening Evergreen 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
  • Soft Succulent 8 ½ x 11 cardstock
  • Cherry Cobbler 8 ½ x 11 cardstock and inkpad
  • Jolly Felt

Instructions
 

Cut paper to the following sizes:

  • Designer Series Paper: 3 ¾ ” x 2 ¼“; 3 ¾” x 2 ¾ “
  • Evening Evergreen: 4¼ “ x 11” scored at 5½ “ and 2¾ “ folded as shown below; 4x4 for wreath
  • Basic White: 4 x 5 ¼“; 3½ x 2½”; 2½ x 4”; plus a strip ½” x 3½“
  • Cherry Cobbler: 3 ¾ x 2 ¾ “
  • Soft Succulent: 4x4 for wreath

Die Cut:

  • Use the holly wreath die and the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine to cut out 2 wreaths. 1 out of Evening Evergreen and 1 out of Soft Succulent
  • Cut out 4 or 5 cherry cobbler felt holly berries with the Stampin’ Cut and Emboss machine. 

Stamping:

  • Stamp “Merry Christmas” with Cherry Cobbler ink onto the Basic White strip.  Cut the end on an angle. 

Assembly:

  • Lay the Evening Evergreen card base horizontally with the 2 scores to the left hand side.
  • Adhere the largest piece of Basic White cardstock to the right side of the Evening Evergreen card front – the side with no scoring. 
  • Adhere the widest piece of patterned paper to the far right of the basic white, leaving a small, even border as shown.
  • Layer the shortest Basic White rectangle onto the Cherry Cobbler.  You will know you have the correct piece if it aligns with a small border evenly around the perimeter. 
  • Layer the patterned paper onto the other Basic White rectangle.  Similarly, there should an even border around the perimeter. 
  • Adhere the Basic White and patterned paper layer onto the far left of the Evening Evergreen card front.  The score line/fold should be next to this and it should have an even border. 
  • Using adhesive on only the left hand side of the Cherry Cobbler piece, adhere to the very front of the card when it is folded as shown.
  • Layer both wreaths on top of each other and adhere to the left side of the front. 
  • Use Stampin’ dimensionals to adhere the Merry Christmas banner
  • Add the felt holly berries with Stampin’ glue dots.
Keyword Christmas, holly, sparkle of the season, Stampin' Up!, wreath
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Freezin' Friends are so cute!

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These cute animals are having so much fun in the snow. The Freezin' Fun stamp set from Stampin' Up! features an adorable bunny, penguin, raccoon and seal. I made a set of cards with the same design but different cute animal. The first in the series showcases the penguin in a warm scarf and hat.

card made with Freezin' Fun stamp set by Stampin Up!
Freezin' Fun stamp set by Stampin' Up!

The cards each contain a winter scene and although I will be using them as Christmas cards - they could be used for "Just a note" or even a winter birthday card. I practiced my alcohol marker blending and am quite happy with how the scarf and hat turned out. The colouring is faster than it looks as the images are small. I also added wink of stella for some sparkle.

The background use the Snowflake Splendor paper designer series paper. I included some of the Pool Party colour in the scarf to pull the look of the card together.

Christmas card featuring Freezin' Fun stamp set from Stampin' Up!
Freezin' Friends dies make this card easy to make

Freezin' Friends dies and the Freezin' Fun stamp set are only available until Jan. 3, 2021. Buy them before it is too late.

link to purchase supplies for christmas card

3D Evergreen Forest embossing folder

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The photo doesn't do this card justice. The muted colours combined with some sparkle make a gorgeous card that is simple to recreate. Like the Seaside Spray card from this post - the 3D Evergreen Forest embossing folder by Stampin' Up! creates a gorgeous card. The pine forest trees makes such a pretty raised pattern in the paper.

enjoy the Stillness of the Season

Do you ever CASE cards? CASE stands for copy and share everything - this card was cased and tweaked to be a bit different than the original. The problem I now have is I can no longer find the original creator to give them credit. Regardless, I added the Pool Party Sheer ribbon as the added sparkle and colour adds to the card's beauty.

Make it yourself:

A couple tips to create this card yourself.

  1. Less is more. Lightly brush the top of the trees with Pool Party ink, Mint Macaron ink and just a hint of Pretty Peacock. I used the sponge daubers to be able to add just light touches of colour
  2. Fake the pretty bow. Attach ribbon around the back of the Dainty Diamonds embossed white background. Tie a pretty bow with a separate piece of ribbon and then attach it with a glue dot. It is much easier to add the bow afterwards then to try to tie the ribbon around.
  3. Add sparkle to the trees by lightly brushing on wink of stella. This little detail is hard to see in the picture but adds a pretty touch that you shouldn't skip.

Enjoy creating! Here are the main supplies I used to create this card. If you live in Canada you can order by clicking on any of the supplies below. I am happy to answer your questions - email me at amy@cardsbyacook.com

Product List
Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder
[153576]
$13.50
Merry Moose Photopolymer Stamp Set
[150494]
$23.00
Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine
[149653]
$163.00
Stitched So Sweetly Dies
[151690]
$44.00
Pool Party Classic Stampin' Pad
[147107]
$10.25
Mint Macaron Classic Stampin' Pad
[147106]
$10.25
Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad
[150083]
$10.25
Whisper White 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[100730]
$13.25
Pool Party ⅜" (1 Cm) Sheer Ribbon
[152462]
$8.25
Sponge Daubers
[102892]
$7.00
Add All to Cart

Enjoy the Stillness of the Season

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The snow glistening in the trees is perhaps the most beautiful part of winter. Similarly, gently falling snow is not only pretty but really does make for a quiet, still evening. This sentiment "enjoy the Stillness of the Season" was the inspiration for my Christmas card. I wanted all the design elements to work together to create a card that was peaceful and beautiful for the holiday season.

Evergreen Forest Embossing folder with Silver foil sheets

The card uses the beautiful Feels like Frost designer series paper from Stampin' Up!. The 6x6 paper features gorgeous images of winter scenes on one side and silver graphics on the reverse. The photographs are beautiful and feature colours ranging from blues and purples to pinks.

Feels like Frost 6x6 Designer Series Paper
Feels like Frost 6x6 Designer Series Paper

It is hard to say which paper is responsible for making this card so beautiful - the background pattern or the silver foil? The snow covered pine boughs in the Feels like Frost patterned paper coordinate beautifully with the Seaside Spray blue cardstock. The embossed silver foil is gorgeous after being embossed with the 3D Evergreen Forest embossing folder. The level of detail and depth created with this embossing folder is amazing! As a result, I couldn't resist embossing the Seaside Spray blue cardstock background as well.

Everygreen Forest Embossing Folder

The Seaside Spray metallic ribbon completes the coordination of the cardstock and silver foil. The silver shimmer in this ribbon is so pretty. The sentiment "enjoy the Stillness of the Season" is simply perfect for this snowy scene.

Make it yourself!

Here are the main supplies you need to create this card at home.

Product List
Feels Like Frost Specialty 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 Cm) Designer Series Paper
[150444]
$20.00
Evergreen Forest 3D Embossing Folder
[153576]
$13.50
Merry Moose Photopolymer Stamp Set
[150494]
$23.00
Seaside Spray ¼" (6.4 Mm) Metallic Ribbon
[150446]
$9.50
Seaside Spray 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[150883]
$12.00
Seaside Spray Classic Stampin’ Pad
[150085]
$10.25
Silver Foil Sheets
[132178]
$6.75
Whisper White 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[100730]
$13.25
Add All to Cart

Shop with me if you are in Canada - my help and expertise comes with each purchase. See the complete instructions and download the tutorial for this card here.

Download instructions here

A Cup of Thanks at Christmas

0 · · 3 Comments

The Press On stamp set by Stampin' Up! is perfect to create gift card holders to say thank you at Christmas. Slip in your local coffee shop's, Starbuck's or Tim Horton's gift card to show your appreciation to the many people who deserve it! I am making these for my colleagues this year but I have also made gift card holders for my childrens' teachers, my hairdresser and even the UPS delivery person. Who else can you think of that deserves a cup of thanks for Christmas?

Make it yourself

You can make this card quickly and easily using the Press On stamp set from Stampin' Up!. The cute set of coffee cups line up perfectly as they are all one stamp. After stamping in black, colour the coffee cups in a traditional Christmas palette of Old Olive and Real Red. The alcohol markers blend beautifully. I recommend adding some light Crumb Cake ink to the background of the cups to prevent them from appearing to float in midair.

a cup of thanks greeting card
A cup of thanks

The front of this card was folded into three sections. The middle section contains the saying " A cup of thanks" and allows you to write a short message. I am fortunate to have people in my life that help my family and I on a regular basis. Christmas is the perfect time of year to let them know that they are appreciated.

A gift card can be inserted into the pocket created with the Heartwarming Hugs patterned paper. Be sure to use the fine tip glue pen to adhere the pocket to the card with a thin layer of glue. Do not use too thick of a line of adhesive or the gift card may have a tight fit.

Product List
Press On Cling Stamp Set
[153392]
$30.00
Heartwarming Hugs Designer Series Paper
[153492]
$15.75
Stitched Rectangle Dies
[148551]
$48.00
Real Red ⅜" (1 Cm) Double-Stitched Satin Ribbon
[151155]
$10.25
Mossy Meadow 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[133676]
$12.00
Real Red 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[102482]
$12.00
Pear Pizzazz 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[131201]
$12.00
Whisper White 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[100730]
$13.25
Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder
[152702]
$12.25
Mossy Meadow Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154890]
$12.00
Real Red Stampin' Blends Combo Pack
[154899]
$12.00
Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad
[132708]
$8.25
Add All to Cart

I enjoyed making this card and will enjoy giving small tokens of my appreciation to others just as much - maybe more!

I've added this card to Kylie's International Blog Highlights. You can vote for me and your favourite 5 designs by clicking on the little hearts. Click below to go to the gallery to vote.

link to Kylie Bertucci international highlights

Yuletide Pasture with a Christmas Cow and a Lamb

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I love how these animals have been adorned for Christmas. The ornaments on the yak's horns add such a wonderful festive touch to the card. The lamb is also wearing jolly bells and is ready to ring in the season. This stamp set - Yuletide Pasture - by Stampin' Up! features not only the yak (Highland Cow) and lamb but also a cute cat sporting a scarf.

yuletide pasture stamp set by Stampin' Up! christmas card

If you are new to using alcohol markers, the Yuletide Pasture stamp set is good place to start. It is not necessary to colour the animals completely. I stamped them using Soft Suede ink and added in a bit of blush to the ears and nose of the lamb using a Petal Pink blends marker. I used Crumb Cake on the yak's horns and nose and added a bit of Old Olive to the grass under the lamb. Adding in some Real Red and Old Olive to the bells and ornaments add just enough colour so the animals look complete.

The Stitched Nested Labels dies fit together to create a cohesive card design that I'm quite happy with. The gold foil snowflakes tie the design together and add even more festive flair. Do you think silver would work instead of the gold? I like the little snowflakes, but are there any shapes you would choose instead?

Live in Canada?

You can purchase the supplies from me and make it yourself. Just click on the pictures below to be directed to my Stampin' Up! store. Please note: I have not included the basics such as whisper white paper and adhesive.

Product List
Yuletide Pasture Cling Stamp Set (English)
[153316]
$29.00
Stitched Nested Labels Dies
[149638]
$48.00
Real Red 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[102482]
$12.00
Pear Pizzazz 8-½" X 11" Cardstock
[131201]
$12.00
Petal Pink Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack
[147272]
$12.00
Old Olive Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack
[144597]
$12.00
Crumb Cake Stampin' Blends Markers Combo Pack
[144601]
$12.00
Real Red Combo Pack Stampin' Blends
[147935]
$12.00
Gold Foil Sheets
[132622]
$6.75
Add All to Cart

Correction

I have been informed that this is not a yak but rather a Highland Cow. My apologies to those offended by my lack of knowledge.

My Favourite Buffalo Check Christmas Card

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Merry Moose meets Buffalo Check in this rustic and heart warming Christmas Card. The first time I saw the Merry Moose bundle from Stampin' Up! I knew I wanted to start stamping cards and punching out moose! Sounds silly, but stamping is how I relax and recharge so yes, I get excited about being able to punch out a moose!

The moose reminds me of being in Canada's cottage country and curling up by the fire with a red buffalo check blanket. Now, I don't actually own a cottage or a red buffalo check blanket but this card makes me smile anyway. I love how the Real Red cardstock stamped with Early Expresso ink gives the card that cozy feeling.

My favourite buffalo check christmas card featuring Merry Moose stamp set by Stampin' Up!

Tips and Suggestions

The Merry Moose stamp set comes with 2 trees - 1 big, 1 small. The trees are quite beautiful and detailed. The white embossing powder shows the detail nicely - if you don't get carried away and stamp too many. Stamp 3 trees, 2 large and 1 small, slightly overlapping in versamark ink. Sprinkle white embossing powder on top, shake excess off, and heat set.

The trees are cut out using the stitched shapes dies which produce a lovely stitched border. If you don't have a die cutting machine you could use a 3" circle punch or simply a 3" square.

This stamp set comes with a cute scarf to cut out, but I liked how the braided trim matched the crumb cake behind the trees and linked the colours together. You could try the new Real Red knitted trim and let me know if you like that better.

Ordering information

Below are all the supplies you need to create the Merry Moose meets Buffalo Check Christmas card. Each item clicked will go to my store so that you can help support this blog and purchase from the designer. I have not included the poppy uppy things I used (dimensionals) the adhesive, paper cutter, die cutting machine and heat gun as I feel you may already own those items. Don't hesitate to contact me for detailed instructions, more information or to ask which supplies are necessary and which are optional.