CREATE FESTIVE HOLIDAY CARDS WITH BITS & PIECES - A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

I was looking around my craft room the other day, and I found a few Christmas themed supplies I had stashed away. I knew it was time to put those items to use. I found some washi tape (okay, lots of washi tape), several 3”squares of window sheet (why did I cut those 🤷‍♀️), notes on paper tearing, and a card I made years ago with a “floating” image. I placed those items on my desk along with my bag of Christmas themed patterned paper, and my box of cardstock scraps. I decided these items were about to become Christmas cards - somehow. I got myself busy and you can see the results of my work below:

VIDEO

CREATE FESTIVE HOLIDAY CARDS WITH BITS & PIECES

SIMPLE ISOSCELES TRIANGLE CHRISTMAS TREE CARD

This classic Christmas tree image is easy to create. The first thing I did was create a cardstock base for the tree. The 3/4” strips are adhered to the base, then trimmed. Instructions for creating the triangle shaped tree can be found below the supply list. The instructions are for a tree that will be 5” tall without a trunk. The triangle for the above card was cut from cardstock measuring 4 3/4” tall x 3 1/2” wide. The mid-point is 1 3/4”.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Basic White cardstock  thick (Stampin’ Up!®️) cut at 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”

* Tree base cardstock - any color (use a larger scrap) cut a rectangle at 4 3/4” x 3 1/2” - the mid-point is 1 3/4” follow directions below supply list to create triangle. Note - the cardstock base for this tree is smaller than in the instructions, but as long as you use the mid-point listed, the process is the same.

* Greeting - Basic White cardstock scrap, Shaded Spruce ink (Stampin’ Up!), stamp and die Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower)

* Patterned paper - Five to six strips cut at 3/4” x 5” or so.  Use your scraps. I chose to use two colors (Shaded Spruce and Cherry Cobbler) with different patterns. (Stampin’ Up! - retired). Use a small piece rot the trunk if you like.

* Embellishments - Snowy Season (Picket Fences) - 5 snowflakes

* Adhesive and dimensionals (for tree and greeting).

HOW TO CREATE AN ISOSCELES TRIANGLE

STACKED TRIANGLE TREE CARD I

(Create it with or without dies)

For this card I used more triangles and more scraps. I added a blended background and did a bit of paper tearing to create a nice blanket of snow. I used dies to create my stacked triangles tree, but the triangles are easy to create from squares of cardstock or patterned paper. Instructions for doing so are located below the supply list for the next card.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Basic White cardstock (thick) cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”. I used blending brushes with Pool Party ink  (Stampin’ Up!) and Weathered Wood Distress ink (Tim Holtz) to create a wintry background, then sprayed the card front with my homemade shimmer mist.

* Tree - Stitched Triangle Dies (Stampin’ Up! - retired) or use the directions below the next card to create your own triangles); scraps of patterned paper (Stampin’ Up! - retired). I used 4 designs plus I also cut the triangles from scraps of cardstock and backed the patterned paper with the cardstock to make it more sturdy, but this is optional. I cut a small rectangle of Pecan Pie cardstock and ran it through an embossing folder for texture. I used a wood grain embossing folder.

* Snow - Basic White cardstock cut at 4 1/4” x 3/4” and torn lengthwise

* Sentiment - Versa Mark, gold embossing powder, Joy sentiment from Joy of Giving (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Embellishments - Loose White Snowflakes (Stampin’ Up!) - 5

* Adhesive

STACKED TRIANGLE TREE CARD 2

(Create with or without dies)

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Basic White cardstock (thick) cut at 8 1/2 x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Tree - Patterned paper, I used 5 patterns die cut with the Stitched Triangles Dies, or cut as directed below this supply list. I did not back these with cardstock.

* Greeting - Versa Mark, gold embossing powder, and Joy sentiment fron Joy of Giving (Stampin’ Up!- retired)   

* Embellishment - Golf Flecked Dots (Stampin’ Up! - retired) -3

* Adhesive

HOW TO CREATE EQUILATERAL TRIANGLES FOR THE STACKED TREES
 

WASHI TAPE FILLED TREE WINDOW CARD

This card is so easy to create. Die cut a shape from the center of the card layer, it does not have to be a tree. It can be a large circle, triangle, square or rectangle. Next cut a layer of white cardstock large enough to cover the opening. Cover this piece in strips of washi tape. Adhere the piece to the back side of the die cut panel with the washi tape design facing outward. Place this piece on a card base.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Cherry Cobbler cardstock cut at 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”

* Top panel - Spruce Green cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4” and embossed with embossing folder of choice. I do not know the name of the one I used. Die cut center shape. I used a die from Merriest Trees dies (Stampin’ Up!)

* Washi panel- Basic White cardstock - cut at 5” x 3 3/4”

* Washi tape - 6-7 designs - use to cover 5” x 3 3/4” panel, then run through embossing folder and adhere to back of Shaded Spruce panel. Adhere this piece to card base.

* Greeting - Versa Mark, gold embossing powder, Shaded Spruce cardstock, stamp - Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower).

* Embellushments - gold pearls (Stampin’ Up! - retired) -5; star  gold foil cardstock scrap and Merriest Trees Dies

* Adhesive and dimensionals 

WASHI TAPE ORNAMENT CARD

This card is similar to the previous card. Instead of one large die cut area, I have used three. I used a circle die (1 1/2” diameter)to cut the windows, but a punch would work as well. I cut 3 pieces of white card stock at 1 3/4” square and covered them with washi tape, then mounted them behind the windows.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Real Red cardstock cut at 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”

* Focal panel - Old Olive cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4” - stamp greenery images die cut or punch out three circles

* Washi panels - 3 pieces of Basic White cardstock cut 1 3/4”square; Washi tape - gold and white patterns

* Gold foil cardstock for ornament hangars cut with Mini Ornament Die (Scrapbook.con) - or make your own, or use bows made from ribbon or twine.

* Greeting - Essential Sentiments (Waffle Flower)

* Inks - Old Olive, Versa Mark, Gold Embossing Powder

* Embellishments - gold pearls -3

* Adhesive and dimensionals

FOILED PAPER FLOATING ORNAMENT CARD

The ornaments on this card were created using the floating image technique and foiled papers. You will need three 3” to 3 1/2” squares of window sheet (acetate) and 4-5 strips of foiled paper (or other specialty paper or patterned paper) per ornament cut at 3 1/2” x 1/2”. Adhere the strips across the acetate leaving space between each strip to allow some of the acetate to show through. Adhere the ornaments to the card front by placing dimentionals or foam tape under on the back side hide them under the strips.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Basic White cardstock (thick) - cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Ornaments - 3 pieces of acetate cut at 3 1/2” square and about 15 strips of foiled paper cut at 3 1/2” x 1/2” (Use other specialty papers or patterned papers)

* Ornament tops - Silver Foil cardstock and Mini Ornament Die 

* Ink - Cherry Cobbler

* Embellishments - Ruby Rhinestones - no clue where I got them - 7

* Adhesive and  dimensionals

HOLIDAY BITS & PIECES CARDS

I hope you can use some of the ideas I shared today as you work toward completing your 2024 Christmas Cards! I used a lot of scraps, and finally used some of my washi tape collection. I pulled out embellishments and dusted off a few techniques I have not used in a while. Now I have some festive cards and made a nice dent in my scrap piles! It’s a win-win!

Thank you for dropping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

SUPPLY SOURCES

STAMPIN’ UP!

I use Stampin’ Up! Cardstock and ink, unless otherwise noted. 

Some Stampin’ Up! supplies I use are no longer available, and are listed as retired.

OTHER COMPANIES

The name of other companies are noted next to the product the first time the product is mention in the post. Most of these products are available from various sources. I bought mine through 

Scrapbook.com

NOTE - I am not affiliated with, nor do I receive compensation from Stampin’ or any other company, or entity.

CREATE A 3-D STAND ALONE WINDOW CARD, IT’S EASY! A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

Today I am sharing a card I call a 3-D Stand Alone Window Card. It is a square card that measures 4 1/4” x 4 1/4” and it fits inside an A-2 sized envelope. There is a panel on the back side of the card to stamp what we would usually call the inside greeting, to write a message and sign the card. Although this design is definitely a card, it can serve double duty as a decor piece. Let’s take a look at my sample cards:

VIDEO

LET’S MAKE A 3-D STAND ALONE WINDOW CARD

CARD MEASUREMENTS

* Card base - 1 piece cut at 4 1/4’” x 4 1/4” and one piece cut at 4 1/4” x 10 1/4” scored along the 10 1/4” side at 3/4”, 1 1/2”, 2 1/4” and 3” on each end. (or 3/4”, 1 1/2”, 2 1/4”, 3”, 7 1/4”, 8”, 8 3/4” and 9 1/2”).

* Inside frame - cardstock cut at 4 1/8” x 4 1/8”

* Focal area inside window - cardstock or patterned paper cut at 4 1/8” x 4 1/8”

* Panel for back of card - white or light cardstock - 4”x 4”

* Other cardstock - for stamping and die cutting images and sentiments

OTHER SUPPLIES

* Stamps and coordinating dies for focal image and sentiments

* Layering dies for window and frame

* Bone folder

* Inks, alcohol markers, other coloring tools

* Embellishments

* Adhesive, dimensionals

PINK SNOWMAN CARD

BACK OF CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Pretty In Pink cardstock 

* Cardstock for focal area, frame panel and back panel - Basic White

* Die cut mat for greeting - Pretty In Pink cardstock

* Scraps of Basic White and Pretty In Pink cardstock

* Stamp sets - Snow Day (PhotoPlay - Becky Moore),  Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower)

* Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black; Pretty In Pink (Stampin’ Up!®️); Stampin’ Blends - Pumpkin Pie, Pretty In Pink, Polished Pink (retired), Melon Mambo, Highland Heather, Tahitian Tide (retired); Wink of Stella - clear

* Embellishments - White Loose Snowflakes (Stampin’ Up),  Fairy Frost Pink Snowflakes (Trinity Stamps)

* Dies - Stylish Shapes Dies - circles (Stampin’ Up!)

SNOWY SNOWMAN CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Tahitian Tide (retired)

* Cardstock for frame panel and back panel - Basic White

* Other cardstock - scraps of Basic White

* Focal area - snowflake patterned paper (retired)

* Dies - Stylish Shapes - squares (Stampin’ Up!

* Stamps - Snow Day (PhotoPlay) and Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower)

* Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black; Tahitian Tide - retired (Stampin’ Up!); Stampin’ Blends - Real Red, Azure Afternoon, Boho Blue, Pool Party. Pretty In Pink

* Embellishments - Loose White Snowflakes (Stampin’ Up!)

WARM AND COZY SNOWMAN

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Granny Apple Green cardstock

* Frame panel - Bermuda Bay Cardstock (retired)

* Focal Area - Snow Pine Lodge paper (Simple Stories)

* Back panel - Basic White cardstock

* Other cardstock - Basic White

* Dies - Everyday Details, Stylish Shapes (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamps and coordinating dies - Snow Day (PhotoPlay), Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower)

* Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black; Granny Apple Green (Stampin’ Up!); Stampin’ Blends - Azure Afternoon, Granny Apple Green, Tahitian Tide (retired). Pumpkin Pie, Real Red, Boho Blue, Pretty In Pink; Wink of Stella- clear

* Embellishments - Transparent Adhesive Backed Dots - Lemon Lime Twist (Stampin’ Up!)

PENGUIN WISHES

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Polished Pink (retired)

* Cardstock - back panel and frame panel - Basic White

* Focal area - patterned paper pink snowflakes (retired)

* Other cardstock - Basic White scraps

* Stamps - Snow Day (Photoplay); It’s A Wonderful Christmas (Photoplay - Michelle Coleman)

* Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black; Polished Pink  (Stampin’ Up! - retired); Stampin’ Blends - Polished Pink (retired), Smoky Slate, Poop Party, Daffodil Delight, Pool Party

* Embellishments - Adhesive Backed Snowflake Assortment (Stampin’ Up)

3-D STAND ALONE WINDOW CARDS

ASSEMBLING THESE CARDS

* Score the CARD BASE. Place the largest layering die (circle, square, etc) in the center of the largest scored area and die cut. Place adhesive around the outer edges of the FRAME PANEL on the back side of the die cut area of the CARD BASE. Place the smaller of the layering die on the FRAME PANEL, center it, use low tack tape to hold it in place and die cut. You now have the card base with a window and an interior frame.

* Fold the CARD BASE along the score lines. All are mountain folds. Apply adhesive along one of the end tabs. Valley fold the 2nd score line and fold piece down toward back side of card base. You will now have a “squared tube” of sorts. Report on other side. 

* Assemble the CARD BACK. For the back side prepare the BACK PANEL - stamp sentiment and other images. Adhere to card back. On the front side of the CARD BACK add patterned paper, die cuts, greeting, etc. Remember 3/4” on each side will be covered up by the top layer of the card.

* Place adhesive on the ends (on the “squared tubes”)and line each end up with the left and right edges of the right side of the card back.

* Adhere die cut or fussy cut images and embellishments to front of the card.

TO PLACE IN ENVELOPE

* Gently press from left side to flatten. Slip inside an A-2 sized envelope. 

VIDEO CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - Shaded Spruce cardstock

* Frame panel and back panel - Basic White cardstock

* Other cardstock - Garden Green, Old Olive, Real Red

* Patterned Paper - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Embellishments - Gold Flecked Gems (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Shimmer Spray - homemade - Place about 1/8 tsp of Perfect Pearls in a Mini Mister (Ranger). Fill not quite to the top with isopropyl alcohol or water. I use alcohol, because it dries faster and it does not react with water reactive inks.

These 3D Stand Alone Window Cards are fun to make, and people seem to enjoy receiving them.  I hope you give this fun fold a try. Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

SUPPLY SOURCES

I list manufacturers in parenthesis next to supply items. I use Stampin’ Up! Cardstock and Stampin’ Blends (alcohol markers). All cardstock and Stampin’ Blends colors, and other Stampin’ Up! Products are current unless noted as retired. Current items can be found HERE

Other companies - other supplies are from multiple companies, and each is available from multiple sources. I purchased them from scrapbook.com. Click HERE

NOTE - I am not affiliated with, a representative of, nor do I receive compensation from Stampin’ Up!, Scrapbook.com, or any other company. I provide sourcing information as a resource only.

CLOSE THE GATE! FOUR CLOSURES FOR GATE FOLD CARDS- A STAMP HAPPY HOLIDAYS POST

Hi Stampers!

If memory serves, the first fun fold card I ever made was a basic gate fold card, and it was a Christmas card! I think gate fold cards are one of the quickest fun fold cards to make, and the most versatile. There are many so many variations on the gate fold. The gate fold can be created in either portrait or landscape orientation, and when it comes to closing the gate, you have lots of options. That is what we are going to talk about today, keeping the gate closed! Let’s take a look at the sample cards:

Here we have four options for keeping the gate card closed: weigh it down with a layered focal image, use a belly band, tie it up with ribbon, or use a sliding closure. We’ll take a look at each method separately in this post. Today’s cards are all portrait orientation. The measurements for the card base and layers are the same for all cards and are listed below. 

VIDEO

CLOSE THE GATE!

MEASUREMENTS FOR THE BASIC GATE FOLD CARD

* Card base - red cardstock (Real Red) cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored on 8 1/2” side 2 1/8” on each end (or at 2 1/8” x 6 3/8). Fold score lines toward center of card (valley folds).

* Inside panel - white cardstock (Basic White) 5” x 3 3/4” stamp inside image and inside greeting and die cut with Deckled Rectangles dies (Stampin’ Up!®️) the cut out measures about 4 1/4” x 3”.

* Cardstock layers for focal image the actual size of these layers is based on the ssize of the focal image. My focal I age measures about 1 3/4” tall and 1 1/4” wide.  - white cardstock 2 1/4” x 2”; red cardstock cut at 2 1/2” x 2 1/4”, green cardstock (Shaded Spruce) cut at 2 3/4” x 2 1/2”; red cardstock cut at 3” x 2 3/4”. Stamp the focal image on the piece of white cardstock. Layer as instructed for each individual closure.

* Patterned paper - Design of choice; cut 2 pieces at 5 1/4” x 1 7/8” and 1 at 5 1/4” x 4” (this is optional)

ASSEMBLY

* Use bone folder on scored fold lines to make the crisp. This helps to keep the two front flaps closed

* Adhere the two strips of patterned paper in place on the card front flaps.

* Adhere the patterned paper inside the card if you are using it.

* Add the die cut inside panel - center it 

* Add closure of choice.

OPTION ONE - WEIGH IT DOWN

For this version we’ll keep the card closed (mostly) by centering a matted focal image over both front panels.

*Assemble Focal Piece

 -  Mat the stamped panel with red mat. Mat this on the green mat, then add the larger red mat.

 -  Place adhesive on the back of the left side of the matted focal image, making sure the adhesive does not go beyond the edge of the left flap of the card front. 

 -  Center on card front, and press to adhere.

NOTE - the focal image can be taller and wider than the image I used, just adjust the measurements for the mats. 

WEIGH IT DOWN GATE FOLD CARD

INSIDE OF CARD

OPTION TWO - USE A BELLY BAND

For this version we’ll close the card with a removable belly band. You will need a piece of red cardstock that measures about 9 1/2”x 1”.

* Assemble focal piece as instructed for previous card.

* Wrap the 9 1/2” x 1” strip around the card (short ways). The two ends will overlap. It is best to have them overlap on the front side of the card. The seam will be covered up by the focal image. When the belly band is snug, but loose enough to move up down use adhesive to glue the belly band together. 

* Adhere the focal image to the belly band, keeping the adhesive on the center of the focal piece - short ways.

BELLY BAND GATE FOLD CARD

INSIDE OF CARD

OPTION THREE - TIE IT DOWN WITH RIBBON

Using ribbon to tie down the card front is similar to the belly band idea. I used 21” of red ribbon.

* Assemble the focal images as for the previous two cards.

* Wrap the ribbon around the center of the card with the ends on the right hand side. 

* Adjust the ribbon so the ends are even. Place something like an acrylic block on the ribbon ends. 

* Carefully slip a glue dot under the ribbon near the inner edge of the left hand flap, or use tape to hold it in place.

* Place adhesive on the back of the left hand side of the focal piece, as for the first option. 

* Put the focal image in place right over the ribbon.

* Tie the ribbon in a bow on the right hand side of the card.

TIED RIBBON CLOSURE GATE FOLD CARD

OPTION FOUR - SLIDING CLOSURE

There are options for this option as there are a couple of different ways to create the closure mechanism. You can adjust the size of the mechanism to best fit your focal image. The measurements I am providing will work for a matted image that measures 3” tall by 2 3/4” wide.

Sliding Closure Option A

Here is what you will need for the sliding closure:

* 4 pieces of cardstock  cut at 3” x 2 3/4”.  For my card I cut two pieces from red cardstock and two from white cardstock. One of the red pieces serves as the large mat for the focal piece.

* Ribbon - I used green, - about 2 1/2” long. (Optional)

Assemble

* Score each white piece of card stock at 1 3/8” along the 2 3/4” side and fold. Use bone folder to reenforce the folds. 

* Put adhesive on one of the folded sides of the white cardstock pieces. Adhere it to one of the red pieces of cardstock with the fold toward the center of the piece. Repeat with the other piece of white cardstock. Bump the folded edge right up against the folded edge of the other piece of white cardstock. Get it as close as possible. The white pieces should resemble an X.

* Put adhesive on the back side of the second piece of red cardstock. Line it up even with the sides of the sliding piece, and press to adhere.

* If using the ribbon, fold in half and tape in place at the about 1/2” down at center top of one side of the closure piece. This is now the “front.” 

* On the back side of the piece, hold each side and bend toward the center. Lay the piece with the front side down. It should look like a V on a table.

* Adhere the focal piece into place on the front of the mechanism.

* To close the card slip the closure mechanism between the two front flaps of the card. The mechanism will slide into place.

* If the piece of ribbon was used it will function like a pull tab for the card.  If no ribbon is used just slide the piece by holding the edges of the mechanism.

Sliding Closure Option B

For this option the height can be changed but not the width. Be sure to use your bone folder on every fold. Flatten the folds as much as possible. Use cardstock the same color as the largest mat or white. 

This mechanism will be smaller than the matted panel. The finished piece will be 2 1/2”square.

* Cut cardstock at 10” x 2 1/2” score along the 10” side at 2 1/2”, 3 3/4”, 5”, 7 1/2”, and 8 3/4”.

* Starting at the 2 1/2” score line valley fold, mountain fold, valley, valley, and finally a mountain fold.

* Go over all fold lines with bone folder.

* Place piece on table with the larger section to the left and the smaller section to the right.

* Place glue on the second section on right, fold down onto the larger section to the left.

* Place adhesive on the next small section, and press to the right, and adhere into place. Get it as close to the edge of the other section as possible. Keep using the bone folder to reenforce the folds.

* Apply adhesive to the last section, and fold it down over the piece. 

* The piece should resemble an X. 

* Adhere it centered to the back side of the focal piece. 

* Slide the piece along the front of the card to close.

SLIDING CLOSURE GATE FOLD CARD

INSIDE OF CARD

GATE FOLD CARDS

Thank you for stopping by today for this Stamp Happy Holidays post. Check out other holiday posts by typing Stamp Happy Holidays in the search box. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

Stamped images ©️1990-2024 Stampin’ Up!®️

Seasons of Fun (retired)

Cardstock- I use Stampin’ Up! Cardstock. All colors used today, Real Red, Shaded Spruce, and Basic White, are current, and available through a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator or the Stampin’ Up web site.

STAMPIN’ UP!

Inks - Memento Tuxedo Black and Stampin’ Blends (alcohol markers) - Real Red, Shaded Spruce, Pecan Pie, and Wild Wheat. All are current.