Christmas Card 2018

For this year’s Christmas card, I used my new toy, the Gemini Die Cutting / Embossing Machine. It’s electric vs. the hand crank, so it’s easier to craft multiple and intricate dies. This was the first time I used it for a big project and I really like it! I made 30 cards using a set of embossing folders, a Merry Christmas die, and some extra stickers and embellishments I had in my craft stash.

For the cards, I used 5 x 7 kraft paper cards and envelopes I bought at Hobby Lobby (I found a set of 50 for $9.99 and then I used my 40% off coupon!) Then I created a background using the Crafter’s Companion Christmas Backgrounds 3D embossing folders which has four beautifully detailed images of a Victorian postcard, pine branches, snowflakes, and music with poinsettias.

I embossed these patterns onto Stardream paper in Emerald Green and Mars Magenta (I used text weight which is a little flimsy on its own, but fine when attaching to the kraft paper card.) I love Stardream paper with its pearlescent finish and many colors – it’s been my go-to paper for crafty projects like these.

Then I lightly rubbed the raised design with Nuvo Embellishment Mousse in Indian Gold. This is a new technique for me, but it’s all over crafty websites and there are a few different brands available. It’s so amazing how it brings the embossing to life and gives it an elegant metallic sparkle.

For the “Merry Christmas” die cut, I bought this pretty design at Hobby Lobby, cut them from an ivory card stock paper, and painted the leaves and berries with a little watered down stamp ink. To attach it to the background, I used spray glue – it’s kind of toxic, but makes attaching intricate dies easy!

I had a lot of crafting fun making these cards and experimenting with new tools and techniques. I hope you make some time to create your own handmade cards for the holidays!