\There’s something truly special about mixing techniques and giving products a fresh twist, and that’s exactly what I did with today’s Christmas card. I combined the Stars and Fronds 3D Embossing Folder and the Starry Merry Christmas BetterPress Plate and Die Set from the Starry Holiday Collection by Dina Wakley for Spellbinders. Instead of using the BetterPress Plate for its traditional letterpress effect, I decided to foil it and the results are absolutely stunning!
Embossed Background with Dimensional Texture
I began with a deep red cardstock panel and ran it through my die-cutting machine using the Stars and Fronds 3D Embossing Folder. This folder adds an elegant texture filled with festive details – stars, fronds, and delicate foliage. To give it a magical holiday glow, I blended shades of aged mahogany and black soot distressed oxide inks over the raised texture from the corners allowing the embossed design to catch the light beautifully. The subtle gradient created the perfect evening-sky feel, reminiscent of twinkling stars on a crisp winter night.
Foiling with a Twist
The Starry Merry Christmas BetterPress Plate is designed for letterpress, but I wanted to use it with hot foiling. I applied red foil for the sentiment and green foil for the holly leaves, pressing them onto white cardstock using my Glimmer Hot Foil System. The foiling came out bold and shiny, giving the greeting a festive sparkle that truly stands out. Once foiled, I used the coordinating die from the set to cut out the sentiment, creating a clean and professional finish.
Assembling the Card Front
With the foiled sentiment ready, I returned to my embossed background. To enhance the luxurious look, I matted the panel with a piece of gold mirror cardstock, which framed the design perfectly. I adhered the foiled sentiment to the center using foam tape for dimension and scattered a few tiny gold glitter dots to mimic stars across the background. The contrast between the textured backdrop and the smooth shine of the foil added the perfect amount of festive drama.
Finishing Touches
To complete the design, I mounted the finished panel onto a white A2 card base. The combination of red and green foiling over a plum-toned background made this card feel both traditional and contemporary at the same time. Every detail from the 3D texture to the metallic accents plays a part in creating a truly elegant Christmas card that glows with warmth and joy.
This project was such a delightful experiment in using products in unconventional ways. The Starry Holiday Collection by Dina Wakley for Spellbinders lends itself beautifully to creativity and versatility. Whether you prefer letterpress or foiling, these designs let you bring your holiday imagination to life. I love how this card captures the season’s sparkle and texture a perfect handmade piece to share Christmas cheer.
Hugs,
Jyoti
Starry Merry Christmas Registration Press Plate & Die Set Shop at: SB |
Stars and Fronds Frame 3D Embossing Folder Shop at: SB |
