I love finding different ways to use the same style of die cut, and these two Christmas cards are a perfect example. Both designs feature a beautiful snowflake wreath, but I used two completely different die-cutting techniques. On the first card, the wreath is created as a separate circular element and popped up for lots of dimension. For the second card, I cut the wreath directly into the background panel and used an inlay technique for a flatter, more integrated look.
Snowflake Kisses in Icy Blue
Creating the Snowflake Background
For my first card, I wanted to create a crisp and icy winter look using the Snowflake Background Etched Dies from Lisa Horton’s Snowflake Kisses Collection for Spellbinders. I used the large snowflakes in white over a pretty icy-blue background. I love how the oversized snowflakes fill the card front while still leaving plenty of that beautiful blue showing through.
A Dimensional Snowflake Wreath
For the focal point, I used the Snowflake Wreath Etched Dies, but instead of incorporating the wreath into the background, I created it as a separate circular element. I layered the delicate white snowflakes around the circle and added a few tiny gems to the centers. Once everything was assembled, I popped the entire circle up with foam tape. That little bit of height really helps the wreath stand out from the busy snowflake background.
A Special Touch of Vellum
Behind the wreath, I added a piece of beautiful blue vellum from a vellum book my daughter gave me. The vellum has a lovely translucent quality and a subtle iridescent effect that works perfectly with this frosty color combination. I love being able to incorporate something special from my craft stash into a card, and this vellum was just right for this design.
Finishing the Card
To finish the card, I added the Merry Christmas sentiment across the center of the wreath along with a few sparkly details. The combination of icy blue, crisp white, translucent vellum and dimensional layers gives this card such a fresh wintery feel. I especially love how the raised wreath creates a focal point while the Snowflake Background continues the snowy theme from edge to edge.
❄️ Sending Joy with an Inlaid Snowflake Wreath
Starting with an Embossed Background
For my second card, I went in a completely different direction with both the colors and the technique. I started with a warm neutral cardstock panel and embossed it using the Argyle Sock Embossing Folder from Spellbinders. The geometric texture gives the background so much interest, but it is subtle enough that the snowflake wreath can still be the star of the card.
Die Cutting the Wreath into the Panel
This time, rather than creating a separate wreath and placing it on top, I used the Snowflake Wreath Etched Dies to die cut the wreath directly into the embossed panel itself. I love this technique because the wreath becomes part of the card front instead of looking like an added embellishment. I backed the opening with that beautiful olive green, which adds an unexpected pop of color against all the warm neutral tones.
Adding the White Snowflakes
After creating the wreath opening, I die cut the individual snowflakes from white cardstock and layered them back on top of the die-cut wreath area. The crisp white really pops against the olive green and neutral embossed background. I also added tiny gold accents to some of the snowflake centers for just a touch of festive sparkle without making the card feel overly traditional.
Sending Joy
For the finishing touch, I added a kraft sentiment strip across the lower portion of the card with the Sending Joy sentiment. A few tiny gold embellishments tie in beautifully with the snowflake centers. I really like the earthy combination of olive green, kraft, white and gold on this card. It is such a different look from the icy-blue version and shows how the Snowflake Wreath can be used in two completely different ways—popped up as a dimensional focal point or die cut directly into the card panel for a more integrated design.
This really shows how much mileage you can get from just two dies by changing the technique, colors and layering. Hope this inspires you to get more use of a die. Thank you for stopping by. Happy crafting!
Hugs,
Jyoti
Snowflake Wreath Etched Dies by Lisa Horton Shop at: SB |
Snowflake Background Etched Dies by Lisa Horton Shop at: SB |
