There’s something magical about the holidays that makes crafting feel extra special. Today, I’m thrilled to share a project that combines timeless elegance with a whimsical holiday twist—the Christmas Grandfather Clock. Using the Grandfather Clock Box Die Set and a couple of festive add-ons from Pixi Dust Designs, I created a unique gift box that doubles as décor. It even has interchangeable signs to keep things fun and versatile!
This project is perfect for anyone looking to craft something a little different this holiday season. Let’s dive into the details of how I brought this clock to life and the wonderful products that made it all possible.
Christmas Grandfather Clock:
A Timeless Foundation: The Grandfather Clock Box
Let’s start with the heart of the project—the Grandfather Clock Box Die Set. This die set is beautifully designed, making it easy to create a clock-shaped box that’s as functional as it is decorative.
For my clock, I used Nutmeg Cardstock as the base, giving it a warm, classic woodgrain look. To add a festive touch, I used a plaid pattern paper from the Christmas 6x6 Paper Pad for the decorative panels. Isn’t plaid just quintessentially cozy for the holidays?
For the clock face, I layered White Shimmer Cardstock with Espresso Cardstock to create a subtle but striking contrast. A little shimmer goes a long way in giving your project that extra “wow” factor, especially when it catches the light. After assembling the box, I added the patterned paper to the front, sides, and top, making sure every angle was dressed to impress.
Interchangeable Signs: Double the Fun!
One of my favorite features of this project is the interchangeable signs. This was made possible by the Christmas Tree Grandfather Clock Add-On Die Set and the Christmas Chimney Grandfather Clock Add-On Die Set.
Here’s where the fun really began. I loved creating two completely different signs, one with a classic Christmas tree and the other with a cozy chimney and Santa. Switching them out was as simple as using small brads. Pro tip: if you want your signs to swing freely, don’t fasten the brads too tightly.
Adding Holiday Cheer with the Christmas Tree Sign
For the Christmas tree sign using the Christmas Tree Grandfather Clock Add-On Die Set, I leaned into texture and sparkle. The tree itself was cut from Noble Fir Cardstock, while the base was Espresso Cardstock. To give it that holiday sparkle, I used Green Glitter Cardstock for the ornaments and Silver Foil Cardstock for the ropes.
Let me tell you, working with glitter and foil cardstocks is like adding the sparkle of a snow-covered evening to your project. But here’s a tip: always use a strong adhesive, like the Tonic Deluxe Adhesive Nuvo Glue or Bearly Arts Glue in a Glue Press, when working with textured or non-porous materials to keep everything in place.
The presents beneath the tree? Those were cut from Desert Storm Cardstock, and I added Heat Beat Cardstock accents for a pop of festive red.
The Cozy Chimney Sign: A Festive Scene
The chimney sign from the Christmas Chimney Grandfather Clock Add-On Die Set gave me a chance to play with layering. The base and chimney top were cut from Fog Cardstock, while the bricks and Santa’s outfit used Heat Beat Cardstock.
To capture the frosty feel of snow, I added White Glitter Cardstock to the chimney and Santa’s boots and suit. And for a bit of shine, I used Fire Stone Red Mirror Cardstock for the post outline and Gold Holographic Cardstock for Santa’s belt buckle and the ball on the post.
Pro tip: when working with intricate die-cut layers, like Santa’s boots and belt, keep a pair of reverse tweezers handy. They’ll save you so much time (and frustration) when positioning small pieces.
A Functional and Festive Design
What I love most about this project is how versatile it is. Whether you’re using it as a gift box for a small treat or as a centerpiece for your holiday décor, the Grandfather Clock Box makes a statement.
Switching out the signs adds an interactive element, and the mix of materials—shimmer, foil, glitter—gives the whole project a rich, layered look. It’s a little time-intensive, but I promise, the end result is worth it.
Final Thoughts
This project was such a joy to create, and I hope it inspires you to try something new this holiday season. Whether you stick to traditional colors like I did or experiment with modern hues, this die set offers so many possibilities.
If you’re making your own Grandfather Clock Box, I’d love to see your take on it! Feel free to share your creations or ideas in the comments below. Let’s keep the holiday crafting spirit alive and well.
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Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins
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