Today, I’ve got a project that’s all about bringing color and simplicity together in a festive way. This time of year, there’s always a little extra magic in the air, and I wanted that spirit to come through in this Christmas card design. The card I’m sharing is clean and simple in design, yet still has a bold, vibrant look that makes it stand out on the mantel. And I’ll be using the Poinsettia & Pinecones Stamp Set from The Rabbit Hole Designs to make this beauty come to life.
This card is a great option for anyone looking to make a big impact with just a few supplies and techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced card maker, it’s a project you can dive right into and feel proud of!
Clean & Simple But Colorful Poinsettia Christmas Card:
Crafting the Bold Background
One of my favorite ways to add interest to a card is by creating a striking background that feels polished but doesn’t take hours to complete. For this design, I masked off a portion of Hammermill Smooth Cardstock with 1-inch Mint Tape and 4-inch Mint Tape. If you haven’t tried using tape for masking, it’s such an easy way to add clean lines to your projects without much effort.
For the background, I went with Distress Inks in Lumberjack Plaid and Aged Mahogany—classic holiday shades that blend together so smoothly, giving a rich, cozy red hue. Using my Cotton Tail Blending Brushes here was key; they lay down the ink seamlessly and help to avoid any harsh lines. When I pulled back that Mint Tape, the clean edges revealed a perfectly framed space ready for our stamped poinsettia image!
Pro Tip: Getting That Smooth Blend
For smooth, even blending, try working in small, circular motions with your blending brush. Start off the cardstock and move in toward the center to avoid harsh edges or blotchy spots. And don’t worry if you’re new to blending—Distress Inks are pretty forgiving. If you make a mistake, just add another layer of ink to smooth things out.
Adding the Poinsettia in Classic Black Ink
Once the background was set, it was time to stamp the poinsettia image. I used the single poinsettia from The Rabbit Hole Designs’ Poinsettia & Pinecones Stamp Set, stamping right over the inked background. For crisp, rich details, Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink is my go-to. Its deep black color holds up well over the vibrant reds and really makes that poinsettia pop.
Something I’ve learned over the years is how powerful one focal image can be on a card, especially with a background that already carries a lot of color. This single, classic poinsettia really brings the design together without overwhelming it. There’s a kind of beauty in keeping it simple that feels extra festive.
Pro Tip: Creating Depth with a White Gel Pen
To add just a bit of dimension, I pulled out my white gel pen and added a few small highlights to the poinsettia and pinecones in the inked area. This tiny detail goes a long way in creating depth, giving the flowers a bit of a glisten as if they’ve caught the morning frost. It’s subtle but makes a noticeable difference.
Assembling the Card with Finishing Touches
After completing the focal panel, I trimmed it down to 4” x 5 1/4” so that it would leave a small border on an A2 card base. I chose Neenah Desert Storm 100 lb Cardstock for the base, which adds a warm, earthy tone that contrasts nicely with the reds and blacks. This color choice also helps balance the design, making it feel cozy and inviting.
To finish things off, I stamped the Merry Christmas sentiment in Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. Just a simple, straightforward sentiment, but it ties the whole design together. And for that last bit of polish, I added a few White Matte Enamel Dots around the sentiment. I love these enamel dots for adding texture without taking away from the simplicity of the design—they just add a bit of movement and a soft, elegant touch.
Why I Love This Design
One of the best things about this project is how it combines color and simplicity in a way that’s truly striking. When I look back at the cards I’ve made over the years, the ones that feel timeless are usually the ones that aren’t overloaded with embellishments. Clean, simple designs, like this poinsettia card, have a classic beauty that never goes out of style.
And with this project, there’s so much flexibility. If red isn’t your color, you could switch to a soft blue or even a frosty silver ink blend for a wintery feel. Or, if you’re making a set of cards, try experimenting with a few different background colors—each one will have its own unique charm.
Try It Out!
I hope this project gives you some inspiration to create your own clean and colorful holiday cards this season. Remember, it doesn’t take a lot of fuss to make a beautiful card, just a few well-chosen colors and a classic stamp. Be sure to check out the video tutorial for a closer look at how this design comes together—I think you’ll find it’s easier than you might expect!
Happy crafting, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and creativity!
Clean & Simple but Colorful Christmas Card Video Tutorial:
If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking here!
(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!
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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