When I think of holiday cards, my mind instantly goes to the classics: nutcrackers, bold sentiments, and rich, festive colors. Today, we’re diving into just that—a project that combines the intricate Nutcracker Dies with the bold Joyful Season Turnabout Stamp from Concord & 9th. If you’re looking for a card design that feels traditional but with a modern twist, this one’s for you.
Nutcracker Dies & Turnabout Stamping:
Why I Love Turnabout Stamps
Turnabout stamps are such a game changer. They allow you to create beautifully layered backgrounds that look complex but are surprisingly easy to achieve. For this card, I reached for the Joyful Season Turnabout Stamp. The bold, festive icons in this set perfectly complement the Nutcracker Die, creating a cohesive look that’s both playful and elegant.
Here’s a little pro tip: When working with Turnabout stamps, using the Turnabout Jig makes alignment a breeze. If you’ve ever struggled with getting those patterns to line up perfectly, the jig takes all the guesswork out of the equation. I remember the first time I tried a Turnabout without it—let’s just say the result was more abstract than intended!
Crafting with the Nutcracker Dies
I’ve always had a soft spot for nutcrackers. They remind me of my trips to see The Nutcracker ballet, where the stage would come alive with vibrant costumes and magical music. When I saw Concord & 9th’s Nutcracker Dies, I knew they’d be the perfect focal point for a holiday card.
The die set includes everything you need to build a detailed nutcracker, from his regal hat to his tiny boots. To give each piece more depth, I used my Bitty Bunny Blender Brushes to add some subtle shading. Adding a little ink to your die cuts can make all the difference, turning flat pieces into something truly dimensional.
Another pro tip: When assembling intricate die-cut pieces, use a grip mat like the one from Waffle Flower Crafts. It keeps everything in place, so you’re not chasing tiny holly leaves around your craft desk.
Building a Layered Card
To tie everything together, I used the Turnabout-stamped panel as my background and layered it with die-cut ovals from the Nutcracker set. This creates a beautiful frame for the nutcracker while keeping the background as a bold supporting player.
For the cardstock, I went with Neenah Desert Storm for a warm, neutral base and added pops of color from the Jolly Smooth Cardstock Paper Pad. The muted tones of Desert Storm balance out the vibrant shades of Watermelon, Eucalyptus, Rainforest, and Wildberry inks, creating a look that’s festive without being overpowering.
One thing I always recommend is experimenting with your card layout before adhering anything down. Play around with the placement of your elements until you find a composition that feels balanced.
Finishing Touches
No holiday card is complete without a bit of sparkle, right? I added highlights with my trusty Pentel Milky Pop White Gel Pen and finished off with Stardust Stickles. These little details catch the light beautifully, adding that extra bit of holiday magic.
And don’t forget your sentiment! I stamped a bold Christmas greeting in Wildberry Ink to tie everything together. Placing it at the bottom of the focal oval creates a nice visual anchor for the design.
Final Thoughts
This card is all about blending traditional holiday elements with modern techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, projects like this show how a few thoughtfully chosen supplies can lead to stunning results.
I hope this project inspires you to create something special this holiday season. If you’re curious about the process, be sure to check out the video tutorial where I walk you through it step by step.
As always, thank you for crafting along with me. I can’t wait to see what you create! And don’t forget—tomorrow brings a new project in the Holiday Card Series, so stay tuned.
Nutcracker Dies & Turnabout Stamping 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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