Winter - Right as Rain

Penguin Card with Let It Snow Sentiment

Hello! After sharing a roundup of snowy techniques for handmade cards in this post, I couldn’t resist using those ideas to create my own! This whimsical penguin card, complete with a “Let It Snow” sentiment, brings together some of my favorite methods for capturing the magic of winter. Scroll for Early Black Friday sales at Spellbinders and Hero Arts!

- To begin, create an A2-size card base from textured white cardstock.
- Cut Snowdrift cardstock with the Large Emerald Cut Scored die in the Emerald Cut Labels set and add to the card base.
- Use the Large Label Insert die in the Emerald Cut Labels set to cut patterned paper for the snowy sky.
- Use that same die to cut white glitter cardstock.
- To create a snowy ground for the scene, cut the white glitter cardstock piece along the top with one of the Color Block Scenic Scape dies. Adhere to the patterned paper insert and add assembly to the card base.
- Cut Dancin’ Penguin from a variety of cardstock colors and assemble.
- Press the sentiment in black ink on Snowdrift cardstock and cut with the coordinating die.
- To create the snowflakes, cut white glitter foam with dies in the Christmas Wreath Add-Ons set.
- Add penguin to card with foam squares, adhere the sentiment and snowflakes with glue.

This card combines die-cut snowflakes, snowflake-patterned paper, and a glitter cardstock hill to create a layered, snowy scene full of winter charm.

How to Add Snow to Your Handmade Cards

Hello! You can bring the magic of winter to your handmade cards with a variety of techniques for adding snowy details. In this roundup, I’m sharing cards from past blog posts to illustrate different methods for adding snow, offering inspiration rather than focusing on specific products.

Snow can be featured in different areas of your cards, such as softly layered on the ground, gently falling in the sky, or as striking accents and focal points with die-cut snowflakes. I won’t be specifically mentioning where dies are used to create the snowflake accents, but you’ll see them featured in many of the examples throughout. Click on the card image to be taken to the original post for additional details.

One of the simplest ways to create a snowy scene is by using a hill die to cut white cardstock, adding instant winter charm to your card.

For an extra touch of sparkle, you can use glitter cardstock or glitter foam to create a snow-covered ground.

Glitter cardstock can be used to create focal items, such as sparkling snowmen, adding a festive and eye-catching touch to your card. When I use glitter cardstock for a snowman as a focal point, I don’t use it for the ground, as it would make the snowman less distinct and take away from its prominence. I own one die with snowflakes, and I used it on the card below, along with smaller die-cut snowflakes.

One easy option to use patterned paper featuring snowflakes or a gentle snowfall, instantly setting the scene for a winter feel. The style and color of the paper helps set the mood and tone for your card.

Another way to add snow is by using a background stamp. The ink color, along with the style and scale of the snowflakes, shapes the overall feel of the card, with subtle changes creating entirely different effects.

An embossing folder can add texture to create a snowy sky or overall background, with the style of the snow adding character to your card.

Stencils are a great way to add a snowy sky, whether you’re using designs like snowflakes, snowfall, or flurries. Applying white stencil paste through the stencil creates a textured, dimensional effect.

White embossing paste can be sprinkled with glitter before it dries, creating a beautiful, sparkly effect that enhances the snowy scene.

When I want to achieve the look of snow on greenery, such as evergreen trees or sprigs, I use various embossing powders to make the greenery look as though fresh snow has gently settled on it.

I hope these examples inspire you to get creative with adding snow to your cards. There are many ways to capture the magic of winter—how will you add snow to your next card?

52 Christmas Card Throwdown Challenge

Hello! For the 52 Christmas Card Throwdown Challenge, I crafted a Christmas card that feels both festive and fresh, using the challenge colors of pink, green, and white (the challenge colors). Featuring Memory Box dies, I created a serene forest scene with a cozy A-Frame house nestled among snowy trees.

Working on this card brought back a childhood memory. As a tween, I was convinced that green and pink didn’t belong together—especially when my mother insisted on dressing me in a spruce green sweater and a pink turtleneck for school photos. Now, years later, I see the charm of this unexpected pairing.

- To begin, apply embossing paste through the Snow Flurries stencil on a light green cardstock panel. Once dry, add to an A2-size card base. Cut a 1 1/2″ strip of Snowdrift cardstock for the snow and add to the background panel.
- Cut the pieces of the A-Frame house from Snowdrift and Dahlia cardstock. Apply glue and Rock Candy glitter to the top of the chimney and to the roof. Once dry, assemble the house.
- With dies in the A-Frame house set, cut the wreath from dark green cardstock in the Greenery pack. Apply White Puff embossing powder to create a snow effect.
- Cut the trees with dies in the Layered Narrow Pines set from dark green cardstock in the Greenery pack and Snowdrift cardstock. Apply glue and Rock Candy glitter to the Snowdrift pieces. Once dry, assemble the trees.
- Press the Merry & Bright sentiment in Spruce ink on Snowdrift cardstock. Cut with the die in the sentiment set.
- Add the house, trees, and sentiment to the card with dot and foam adhesive.

To create the effect of snow on the trees and roof, on the wreath, and on the background, I used different techniques, adding dimension and realism. Adding snow to paper creations is a fun way to bring a wintry feel, making your holiday scenes even more magical.

Penguins in the Snow: A Festive Holiday Card

Hello! Charming penguins, dressed for the holidays, steal the spotlight on this card made with the Playful Penguins dies from the Let It Snow Collection by Simon Hurley for Spellbinders.

- - To begin, cover an A2-size card base with patterned paper.
  - Cut penguins and accessories from a variety of cardstock colors; assemble. These are easy to put together.
  - Next, create snowbanks with dies in the Color Block Scenic Scape set. Trim as required and add to the card base.
  - Add the penguins to the scene with dot adhesive.
  - Finally, BetterPress the sentiment in black on white cardstock and cut with its coordinating die. Add to the card with foam adhesive.

Decorate the Hearth for Christmas

Hello! The holiday spirit often brings to mind cozy fireplaces and festive decor, and this Christmas card captures that warm, nostalgic feeling! While not everyone has a fireplace, decorating the hearth has deep roots in Christmas traditions, and this card brings those traditions to life with mantel decor, stockings, and banner sentiment. To create the card, I combined two die sets from the Timeless Trees Collection by Simon Hurley for Spellbinders.

- Cover A2-size card base with patterned paper.
- Cut mantel, decorations, stockings and banner from a variety of cardstock colors and textures with the Mantel Village and Mantel Decorations die sets. (These sets are also available at a discount as a bundle.) Assemble.
- For easier handling, create an assembly with the mantel, decorations, and stockings. Add the assembly to the card front with foam adhesive squares. Add banner to top of card.