52 Christmas Card Throwdown Sketch Challenge

Hello! Today I am sharing a Christmas card created for the Sketch Challenge at the 52 Christmas Card Throwdown.

52 Christmas Card Throwdown November Sketch

I absolutely love participating in sketch challenges. The limited choice in terms of design pushes me to think innovatively. Instead of feeling restricted, I find that my imagination thrives! Additionally, challenges that don’t have specific manufacturer affiliations or brand restrictions make it possible for me to explore my vast collection of crafting supplies. I can reach into my stash of paper, stamps, and dies and mix-and-match!

52 Christmas Card Throwdown | Sketch Challenge

  • I cut a 4 1/4″ square of the tree patterned paper with a now-retired Lil’ Inker stitched die and added it to a 4 1/2″ card base of TE Mulled Wine cardstock. (As I mentioned in this post, patterned paper offers a quick and convenient way to add character in cardmaking. I found a now-retired package of Taylored Expressions patterned paper with a variety of coordinating papers.)
  • With one of the Tag Stacklets 3 dies, I cut the ornament from patterned paper and Snowdrift cardstock. I used a die in the Build a Scene – Rolling Hills set to cut a snowbank from Snowdrift cardstock and added it to the ornament.
  • I cut a strip of the striped paper 1 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ and added it to the background and the ornament to the strip.
  • With the Taylored Expression Little Bits Snowman die set (now-retired), I cut the pieces and assembled the snowman. I used the Little Bits – Snowflake Confetti set to cut snowflakes from the Snowdrift cardstock. I adhered the snowman and snowflakes to the circle ornament and tied twine at the top.
  • I used the Savvy “Let It Snow” rubber stamp, (bought over a decade ago at the Impress stamp store in Seattle), for the sentiment and cut it with a die in the TE Mini Tags set (the set is now retired, although there appear to be similar small tag dies on the Taylored Expressions site). I added the tag to the ornament with an enamel dot.

52 Christmas Card Throwdown | Sketch Challenge

This challenge gave me the perfect excuse to revisit forgotten gems in my stash.


Elizabeth Craft Designs | Crafting Cozy Moments

Hello! Today, I am delighted to share a handmade card with a hot beverage theme featuring products from Elizabeth Craft Designs. Nestled on a snowflake-patterned paper, this card captures the essence of winter coziness. I recently posted about the hot beverage theme in cardmaking HERE.

Elizabeth Craft Designs | Crafting Cozy Moments

    • Create an A2-size card base and adhere patterned paper (I used the A2-size die in the Lawn Fawn Stitched Rectangles set to cut the paper). Patterned paper offers a quick and convenient way to create card backgrounds, which I discussed in this post.
    • Using the Warm Winter Mug die set, cut mug, gingerbread person, and candy cane from Snowdrift, Pomegranate, Paper Bag, and Fern cardstock. Assemble.
    • Stamp Holiday Treats sentiment on Snowdrift cardstock with Icing on the Cake ink. I masked the sentiment in order to stack it. Cut sentiment with a banner die. Add grommet (I used a die in the Lawn Fawn Tag, You’re It set), and punch a hole. Add twine (Lawn Fawn Peppermint Cord).
    • Add assembled mug and sentiment banner to card base.

Elizabeth Craft Designs | Crafting Cozy Moments

Looking for more inspiration? I previously posted a card with these sets here.


Spellbinders | Build a Card Hello

Hello! I am delighted to share a “Hello” card featuring this month’s Spellbinders Small Die of the Month Club Kit – “Build a Card Hello.” This handmade card, crafted with die-cuts and a dry-embossed background, can be sent for any number of occasions.

Spellbinders | Build a Card Hello

    • Dry-emboss an A2-size panel of light-green cardstock with the Scattered Fall folder. (The folder was released September 2022 to Embossing Folder of the Month Club members.) Add to card base.
    • With a die in the Small Die of the Month set, cut the floral outline twice from Snowdrift cardstock. Cut again from Fern, Terra Cotta, and navy cardstock. Use the inlay technique to fill the large bloom and leaves.
    • Add assemblies to the top and bottom of the card background.
    • Cut sentiment from navy cardstock and glitter foam (glitter side down). Attach together and add to the card base center.
    • Cut additional pieces from Snowdrift cardstock and attach to the card background.

Spellbinders | Build a Card Hello

Spellbinders Christmas Gift Sets

Spellbinders Cardmaking Kits Promotion

Spellbinders BetterPress Promotion


Spellbinders | Towering Blooms

Happy November! I am delighted to share a “Hello” card featuring this month’s Spellbinders Large Die of the Month Club Kit – “Towering Blooms.” This handmade card, crafted with die-cuts and a dry-embossed background, took only minutes to make and works for any number of occasions.

Spellbinders | Towering Blooms

The amaryllis plant is known for its striking and large flowers. As they bloom indoors during the winter, they are a symbol of hope and new beginnings at the holiday season.

Spellbinders | Towering Blooms

    • With the Tiny Dots embossing folder, dry-emboss an A2-size panel of Waterfall cardstock. Adhere to card base with debossed side up.
    • With the Large Die set, cut amaryllis pieces from a variety of cardstock colors and assemble pieces. Add assembly to card base with dot and foam adhesive.
    • Cut sentiment with die in the Small Die set from Brushed Gold and gold glitter foam (for height). Cut foam glitter side down. Adhere pieces and add to card.

Spellbinders | Towering Blooms

Head to the Spellbinders blog for more inspiration!


Spellbinders | Merry Mugs and Lattes

Hello! I am sharing a heartwarming Christmas card adorned with a pair of steaming mugs crafted with the Merry Mugs die set from Spellbinders. The coordinating Santa’s Sippin’ Sayings stamp set provides the delightful sentiment – “Have Yourself a Merry Little Latte.” Both sets are part of the Merry Mugs & Circle Delights Collection. This coffee-themed card captures the season’s coziness and togetherness. I recently posted about the hot beverage theme in cardmaking HERE. Scroll for info about a sale at Spellbinders featuring amazing deals!

Spellbinders | Merry Mugs and Lattes

    • Create an A2-size card base and adhere patterned paper. Patterned paper offers a quick and convenient way to add character to your card backgrounds, which I discussed in this post about paper-based background choices in cardmaking.
    • With the Merry Mugs die set, cut mugs, snowflake, tree, whipped cream toppings, candy cane, chocolate, and marshmallows from a variety of cardstocks including foam and glitter. Assemble as required.
    • Stamp Santa’s Sippin’ Sayings sentiment in green ink and cut with rectangular or banner die.
    • Add sentiment and mugs to card with foam and dot adhesive.

Spellbinders | Merry Mugs and Lattes

Perfect for coffee lovers and Christmas enthusiasts alike, this coffee-themed card is perfect for sharing the warmth of the season. Looking for more inspiration with the Merry Mugs & Circle Delights Collection? Check out this post.

The Scary Good Sale at Spellbinders is on now through Tuesday, October 31, 2023.