Hi crafty friends!
Today I’m sharing a playful, snowy Christmas card that brings together Distress Inks, embossing, stenciling, and a super cute snowman for a festive mixed media mashup.
The Background: Inky Layers & Embossed Texture
There’s something so satisfying about stumbling on a technique that just works—like this clever one from Juliana Michaels! I scrunched up a paper towel into a ball, wrapped it in plastic wrap, and used it to do some controlled ink smooshing with Picked Raspberry and Peacock Feathers Distress Oxide Inks. Instead of pressing my panel directly into the ink, I dabbed it on using the wrapped paper towel—this gave me way more control and created the perfect snowy texture without things getting too chaotic.
I started with the Picked Raspberry, wiped off the plastic, then went in with the Peacock Feather. To speed things up (because I’m way too impatient to wait), I heat set the panel—but feel free to let it air dry if you’re more relaxed than I am!
Next I brought in the Scattered Snowflakes Stencil by Simon Says Stamp and softly blended Distress Oxide inks through it suing the same inks mentioned above, just enough to make those gentle flakes dance across the background.
To finish, I heat embossed the Merry Medley Background Stamp by Stampin’ Up! in clean, crisp white. The Christmas sentiments make a lively, festive statement which is perfect for capturing that snowy celebration vibe.
I then cut the panel down to 5 1/4 x 4 and adhered it to a panel of white cardstock. I used an inverted scalloped border die to frame the panel, giving the card a crisp edge. It also created a visual boundary between the busy background and the main focal point.
To add even more texture, I ran the whole panel through my machine using the Fine Woodgrain Press Plate by Altenew—it’s such a subtle detail, but it adds the perfect finishing touch!
Center Stage: The Gifting Snowman
The star of the card is one of the charming snowmen from the Gifting Snowmen Die set by Waffle Flower Crafts. I dressed him up in the coordinating accessories from the set—scarf, hat, and mittens—and added soft blue ink shading to give everything a bit of depth and contrast. To make him stand out, I popped him up with foam tape and placed him right at the center of the snowy scene, where he adds just the right touch of wintery cheer.
The Finishing Touch: Let It Snow
Between his mittens, I tucked a "Let it Snow" sentiment from the Tiny Words Christmas set by Simon Says Stamp and die cut it using the Tiny Sentiments Banner Die from Poppy Stamps. It fit perfectly between his hands like a little holiday banner, tying everything together with a sweet and simple message.
This card was such a joy to create — full of inky layers, snowy texture, and a little bit of winter whimsy. It’s a great example of how you can mix stamping, stenciling, die cutting, and ink techniques to tell a complete story in one little scene.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope this little snowman brought some cheer to your day.
Products Used:
Merry Medley Background Stamp – Stampin' Up! (retired)
Inverted Scalloped Border Die
CHALLENGES:
