5 FUN Ways to Add Critters to Handmade Christmas Cards | Video!

I don’t want to scare you… but, have you started on your Holiday cards yet 😉? Or, have you finished them?

NO Pressure, there is still plenty of time, but I did want to get the inspiration out early so that you can start planning or be inspired to use these ideas even for ‘non-holiday’ designs. Welcome to my 2023 Same But Different Christmas Card Series, I’m so excited to be back again this year and I have some FUN stuff planned!

Starting with some Cute CRITTER Card Inspiration!

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

You can see my video here or Watch in HD at YouTube!


Idea #1 – Die Cut Background

Why not create somewhere fun for your critter to sit. I decided to create a sweet snowflake background today but you could baubles, stars, even basic shapes like circles would work well too.

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

Love this sweet Penny Black fox, I think he may have even made it to my Series previously (I know, I know, we shouldn’t have favourites 😉).

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

Idea #2 – Use ANY Critter!

Yes, you can ‘Christmas’ nearly any critter. It’s easy to do, just add a Santa Hat, or maybe some bauble earrings or even a string of Christmas lights!

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

My pink flamingo really has the ‘Holiday Spirit’, she has a cocktail as well as a Santa Hat!

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

Idea #3 – Create a Scene!

An oldie but a goodie. Critters fit perfectly into scenes and they can either be added on their own or you can group them up. In my true style, I kept it quite clean and simple with just ‘Patch’ the singing dog, but this scene makes me happy. You can go anywhere with this idea, pile up the presents or the Santa sack and add your critter… or why not add him to a night sky on the rooftops or flying in the sleigh!

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

TIP: If you don’t have any tree die cuts, you could hand cut some green tree triangles from green cardstock, or even stamp and fussy cut some out.

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

Idea #4 – Stripes Anyone?

I love me a fun striped background and what’s not to love about this colour combo from Concord & 9th except when you add a cute Hedgehog and the background shines even more! I used a die to cut my stripes but a paper trimmer works just as well, you can even change it up so that the stripes are all different sizes (I often do this and it looks fabulous).

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

Without the striped background, this would be a very clean and simple design, I love how it takes it to the next level.

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

Idea #5 – Stack ’em Up!

I love the final result of these stacked penguins. To me, the triangle shape reminds me of the shape of a Christmas tree. Now, this wouldn’t work with every style of critter stamp but it’s fun to have a look at what you have, but, if you want the easy way out, there are actually stamps that you can buy that have critters stacked up into a Christmas tree shape.

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

Soooo cute!

Therese Calvird - Same But Different Christmas Card Series 2023 - Critters (card video) (1)

I adore my Christmas stamps and love to make the most of them throughout the years so sadly not every set that I have used today is still available. I will link what I can or find similar where possible, if you use my links (at no extra cost to you) I say a HUGE thank you for your support of my channel. It helps me bring more free content your way. I encourage you to also use what you have and adapt these simple designs and ideas to suit your style. And, if you are inspired I’d love you to share your designs with me on Social Media.
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Crafty Christmas Hugs,

I use affiliate links which means that I will receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of my card adventures!

Other Supplies:
Cardstock – Concord & 9th – Aqua Sky / Sweet Pea / Lemongrass / Avocado / Artichoke.
Copics – 0 / C3,7 / T4 / W0,2,7 / RV10,34 / R11,14 / YG17 / Y21 / YR12,24 / E25,31,33,40,43,44,49,50.
Artist Markers – C025 / TG08 / R304 / R403 / R207 / Y425 / B204 / B313 / G915 / G825 / G935.
Embellishments – Hot Pink Rhinestones.
Ellen Hutson – Snowflakes / Inner Flamingo / Dinomite Christmas / Cup of Cheer / Color Me Strips – Large.

Affiliate links are used
Neenah Solar 110
Neenah Solar 110

SSS | AUZ
Neenah Solar 80
Neenah Solar 80

AMZ | SSS | AUZ
Concord & 9th - Cardstock
Concord & 9th – Cardstock

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Snowfield Friends
Snowfield Friends

OTH
Christmas Sentiments Dies
Christmas Sentiments Dies

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Christmas Sentiments
Christmas Sentiments

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Tiny Dots Cover Die
Tiny Dots Cover Die

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Falala Friends Dies
Falala Friends Dies

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Falala Friends
Falala Friends

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Fa La La Fringe Tree Dies
Fa La La Fringe Tree Dies

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Big On Christmas
Big On Christmas

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Holly Jolly Critters
Holly Jolly Critters

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Be Merry Sentiments Die
Be Merry Sentiments Die

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Smile and Wave
Smile and Wave

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Smile and Wave Die
Smile and Wave Die

AUZ | OTH
Tiny Trees Turnabout
Tiny Trees Turnabout

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A2 Layers Die
A2 Layers Die

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Tuxedo Black
Tuxedo Black

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Nocturne
Nocturne

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Copic Markers
Copic Markers

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Artist Markers Set J
Artist Markers Set J

ALT | SSS | AUZ
Sparkle Glaze
Sparkle Glaze

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Tweezers
Tweezers

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Scissors
Scissors

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MISTI
MISTI

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Mini MISTI
Mini MISTI

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Magnets
Magnets

OTH
Perfect Align Tool
Perfect Align Tool

AMZ | AUZ
Bigshot
Bigshot

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Cutting Mat
Cutting Mat

ALT | SSS
Paper Trimmer
Paper Trimmer

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Gemini Junior
Gemini Junior

SSS
Gemini Double Cutting Plates
Gemini Double Cutting Plates

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Turntable
Turntable

AMZ
Thin Foam Squares
Thin Foam Squares

SSS
Bearly Art Glue
Bearly Art Glue

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Zig Chisel Glue Pen
Zig Chisel Glue Pen

SSS | AUZ
ATG
ATG

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Glue Tape
Glue Tape

ALT | SSS | AUZ
Foam Tape
Foam Tape

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Adhesive Sheets
Adhesive Sheets

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15 thoughts on “5 FUN Ways to Add Critters to Handmade Christmas Cards | Video!

  1. I love your “clean and simple” cards for holiday mass production.
    The penguins are terrific and the flamingo with a cocktail….well, the “Let’s get into the Holiday Spirit” sentiment is very unique and perfect for “Grinches” like me! Is that a retired stamp?

      1. Wow! thanks! I will miss the Ellen Hutson Shop. They always had such unique designs. I love Julie’s humor (or is that humour?). 🙂

  2. My Christmas cards have been started! Make 3 each month. When December rolls around I will have 36 done….

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