I don’t want to scare you… but, have you started on your Holiday cards yet π? 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!
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.
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 π).
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!
My pink flamingo really has the ‘Holiday Spirit’, she has a cocktail as well as a Santa Hat!
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!
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.
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).
Without the striped background, this would be a very clean and simple design, I love how it takes it to the next level.
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.
Soooo cute!
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.
 Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS |  Christmas Sentiments Dies SSS | OTH |
 Christmas Sentiments SSS | OTH |  Falala Friends Dies SSS | OTH |  Falala Friends SSS | OTH |  Smile and Wave Die OTH |
 Smile and Wave SSS | OTH |  Tiny Trees Turnabout SSS | OTH |  Big On Christmas OTH |  Fa La La Fringe Tree Dies SSS | OTH |
 Be Merry Sentiments Die SSS | OTH | OTH |  Tiny Dots Cover Die SSS | OTH |  A2 Layers Die SSS |  Nocturne SSS |
 Tuxedo Black SSS |  Artist Markers ALT | SSS |  Copic Markers SSS |  Sparkle Glaze SSS |
 Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Scissors SSS |  Bone Folder Altenew ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |
 MISTI SSS |  Mini MISTI SSS |  Magnets OTH | 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ | SSS |
 Gemini Junior SSS | Thin Foam Squares AMZ | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Zig Chisel Glue Pen SSS |
 ATG OTH |  Tape 1/2 SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  Foam Tape ALT | SSS |
 Satin Masking Tape ALT |  Adhesive Sheets ALT | SSS |
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?
You and me Grinches together lol. It’s an Ellen Hutson stamp and it looks like it’s still available at the shop. Here is the link
https://www.ellenhutson.com/cup-of-cheer-by-julie-ebersole-essentials-by-ellen-clear-stamps/
Wow! thanks! I will miss the Ellen Hutson Shop. They always had such unique designs. I love Julie’s humor (or is that humour?). π
hahaha that’s ‘humour’ to me lol.
Well these are ALL just adorable! I love the little fella holding the top hat and belting it out! I’m confident he’s on key!
Oh yes, I was singing along with him lol.
These are all so cute, Therese. I’ll be digging out some of my critters.
Wonderful Bobby, I hope you have some fun!
I just love when you create with critters! They are all so delightful and cheery!
I do love me a critter lol.
Love these cards Therese, specially the penguins. So cute Γ’Β€ï¸Β
Thank you my friend x
My Christmas cards have been started! Make 3 each month. When December rolls around I will have 36 done….
All your cards are extremely adorable and your helpful hints are always greatly appreciated!
So glad you like them Dana x
5 fab cards. Can’t go past the fox! why are they always so cute on a card?