NO Stamping allowed😟! In today’s card making tutorial, I challenged myself to create a series of cards without stamping, can you guess which techniques I used?
Have you been following along with my 2023 Same But Different Christmas Card Series this year? Can you believe we are up to Video 4! CLICK HERE to see the full playlist at Youtube, I have already focused on Critters and Stretching a Stamp Set 5 Ways, and Poinsettias (sigh) and today I have something very different to share
Would you like to see today’s cards?
You can see my video here or Watch in HD at YouTube!
Idea #1 – Design Paper
You know we all have it and hoard it (or I do anyway 😉), but yes, get that design paper out and start creating. One of the best things about using design paper is that often we purchase it in a pack or a book and this means that it has been developed to coordinate perfectly. It makes decisions easier and if you are like me and want to create a set of cards, then I know they are going to match!
Idea #2 – Design Paper Sentiment
I love this little design hack, I took it a little step further and actually used the sentiment that was incorporated in the design paper instead of adding my own.
Idea #3 – Cover Dies
Cover dies are a quick and easy way to add a pattern, a colour or a texture to a background (did you see the ‘flurry’ in the background of my first card). It’s much quicker than stamping or colouring a background and perfect if you want to speed things up, espeically if you are making multiples of a design.
Idea #4 – Die Cut Sentiments
There are many options for adding stamp-free sentiments, and one of the most obvious to me is to use a die cut sentiment. You can layer it up as I have done here, inlay it into your design, cut it with coloured cardstock, design paper or even add colour with a marker!
PRO TIP: Don’t have die-cut sentiments? Instead, you can use alphabet dies or stickers to create one. And another option is to add a sentiment from a cut-apart sentiment sheet, you get a ton of sentiments and they are very affordable.
Idea #5 – Stencils
Speaking of affordable, stencils are one of the best tools in our card making arsenal. Not only are they very affordable, there are thousands to choose from and can be used for multiple techniques! You can create backgrounds or images, or even layer them up for a new and unique designs. Today I decided to add some fun texture and dimension by using white embossing paste with a snowy stencil.
I added some silhouette reindeer and a village scene to the panel and I think that this would make a perfect masculine Christmas card design.
Idea #6 – Embossing Folders
Another wonderful option is to use Embossing Folders. These also come in a HUGE variety of styles and designs and can add dimension, texture, patterns and images. One of the best thing about these folders is the ease of use and again, if you are making multiples they are a quick way to add that wow factor to your cards.
This is a 3D embossing folder (which gives more dimension) that I used today and it has a coordinating layering stencil set, the result is gorgeous.
Idea #7 – Hot Foil
In fact ANY kind of foil would work here! But with so many colours to choose from Hot Foil has come a long way in recent times and there are many sentiments, backgrounds and images to choose from. You can also colour them or ink blend which makes them particularly versatile.
Idea #8 – Die Cut Backgrounds
This is a great way to stretch your shaped die cuts! By creating patterns or repeated designs it can give your die cuts a whole new look! And it doesn’t have to be an image, why not try some shapes. I love hexagon patterned backgrounds, and guess what, they look especially wonderful if you use design papers.
BONUS IDEA: Instead of using die cuts to create a background why not cut strips of coloured cardstock or design paper to create a coordinating striped background.
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:
Crafty Critta – Merry Red Hot Foil – Don’t forget to use my discount code to SAVE 5% – lostinpaper05
Ellen Hutson – Twirling Flurries | Snowflakes
Copics – Y17 | E29 Altenew Artist Marker – S
 Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | AUZ |  Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS | AUZ |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | AUZ |  Falala Paper OTH |
 Navy ALT |  Powder Cardstock AUZ | OTH |  Lemongrass AUZ |  Poppy Cardstock AUZ | OTH |
 Crafty Critta Hot Foils OTH |  Globe Builder Die Set ALT |  Tiny Dots Cover Die SSS | AUZ | OTH |  A2 Layers Die SSS | AUZ |
 Fa La La Fringe Tree Dies SSS | OTH |  Holiday Sayings SSS | OTH |  Falling Snow SSS | AUZ | OTH |  Winter Village OTH |
 Santa’s Sleigh OTH |  Mistletoe Wreath Full Bundle ALT |  Mistletoe Wreath Stencil ALT | SSS |  Mistletoe Wreath 3D EF ALT | SSS |
 Holiday Greetings Hot Foil ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Holiday Greetings Die ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Rouge ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Crimson ALT | SSS | AUZ |
 Paper Bag ALT | SSS |  Green Tea AUZ |  Martini OTH |  Eucalyptus AUZ |
 Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Palette Knife Set ALT |  Embossing Paste ALT | SSS |  Copic Markers SSS |
 Warm and Cozy Enamel Dots ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Tea Party Enamel Dots ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Glacier Caves Enamel Dots ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Tweezers ALT | SSS | AUZ |
 Pick Up Stick AUZ |  Scissors SSS | AUZ |  Media Grip Mat SSS | AUZ |  Bone Folder Altenew ALT | SSS | AUZ |
 Stay-tion AMZ | SSS | AUZ |  Mini Score Board SSS | AUZ |  Mini MISTI SSS | AUZ |  Perfect Align Tool AMZ | AUZ |
 Go Press N Foil SSS | OTH |  Bigshot SSS |  Cutting Mat ALT | SSS |  Paper Trimmer AMZ | SSS |
 Gemini Junior SSS |  Gemini Double Cutting Plates AMZ | SSS | AUZ |  Turntable AMZ |  Thin Foam Squares SSS |
 Satin Masking Tape ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Bearly Art Glue SSS | AUZ |  Foam Tape ALT | SSS | AUZ |
So many wonderful ideas! Each one is spectacular but I might have to pick the snowflake one as a fave.
These papers make the job so easy, thank you Lisa x
No stamping needed, Therese! These are all festive and fun just the way the are!
Yay! Thank you so much!
I love all your ideas and cards, Therese. That wreath is spectacular.
Thank you so very much Bobby x
I’ve been looking for designs that could be made quickly for my very large goal, Therese! A few of these fit the bill beautifully! I really love your snowflakes and wreath and can see those patterned papers going miles to add fun style!
=]
Aren’t they the sweetest papers!! Good luck with your marathon goal my friend x
Great cards Therese. Loved the video. My favourites are the snowman globe and the lovely little wreath, but they’re all amazing.
So happy you like these Dee!!
Great ideas! Just need the motivation!
Glad you like these Christine, good luck on the motivation, I’m feeling back on track now lol.
You are so talented, that wreath design is incredible, all the designs are incredible. hugs xx
So glad you enjoyed these, thank you Angellica!
So many great ideas.
Lovely colours and designs.
Your Christmas series is very inspiring.
Cheers
Lisa
Thank you my friend x
Beautiful cards. Yep I’m putting my hand up – a stash of pattern paper here!