Have you ever wondered how to get more creative with just one background? Let’s take ONE snowflake plate and create a flurry of card designs?
Welcome to my Same But Different Christmas Series 2025 where I share fun and beautiful holiday card designs – created in multiples – with a focus on different themes, ideas, supplies, or techniques. And of course… a ton of tips along the way!
Want more festive inspiration? Check out my 2024 playlist right HERE!
Ready to take a peek at today’s cards?
I use affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, I’ll receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support me and the shops we love 🥰!
You can jump straight into the video here or watch it in HD on YouTube HERE. Scroll for more pics and details.
#BACKGROUNDS
Same But Different: 6 Ways to Use One Snowflake Background
We tend to use background plates the same way every time – but a little creativity can unlock a whole new world of ideas.
Are you ready to stretch your stash this Christmas? In today’s Same But Different holiday series, I’m sharing six creative ways to use one snowflake background – yep, just one! You’ll also see five festive card designs using these techniques to inspire your holiday cardmaking.
And don’t worry if you don’t have this exact die – I’m also sharing easy alternatives to help you get a similar look using what’s already in your stash.
Idea #1 – Tone on Tone
Let’s kick things off with a simple classic – because sometimes the easiest techniques are the most effective! Tone on tone is a fabulous way to add subtle texture and interest without overwhelming your card design.
Just choose a coloured piece of cardstock for your background, then add the snowflake impression using an ink that’s slightly darker than your cardstock. The result? Elegant, soft, and ideal for Christmas designs.
💡 Stash-Friendly Substitutes:
Don’t have this snowflake background? Try a background stamp or stamp multiple snowflakes to build your own design. Mixing snowflake sizes can add extra visual interest too!
Idea #2 – Inked Ombre
Step up the stamping! Why stick to one ink colour when you can blend a few for a unique and gorgeous ombre effect?
Choose a combination of inks that coordinate or blend well together. Start with the lightest color at the top – this helps prevent ink pad contamination – then work your way down the panel with each darker shade. It’s an easy way to add color, movement, and interest in one go.
💡 Stash-Friendly Substitutes:
No background die? Use a snowflake stencil instead! Just ink blend from lightest to darkest for a similar ombre background with that same wow factor.
PRO TIP: Your colors don’t have to be from the same shade family – mix things up for a more playful effect. Try unexpected combos, or go all out with a rainbow blend to brighten up your card.
Idea #3 – Foiling
Did you know you can use a BetterPress Plate for foiling too? It’s a great way to add shine to your snowflakes – bringing elegance and that special something with minimal effort.
There are so many beautiful foils to choose from – classic metallics for a timeless look or bright colours for something playful and fun. Just pick the one that suits your design style best!
💡 Stash-Friendly Substitutes:
No foil machine? No worries! Try a snowflake background stamp or stamp multiple snowflake images with a watermark ink (such as Versamark), then heat emboss with metallic embossing powder to get a similar shiny effect.
Idea #4 – Reverse Foiling
Don’t toss that leftover foil – it still has more to give! You can use the reverse image to create a second background that’s just as beautiful as the first.
The easiest way? Adhere the used foil to a White Toner Sheet by running it through a laminating machine. Yep, Hot Foil works with a laminator when paired with toner sheets – how cool is that?
💡 Stash-Friendly Substitutes:
No foil machine? No worries! Try stamping and heat embossing snowflakes onto metallic or shiny cardstock for a similar reflective effect.
PRO TIP: For crisp results, use a stamp positioning tool – foil and glossy papers can be a bit slippery when stamping. Also, be careful not to overheat the metallic cardstock.
Idea #5 – Acetate
Did you know you can hot foil onto acetate? It’s a fun way to add some shine and elegance to your cards.
Just make sure to use heat-resistant acetate – not all acetate can handle the heat! And if you’re planning to shake things up (like I did here), go for a heavier weight acetate to create a sturdy shaker window that holds its shape beautifully.
Bonus Idea – Blind Letterpress
Did you know you can use your BetterPress Plate without any ink? Simply press a plain piece of cardstock, and you’ll get a subtle impression of the snowflake design. It’s a beautiful way to add texture and quiet detail – without overwhelming your card.
💡 Stash-Friendly Substitutes:
No BetterPress? No problem! Try stamping snowflakes with watermark ink (like Versamark) onto your cardstock. It gives you a similar soft and subtle effect, just without the impression.
That’s how I made the most of one background plate—now it’s your turn!
And don’t forget to use those background panels – I turned mine into five different holiday cards to help inspire your own creations.
I’d love to know, which technique are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below! And if you create something inspired by today’s cards, don’t forget to tag me on social media so I can see your snowy masterpieces
Sending crafty hugs your way,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄
P.S. Need supplies? Here are the links to the products I used today (some of these are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase—thanks for supporting my channel 🥰)!
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Spellbinders: SHOP NEW RELEASE US HERE | SHOP UK HERE
Ink: Altenew – Morning Frost | Heart Beat | Berry Mocha | Dew Drops | Pool | Mystic Lake | Teal Tempest.
Cardstock: Altenew – Dew Drops | Concord & 9th – Poppy
Copics: B11 | E000,40,44 | C9 | G24 | RV34 | R00 | W4.
 Snowfall Shimmer SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Polar Bear Pals SSS | SB UK | SB US |  The Clauses SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Twinkle Bright Tree SSS | SB UK | SB US |
 Merry Messages SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Bold Numbers SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Bold Color Mix Numbers SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Essential Stylish Ovals SSS | SB UK | SB US |
 Satin Pastels Hot Foil SSS | SB UK | SB US |  White Toner Sheets OTH |  Your Best Mate Foiling Machine AU OTH |  Clear Iridescent Sequins ALT | SSS |
 Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS |  Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS |
 Acetate SSS |  Nocturne SSS |  Tea Party ALT | SSS |  Warm Gray ALT | SSS |
 Aqua Island ALT | SSS |  Dew Drops ALT | SSS |  Copic Markers SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |
 Splatter White SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Mechanical Pencil Papermate HB#2 (0.7) AMZ | SB UK |
 Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  BetterPress SB ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |
9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |  Go Press N Foil OTH |  Media Grip Mat SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS | Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |