I’ve got two feathered friends to share today – one’s all dressed up in marker magic, and the other’s rocking layered stamping chic!
Both cards may feature birds, but they each have their own unique style – and I can’t wait to show you! So, are you ready for a peek at today’s bird card ideas!
Psst… before we start: This post is part of a fun Altenew blog hop (with a giveaway – yay!), so be sure to check out the full hop list below and leave a comment for your chance to win.
Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click and shop, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both me and the crafty shops we all love.
Thanks a bunch 🥰!
(This post is part of my Bird Card Series, so if you missed the first project – the Sacred Kingfisher – be sure to check it out for more feathery fun!)
These bird card ideas are all about experimenting with colour and texture. And you’ll see how a simple change in technique – from alcohol markers to layered stamping – can completely transform the look and feel of your design. And the best part? You can easily adapt these techniques with whatever stamps, dies, or inks you already enjoy using!
Idea #1 – Easy Coloring with Alcohol Markers
🎨 Quick Tips for Coloring Birds with Alcohol Markers
- Layer lightly: Build up color in thin layers to keep it smooth.
- Use flicks: Short strokes mimic natural feather texture.
- Keep contrast: A darker edge under the wing adds instant depth.
- Don’t overblend: Let a few light streaks show — it adds realism!
For this first card, I reached for my alcohol markers to bring the little bird to life. It’s a smaller image, so it was quick to color and even quicker to assemble – my kind of crafting!
I love how quick it is to build soft layers of color – a few light flicks are all it takes to create natural-looking feathers.
The floral background adds a subtle contrast to the bird, and I finished it off with a central popped-up sentiment for balance. It’s a clean design with just enough detail to feel special without being fussy.
Idea #2 – Layered Stamped Bird
🪶 Quick Tips for Layered Stamping Birds
- Start light: Use your palest ink first, then layer darker shades to build dimension.
- Align carefully: A stamp positioner makes lining up each layer quick and precise.
- Make multiples: If you’re already stamping, make a few extra birds while you’re at it – future you will thank you!
- Add a highlight: A tiny touch of white gel pen or gloss brings your bird to life.
I couldn’t resist turning this sweet little birdhouse into a gingerbread house – because, honestly, I already had gingerbread on the brain!
Because I was working on my Same But Different Christmas series, and one of the videos is all about gingerbread house card ideas, so it just kind of… happened. 😂 This bonus card was the perfect excuse to mix those ideas together!
Remember the bird? I already had this one made in my stash from a previous card – I’d stamped a few extras at the same time (because future me loves a shortcut 😉).
The house itself was created with layered die cutting – kraft cardstock for that classic gingerbread look and a sweet pink roof for a touch of whimsy.
The little house is “hung” inside a snow globe, with that bright red cardinal perched on top. It’s a clean design, but still full of charm – and such a fun bonus holiday card idea!
Giveaway Prizes
$300 in total prizes! To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $100 gift certificate to 1 lucky winner and a $50 gift certificate to 4 winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by December 18th for a chance to win. Altenew will draw 5 random winners from the comments left on each stop of this blog hop and announce the winners on the Altenew’s Blog Hop Post on December 20th 2025.
*The winners of the $100 gift certificate will be chosen from comments left on the Altenew blog.
Ready for More Inspiration? Let’s Hop
That’s it from my perch (for now!)
These two cards have definitely kept the bird theme going – and I’m not done yet! 😉
I’ve got even more feathered fun on the way.
And I’d love to know, which of today’s ideas caught your eye – the bright little marker bird or the cozy gingerbread birdhouse?
Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear!
Happy papercrafting,
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! 😄
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Simon Says Stamp: SHOP ALTENEW HERE
Altenew Artist Markers: R902 | Y803 | C020 | C026 (bird).
Altenew Fresh Dye Inks: Misty Morning | Cloudy Sky | Nimbus | Sugar Kelp | Citronella | Strawberry | Dusty Pink | Blush Rose.
Altenew Cardstock: Burnt Red | Dew Drops.
Cardstock: Powder | Kraft.
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Two darling cards featuring these delightful, feathered friends, Therese! I like the idea of a gingerbread bird house! I’m sure our little woodpeckers would love one, too – maybe it would stop them pecking at our house!!
=]
Beautiful card designs! I love how the little white bird looks against the floral background!
Lovely cards, great tips!