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!
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!
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! 😄
Other Supplies: SHOP THE ALTENEW RELEASE HERE!
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.
*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.
 Whispers in the Canopy Bundle ALT |  Globe Builder Die Set ALT |  Birds of the Season ALT | SSS |  Birds of the Season Die ALT | SSS |
 Linear Life: Poinsettias Bundle ALT |  Linear Life: Poinsettias ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |
 Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Obsidian ALT | SSS |  Mediterranean Glow ALT |  Wood Warbler Ink Set ALT | SSS |
 Tranquility ALT | SSS |  Blushberry Bliss ALT | SSS |  Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | SSS |  Artist Markers ALT | SSS |  Gel Pen ALT | SSS |  Pure White Spray ALT |
 Magical Holiday Sprinkles OTH |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |
 Stampwheel ALT | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |
9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |  Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
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!!
=]
Good luck with that… we used to have the same problem with Sulphur Crested Cockatoos… and they can take chunks out of wood lol. (lucky we are in a brick house now)
Beautiful card designs! I love how the little white bird looks against the floral background!
Thank you Lauryne!
Lovely cards, great tips!
Thank you so much Laurie!
Your cards are amazing!! I love the colors you chose!! Beautiful!!
Thank you Janice!
Well, Therese, you weren’t kidding about more inspiration. These cards are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your talent.
Yippee! so glad you like these Caroline!
Beautiful cards! A wintry birdhouse with a cardinal would be so fun to create with this set. I always appreciate the tips you share. Thanks for the inspiration!
What a great idea Carrianne!
Love your cards. I really love the bird house and birds. Birds aren’t really my thing most of the time, but this die set looks pretty cool. Thank you for the inspiration.
So glad you like these Lora!
I’m enjoying all the ways everyone is using the gorgeous bird sets in this release hop. Your cards are always so lovely and inspiration Therese.
Thank you so much Donna!
Beautiful cards!! I really love the birdhouse in the cloche, so cute.
Thank you Tracy!
The gingerbread birdhouse is so sweet!!!
Thank you Jill, it was fun to make!
Both are gorgeous! I LOVE the cardinal! Such stunning designs!
Thank you Meghan!
I love your cards!
Thanks Kelsey!
Fabulous florals! LOVE your birdhouse snow globe card–how Fun and festive!!!
Yay! Thanks Donna!
Your bird theme has me coming back for more, Therese. That gingerbread birdhouse is adorable.
So glad you like them Bobby!
Another marvelous pair of cards, Therese! I adora your sweet gingerbread birdhouse!
Thank you so much Lisa!
Your first card uses my favorite color combination. I never get tired of it. The little bird fits right in-so cute. Love the gingerbread birdhouse. Definitely thinking outside the box-I like that! Wonderful cards as always.
It is such a beautiful color combination, I can see why you like it soo much Sandy!
Lovely designs! I especially loved the one with the stenciled background and added bird. Your color choices are gorgeous!
It was so much fun to make… there is more on the way too!
Your cards are beautiful, Therese!
Thank you Anet!
These cards are both wonderful. I really like the cute birdhouse in the snowglobe.
thank you Mary-Anne!
Gorgeous way to highlight those sweet birds.
I, to have a future self.
Merry hugs
Loving the birds right now!
These cards are very pretty. The coloring is fantastic!
thank you Nandini!
Beautiful birds Therese. That first one is just incredible – so delicate looking. And your cardinal is perfect with the gingerbread house.
Thank you Dawn!
Gorgeous cards. Thanks for sharing these handy tips too!
Thank you Kailash!
Your cards are so beautiful Therese, you always inspire us, thanks for that!
Yay! Thanks Tina!
Beautiful cards. I just love the birds in this release.
Thank you Jeanne, I’m loving them too!
Your cards are gorgeous as always ❤️
Thank you Mehnaz!
Beautiful cards! so artfully done! I love the birds so much! great job!
Thanks Shannon!
Such lovely cards! I really love how you have the bird flying in for a landing on “Hello”
thanks so much Stacey!
Love these cards!! I am just blown away by all the awesome products in this new release and all the stunning cards all the designers made using them!!
so happy you like them Patty!
Love your beautiful bird cards!
thank you Sheri!
Wonderful cards! I especially love the gingerbread birdhouse!
Thank you my friend x
Beautiful cards. One of my favorites from this release is the Beautiful release is the Whispers in the Canopy Kit. I love how you used it in a snow globe.
Thank you Anna, I agree, this kit is divine!
Beautiful cards, love the colors!
Thank you Ann!
Great cards
Thanks Kelly!
Beautiful cards!!! Love the red bird
Thank you Melissa!
Lovely cards! Very cute birdhouse and snow globe!
Thank you Gayl!
Fabulous cards, Therese! So creative to make the birdhouse into a gingerbread house! I loved your video using this CYL project kit yesterday, too! So many great ideas! I have this kit and love all the wonderful inspiration!
How wonderful Carrie, it’s a fanatstic combination of supplies, makes it so easy to use and create with. I’ll bet you love it too!
Love these cards!!
Thanks Donna!
Beautiful cards! I love the gingerbread bird house!
I had so much fun making gingerbread house cards this year, I’m happy you like this bird house version Lynn!
Beautiful cards! Very creative birdhouse!
Thank you Greta!