‘Wood’ you like to step up your card designs with woodgrain? Let’s bring some nature-inspired charm into your creations!
Did you know that wood and woodgrain aren’t just for rustic designs? Today, I’m stepping outside the box to show you some fun and cheerful ways to incorporate these elements into your cards… plus a BONUS woodgrain idea to spark your creativity!
#NEWVIDEO: If you want MORE inspiration for this fabulous tree check out my video right here!
Ready to take a quick look at today’s cards?
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 🥰!
#WOODGRAIN
I have four bright and fun card designs inspired by wood, and they’re the perfect way to bring some natural charm into your cardmaking. Paired with a bold combo of hot pink and bright orange, these cards are ideal for thinking of you, inspirational, and motivational sentiments. Together, let’s see how wood can add versatility to your card designs!
Card #1 – Majestic Maple
This magnificent die-cut maple tree can really stand out on its own, but have you ever thought of giving it a fun twist with a hot pink and bright orange color combo? It definitely changes the vibe, transforming the design into something cheerful and full of life!
PRO TIP: Although it’s hard to see in the photo, I added extra ‘woodgrain’ texture to the tree trunk after die-cutting. This extra touch gives this clean and simple design more dimension and interest!
Changing up the color combinations for this maple tree could make it the perfect masculine birthday card (especially if your husband is a geneologist 😉) or perhaps a sympathy design. The possibilities are endless depending on how you adjust the colors and accents.
Card #2 – Shrubs?
Did you know you can easily stretch your supplies to create a whole new look? Here, I’ve used the foliage from the maple tree die to create some shrubs for my scene. It’s a simple way to get more mileage out of your supplies while adding layers of interest to your design.
These wooden chairs complete the outdoor vibe, with the addition of woodgrain in the chairs bringing a warm, cozy feeling.
BONUS IDEA: Wood elements don’t just have to be tree trunks! Incorporating woodgrain into objects like furniture or accents creates a grounded, homely touch for your cards.
Card #3 – Aspen Sky Stencil
Imagine looking up through these beautiful branches and leaves into the bright blue sky… now, picture that scene in pink and orange! It’s a playful take on the typical sky, adding a bold, cheerful twist that really makes for a fun design!
Easily change out these colors to something a little more muted, and you’ve got a great start for an ‘all occasion’ card that fits a variety of sentiments.
PRO TIP: On a busy design such as this it helps to keep the sentiment very clean and simple so that it is easy to read.
Card #4 – Bonus Idea!
Did you know that ‘woodgrain‘ can be used to create ripples of water? By using blues instead of brown and turning the grain on it’s ‘side’, you can totally transform the texture into a fun new element for your cards. It’s a creative way to use a supply you may already have, giving it a whole new twist!
This technique can be used with woodgrain stamps, dies or even press plates, so there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your designs.
And do you like my little bit of added ‘sparkle‘?
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 Card Blog and/or each designer’s blog post on the blog hop list below by September 24th 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 September 25th 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
Wood and woodgrain elements are incredibly versatile – whether you’re using them for tree trunks, furniture, background textures, or even water! They bring a natural, grounded feel to any card design. I hope these four designs inspire you to experiment with wood and woodgrain in your next projects.
And, I’d love to hear how you’ve used wood elements in your own cards, feel free to share your ideas in the comments below!
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!
Altenew Fresh Dye Ink: Dew Drops | Aqualicious | Morning Frost | Evening Gray | Moon Rock | Tickled Pink | Chamomile | Orange Cream.
Altenew Cardstock: Evergreen | Aqualicious | Dew Drops | Dark Chocolate | Puffy Heart | Pink Diamond | Orange Cream.
Altenew Artist Markers Set F: R502 | R504 | C003 | Y106 | Y316.
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 Majestic Maple Tree ALT | SSS |  Fine Woodgrain ALT | SSS |  Fireside Escape ALT | SSS |  Aspen Sky ALT | SSS |
 Nesting Circles ALT | SSS |  Cloud Scene Stencil ALT |  Elegant Sayings ALT | SSS |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |
Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Dreamy Dahlias ALT | SSS |  Through the Rainbow ALT |
 Poised Flamingo ALT |  Obsidian ALT | SSS |  Tickled Pink ALT |  Warm & Cozy ALT | SSS |
 Warm Gray ALT | SSS |  Golden Sunset ALT | SSS |  Sweet Dreams ALT | SSS |  Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Twinkling Pink Sequins ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |  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 |
Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
I love how you used the woodgrain as the water!
Thank you Imani!
Stunning cards! So many fun things in this release.
I agree Jackie!
I would have never thought of using the woodgrain plate as you have! Well done!
Thank you so much!
love how it all comes together so easily
Thank you Shari!
The Aspen tree is stunning!
Isn’t it! And so much fun to colour with these stencils!
Therese! In my mind those pink and orange Adirondack chairs have our names all over them! Can a girl make a reservation?
Fantastic card designs, colors, and I might have to have a lay down under my River Birch – not as majestic as your Aspen but I have a big imagination! lol
;]
Let’s make it a date my friend x
Everything is vibrant but I must have that Majestic Maple die set!
It’s a fantastic die I agree!
What a lovely job You’ve done with the card “shrubs”
Thank you Dorothy!
Love these cards Therese, and what a great idea to use the woodgrain for water. Now why didn’t I think of that?!
I know you would have thought of it, you are so clever my friend x
Beautifully showcasing some amazing new sets from Altenew. The Aspen sky set and maple tree look stunning. And such a clever suggestion to use the wood grain for water!
Thanks Sandra!
love how you used the tree… I was thinking of using pink too for a cherry blossom look… hadn’t thought to use it as bushes too. and I hadn’t thought of using wood grain for water, that was a great tip!
Thank you so much Jennifer!
Love these!!! That tree is amazing! So many possibilities
I agree Melissa!
This tree die is my favorite and you made sooooo many gorgeous cards with it!
Thanks so much Meghan!
Love all the vibrant colors in your cards. Thanks for the inspirational ideas.
Thanks Liz!
Love how you used the maple tree dies different ways! It surely is a unique die set.
So glad you enjoyed these Caroline!
Oh my goodness the flamingo standing on the wood grain water wow mind blowing I love that you shared this!
Thank you so much!
I love all the tree cards. Beautiful
Thanks Helen!
Love the 3D tree cards.
Thank you Sharon!
I never would have thought to use the wood grain to create water. Thank you for that tip. Your cards are beautiful
I am in love with that flamingo card, well done on all of your cards!
Your cards are beautiful, Therese! Love how you used the tree die-cut and created shrubs. Thank you for the inspiration.
The Aspen Sky card is incredible! Love, love, love.
Isn’t it a clever stencil set!
These cards are great. I like the tree die most!
Thank you Dawn!
your fall hello card is so pretty and fally. nice job.
Thank you so very much Sharon!
Wow, the majestic maple in pink is awesome! I’d never have considered using pink tones but it is so effective!
I think I would make anything into pink and orange, I’m addicted lol.
Love the maple tree! Absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you so very much Lynn!
Beautiful cards!
Thanks Leanne!
Beautiful cards! Great tip on using woodgrain for water! Thank you!
So glad you like them Susan!
Therese, thank you for all the great tips along with your beautiful cards. I love the majestic maple it makes me want to sit and look up. Very welcoming card.
Thank you so much Sue!
Such gorgeous cards! Love the fall colors. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Jeanne!
Wow-fun cards, and I love the pro-tips you added. I wouldn’t have thought to use the wood grain as water, but what a great idea. Same with using the layering tree die set as shrubs. My favorite tip is to “wood grain” the tree trunk. So smart! You are very creative, and it’s nice to see some other ways to use the products. I can’t wait to get my Altenew order.
I know you will love it Linda, it’s another fabulous release!
The majestic maple tree is amazing. It will definitely be an addition to my craft stash. Your talent and creativity amaze me
Thank you Evelyn!
I love all the turquoise you used in these. I may be partial to that particular shade, but it is slightly unexpected, but looks so amazing.
So glad you liked them Krista!
My hubby does Bonsai and we’re bummed that in So. Florida we don’t get Maples or Aspens … but we do have flamingoes! lol Wonderful array of cards.
Flamingoes are fun for sure, but Bonsai how wonderful!
What an amazing release! I am in love with the maple tree! So pretty! Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you so very much Monika!
The majestic maple tree die set is wonderful! The chairs add a fun touch, too.
Thank you so much Barbara-Jean!
After looking at your cards I must have the woodgrain press plate and the Majestic Maple tree!
Oops, sorry!
These are all beautifully done, Therese! Love your gorgeous pink and orange tree on your first wonderfully CAS design!
So glad you liked them Lisa!
I love the bright colors on your cards! The pink tree is so beautiful!
Thank you Lauryne!
Pretty cards! Love the colors! That Tree is magnificent!!!
I agree, it’s an amazing die set, Donna!
You showcased the sets beautifully! You inspire me to get crafty today.
How lovely Vera, thank you x
Beautifully and creatively designed cards!
Thanks Gayle!
Wow what can I say? I am at a lost of words that will express how impressive your makes are with this release!
You are so sweet, thank you Amali!
These are such fun cards! I love the bright colors and trees.
Thank you Robin!
Amazing cards Therese! I am in love with all the new layering die sets, especially the tree and firepit set!
I’m yet to use the fire pit, but those chairs!!
you made the tree look effortless to put togethet..thank you
So glad you like it!
Gorgeous fall foliage cards and the fab flamingo as well as the pink and orange Adirondack chairs cards!!
I need some of these chairs for myself!
That pink tree is amazing!!!
Yay! So happy you liked it Donna!
Beautiful cards and colors 💜
Mwah Mari!
Love that you showed us how to add extra dimension to our cards with the Fine Woodgrain press plate. I am putting it on my Wishlist! And using it for the water in your last card is genius. The more I see the Majestic Maple tree used by different designers, the more I want to get that one too! Wonderful for all seasons.
I agree Sandy, this tree can be very versatile for just ‘one image’!
Lots of bold colors. Love it. Great cards.
Thank you so very much Jeanne!
Wonderful fall cards! I love the trees and the way you used the woodgrain design!
Yay! So happy you liked them Denise!
Love all the fall leaves!
Thank you so very much Sandra!
I absolutely love how you have used brighter colors for the maple tree. really changes the look and feel of the cards. And the use of the woodgrain press plate for the water look is so very clever !
So glad you like these Dee!
I wish we had that Maple tree here in North Florida. Oh, it’s so beautiful. I’d trade one of our flamingos. Lovely. cards.
Such lovely cards, Therese! It’s always a joy to stop by your blog and see your beautiful work!
Gorgeous! I love the color combinations and how bright the cards are. Lovely, stunning and magnificent.
Lovely cards! I think my favorite is the Thinking of You card with the chairs. Such a cute design! And I love the tip of using a woodgrain stamp to simulate ripples on water. I would have never thought to do that.
Woodgrain as water is genius! Thank you for sharing all your tips on incorporating woodgrain – it is one of my favorite textures
Love the variety of your gorgeous cards, Therese!