Ever tried adding a bird to your card design? They bring instant charm, colour, and a little personality – and today’s card is no exception!
Inspired by one of my Aussie favourites – the Sacred Kingfisher – this card features soft greens, turquoise blues, and crisp white feathers paired with an ink blended floral background that gives the whole design a calm, leafy feel.
This post is also part of my bird-themed card series – celebrating beautiful birds and creative ways to feature them in your card designs.
Why Birds Make the Perfect Card Motif
Birds are one of those designs that never go out of style – whether perched, flying, or surrounded by florals, they fit almost any occasion. Plus, they give you the perfect excuse to play with colour and layering!
Psst… before we start: This post is part of the new Altenew Release, so be sure to check out all the fun!
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 🥰!
Layered Bird Die Card – Kingfisher Magic
There’s something special about the colour mix of the Sacred Kingfisher – those turquoise blues and soft leafy greens feel calm yet full of life.
🪄 Quick Design Tips for Bird Cards
- Layer your colours: Blend 2–3 shades for each section of the bird to create soft, natural transitions.
- Keep the background subtle: Choose gentle tones for stencilled florals so your bird remains the star.
- Anchor the design: Use a bold shape or sentiment (like a black circle) to balance fine detail.
- Look to nature: Real bird photos are a goldmine for colour inspiration – from soft neutrals to tropical brights!
Card Inspiration – Kingfisher Floral Card
So, to capture that perfect balance, I created a layered bird die design with soft but dramatic shading and an ink blended floral background that ties everything together beautifully.
Then, the trick was keeping just enough contrast so the bird stood out without overpowering the design. So I used a bold black circle sentiment, white heat embossed, to anchor the layout and give the delicate details a clean modern finish.
This card brings together everything I love – layered detail, fresh colour, and that simple sense of calm. It’s the kind of design that’s easy to recreate but always feels special.
Psst… this card is part of the new Altenew release, and there are so many other fun stamps, dies, and stencils to play with! Be sure to check out the release to see all the gorgeous options.
That’s it from my perch (for now!)
This is the newest project in my little Bird Card Series, and I’ll be sharing more feathered inspiration soon – including two new designs featuring different colouring techniques. So, keep an eye out, they’ll be landing here in just a few days!
Happy papercrafting,
Ps. This one is for you Michele 😉
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: C026 | C020.
Altenew Fresh Dye Inks: Grass Field | Aqualicious | Teal Cave | Citronella | Pistahio | Green Opal | Sagestone | Olive Grve | Strawberry | Dusty Pink | Blush Rose.
Altenew Cardstock: Jet Black.
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 Feathered Beauty ALT |  Whispers in the Canopy Bundle ALT |  Classic Greetings ALT | SSS |  Nesting Circles ALT | SSS |
 Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Embossing Ink ALT | SSS |
 Jade Dreams ALT | SSS |  Sage Garden ALT | SSS |  Green Valley ALT | SSS |  Sweet Dreams ALT | SSS |
 Wood Warbler Ink Set 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 |  Pure White ALT |  Powder Tool SSS |
 WOW Heat Tool SSS |  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 |
Therese, we also have those darling Kingfishers! I love your card, and the papers are gorgeous – I’m almost wishing they had added a ‘resting’ Kingfisher to this set as well. BTW these birds like to fish almost as much as we do!
=]
I know right… and they are great fisherbirds! When we were kids we would always have to watch out for Kookaburras taking the sausage out of bread at bbqs in the National parks lol.
Wow! That is one stunner of a card. Love the colors and that beautiful background stenciling.
Thank you Lisa x
What a magnificent bird you’ve created! This is pretty, Therese!
Thank you Lisa!
Isn’t this just such a glorious Altenew release for us bird lovers? And Therese, your card is GORGEOUS! Love everything about it.
I agree Caroline, i was very excited for this Project Kit, it has so many great options… and I’ve got more inspiration on the way!
I’m a bird lover too and that Kingfisher is gorgeous in those colors, Therese. The background is also colorful but doesn’t distract from the bird, only enhances his color.
Yes, it is a very busy card for me, but it just felt right… you know what I mean?
Absolutely exotic design, really quite detailed and thats so stunning. The colours matching so beautifully. I love it xx