Do you think it’s possible to make a beautiful Christmas card in just five minutes?
Today, it’s all about 5-Minute Christmas Cards – quick, creative ideas you can whip up using supplies from your stash! I’ve got four simple designs (plus lots of tips) to help you make beautiful handmade cards even when time is ticking.
Welcome back to this year’s Same But Different Christmas Series (SBDC)!
If you’ve missed any of the cards so far, you can catch the full playlist here – and last time, we went festive and feathery with a flock of bird-themed designs.
Are you ready to see how fast festive can be?
You can jump straight into the video here or watch it in HD on YouTube HERE. Scroll for more pics and details.
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 🥰!
#5-MINUTECARDS
Our friends know we make cards… which means when the holidays roll around, the expectations are real!
But let’s be honest – life gets busy, and sometimes we find ourselves with a stack of names and very little time.
What if you could still send something handmade (and beautiful!)… without spending hours at your craft table?
That’s where 5-Minute Christmas Cards come in.
💡 Fast Card Tips
- Use pre-made card bases (or premake a batch). Don’t be like me and run out of cardstock on card-making day… eeeek!
- Keep pre-cut A2 panels ready to go for quick designs.
- Have pre-made sentiments on hand or batch-stamp them before you start.
- Plan ahead: sketch a few basic design ideas, note supplies, color combos, and papers.
- Top up your glue bottles before you begin – it saves frustration mid-craft!
- Start with colored cardstock or design paper when you want instant impact.
- Make multiples while your supplies are out – and switch up colors or layouts to keep it fresh.
- Use line art stamps – they can great without coloring and save loads of time.
- Skip the dimension – flat designs are faster and easier to mail.
- Create directly on the card base to save on cutting and layering.
- Keep it clean and simple – in your design, color palette, and any coloring you add.
- Don’t overthink it! Especially when it comes to sentiment placement (ask me how I know…).
Technique #1 – Outline Stamping (Line Art)
Here’s a look at the Outline Stamping card set – one of my favourite ways to create 5-Minute Christmas Cards that still have impact. I used the same stamp and design across all four cards but mixed up the patterned paper, embellishments, and sentiments for variety.
This one proves that simple can still be striking. I stamped a large black poinsettia directly over a piece of patterned paper… no colouring required! The crisp lines of the image stand out beautifully against the background, and a few black pearls in the centre add that quick, classy finishing touch.
Technique Tips:
- Choose a large outline image for maximum impact.
- Dark ink on patterned paper gives instant contrast and saves time colouring.
- If you’re short on patterned paper, try stamping over a lightly ink-blended background instead.
- Keep embellishments minimal – a few pearls, rhinestones, enamel dots, or sequins do the job perfectly.
Technique #2 – Ombre Background
Here’s a look at the Ombre Background card set: I varied the designs by reversing the color combinations, trying a totally new palette, and changing up the star embellishment on each card. Simple tweaks that show how easy it is to create variety, even when the design is the same!
This design is all about color and repetition. I used a large background sentiment stamp and inked it in ombre tones, blending the colors directly on the stamp before pressing it down. Since the stamp itself is made up entirely of sentiments, there’s no need for an extra greeting… everything you need is already built into the design!
Technique Tips:
- Any background stamp can be used this way, but if you don’t have one, try repeating a smaller sentiment across your panel instead.
- Use a stamp positioner so you can easily add the different colors of ink without contaminating the ink pads.
- Choose a minimum of three shades from the same color family for a soft ombre look, or go bold and unexpected for something more playful.
- Trim your ombre panel and adhere it directly to the card front – clean, simple, and quick!
Technique #3 – Die-Cut Gift Box
Here’s a look at the Die-Cut Gift Box card set: I used patterned paper squares as the “boxes,” added big bold glittery bows made from faux glitter cardstock, and changed up the papers and colors for variety. I also made use of leftover cardstock pieces and added lids to some of the boxes… no waste here!
This design is all about easy layering and stash-friendly die cutting. It’s a quick way to turn patterned paper scraps into simple gift-themed cards – and no real glitter required! Faux glitter cardstock gives all the shimmer with none of the mess – perfect for when you are making 5-Minute Christmas Cards.
Technique Tips:
- Keep the design clean by using coordinating patterned papers for the box and bow.
- To make a quick square card base, cut an A2 card down to 4¼”.
- Keep postage costs down by posting this in a regular A2 envelope.
- Add a strip of cardstock or paper under the bow to act as faux ribbon.
- Use faux glitter paper or shimmer cardstock for sparkle without the cleanup.
- To save time, die-cut multiple bows and boxes in one sitting – adhering only the centre of the bow was quicker and gave a fun dimensional look.
Technique #4 – Quick Coloring
Here’s a look at the Quick Coloring card set: Featuring a mix of playful holiday images including the Grinch, Santa, and a Christmas tree. All the cards share the same basic layout, but I varied the images and backgrounds for a completely different feel each time.
For the Christmas tree, I stamped directly onto a colored cardstock panel, while the Grinch and Santa were die-cut into smaller panels and added to the front of A2 cards – it’s a great way to center your design quickly and keep everything neat.
This technique is all about adding personality with just a touch of color. I kept the coloring quick and simple, or just colored a portion of the image. For example, on the Christmas tree card I only colored the baubles, while the second Grinch card got a fun green background (mostly because I ran out of card bases – but I love how it turned out!).
Whether it’s the Grinch, Santa, or a sparkly Christmas tree, this is one of the fastest ways to make 5-Minute Christmas Cards that are full of character.
Technique Tips:
- Keep the coloring simple – use a quicker medium such as alcohol markers (pencils typically take longer).
- Don’t shade! Just use one color and add shadowing with one mid grey marker instead.
- Limit your palette – a few markers go a long way, and knowing your colors makes the process faster.
- Add details like dimensional glue, gel pen highlights, or tiny embellishments for a quick pop.
- Try stamping on colored cardstock to skip background blending.
- Die-cut your panel before adhering it to help center your design quickly.
- Only color sections of the image for a stylish, time-saving look.
- Remember: a fun image and a clean design can carry the whole card!
Thanks so much for joining me for another Same But Different Christmas Series! I’ve had the best time sharing these ideas with you and I hope they’ve inspired you to create your own stash-friendly holiday cards – even when time’s short.
Until next time, happy Holiday Crafty Hugs,
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.
Inks: Altenew – Sunkissed | Pink Pearl | Coral BLiss | Frosty Pink | Dark Night | Dew Drops | Mountain Mist | Aqualicious | Lagoon.
Cardstock: Concord & 9th – Aqua Sky – Altenew – Bamboo
Alcohol Markers: Copics – 0 | C1 | YG03 | Y06 | BG13 | B02 | Ro5 | E31 | G43 | T4.
 Festive Poinsettia SSS | SB UK |  A2 Layers Die SSS |  Christmas Cheer SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Mix & Match Holiday Sentiments SSS | OTH |
 Festive Christmas Arrangement OTH |  Halftone Squares Dies ALT |  Merry Messages SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Merry Grinchmas OTH |
 Sketched Santas SSS |  Twinkle Bright Tree SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Ink Drops Vivid SSS |  Merry Grinchmas Paper Pad OTH |
 Glitter Galore Paper Pad OTH |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | OTH |  Tuxedo Black SSS |  Nocturne SSS |
 Tea Party ALT | SSS |  Warm & Cozy ALT | SSS |  Red Cosmos ALT | SSS |  Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | SSS |  Copic Markers SSS |  Mother of Pearl ALT | SSS |
 Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |
 MISTI SSS |  Mini MISTI SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  BetterPress SB 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 |
Oooh, the next “same but different” series that would be at the top of my list would be embossing folders!
Sounds great, thanks Angie!
I struggle with all the scraps, especially when using my Cricut. Anything smaller than 4×6 is pretty useless, without a lot of manipulation of images and mats. I always think the smaller will be useful for die cutting but I don’t have a lot of stand alone dies… so I VOTE for Scraps-Leftovers but also coloring tips😉
Thank you Karen!
I think Stencils would be interesting to me but any topic you decide is fine with me too! I really enjoyed the 5-minute cards and the tips you gave us. TFS!
Thank you Mary-Lynn!
I love to make interactive cards and would love to see same but different ideas for cards.
Perfect, thank you Mary!
Limited supplies or use what you have 🤗
Perfect, thanks Donna!
I would love to see your take on some common fun folds. Same, but different!
Thanks so much Lori!
Would love some fun fold cards thank you
ONe of my faves too Sherry!
As always, love all your work but loving the Grinch cards best🤣 I really don’t mind what the subject matter it is, I always appreciate the inspiration no matter the subject. Thank you💖
Of course, the Grinch wins lol.
My vote:
Paper craft scraps leftover
Thank you Sheryl!
I love limited supplies. I have too many limiting might be the way to go 😀
Ditto!
For your next video, I would like to see how you would use stencils in different ways. I love stencils and often find myself out of ideas of what do with them.
Thanks Norma, I love stencils too! I have a video playlist sharing some fun stencil techniques right here https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXmF43PX8y56ZCi7jM573BJ1kQppk0HAM&si=6pSmPHlZAK1SrvMU
embossing folders
Thank you Paula!
I really enjoyed your embossing folder techniques! It has inspired me to work with embossing folders in my cardmaking. The technique you used with rubbing inks over the embossed design was awesome! I did a floral embossed on black paper and then went over it with gold ink. Definitely would love to see this in a card series.
Yes, it’s a great tool that I definitely need to explore more!
Hi Therese! Well I would love to see more limited supply cards and also fun fold/interactive cards please! In saying that, I love your videos, no matter what ideas you come up with! Have a lovely day! 🥰
Thank you so much Bev x
Fun folds would be great. Maybe even fun folds that can use up scraps!
Great idea Sarah!
I liked all of them, but my favorite was the hombre sentiments one. I liked all the sentiments in the gradient colors. You make me believe I can make cards!
So sweet of you Jill!
I would love to see some different shapes and sizes of cards… to defy the norm! 😁
Perfect Tracy, let’s be ‘abnormal’ together!
using embossing folders. I don’t use mine nearly enough and would love some ideas to get me using them more.
I think we are all guilty of this lol.
I love fun folds and interactive cards.
Me too Paula!
I like the idea of fun folds with a seasonal theme (e.g. spring or Easter.)
Awesome Suzanne!
Wonderful tips – especially with the Copics so I would love to see the series focusing on coloring however I have another thought as well – how about same but different showing how you can take something from an A2 to an A7? I primarily make larger cards and sometimes it is challenging using A2 sized products on an A7 card. Thanks for all you do for us!
Great suggestion Judy, I’m only just starting to venture into the ‘larger’ card making world lol.
Beautiful card ideas! I love your same but different but also could always use ideas for scraps!
Yes, we ALL have a ton of those lol.
Great suggestions for some really nice, yet quick cards – much appreciated. I would love help on ways to use up backgrounds. I LOVE making them, and usually get carried away, making a LOT of them in one session. I use up a few to bring my original idea to life, but there are always more that just get “added to the pile.” It would be helpful to have some SBD suggestions so that these backgrounds can shine. I also like the limited supplies idea. You’ve been a great inspiration for my cardmaking this year, THANK YOU!
Yippee! Thank you Jenni!
Oh, choices, love choices! I would combine using up scraps or odd sizes of card stock along with embossing folders….JOY! Thank you for you inspiring videos. Happy Holidays!
Thank you Tari! Happy Holidays to you too!
You always have such usual ideas and tips regardless what the subject matter is. I think what you have done so far is great and I will continue to watch your videos and visit the blog. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Kathy, you are so very sweet!
What great tips! Your cards are wonderful 🙂 I’d love to see embossing folders on your next ‘same but different’ series.
Yes, I would really like to double down on some embossing folder techniques myself!
I would love to see some interactive cards!
Thank you, Therese, for all you do for us!
I’m in lol.
I’d like to see limited supply challenges.
Always a good one Rox!
Your videos are inspiring and helpful, and I enjoy the variety of techniques you teach us. I would love to see more ideas for embossing folder cards whether it be using an ef all over or partially on a card. You have a great teaching style!
Thank you Char for your lovely visit here today, thanks for your ideas!
What would I like to see next? hmmm after the holidays, there is always a slump! I’d love to see a series of SBD slump busters, Therese! Perhaps using water coloring?
Thanks for a jam-packed year of fabulous cards, LIVES, and creativity, my friend!
Much love and great big holiday hugs enclosed! x
=]
Thank you my wonderful friend x
Hi Therese,
First of all, Thank You for a Great & Fun Card making Year! You are such a wonderful & Fun Educator. I’ve loved all of your videos I’ve been able to watch! Keep up the fun for next year! I would really like to see more background ideas & techniques for 2026.
Thanks Therese!
Thanks so very much Tina, looking forward to more fun in 2026!
For your same but different series how about birthday cards besides birthday cakes and candles. After Christmas cards the next thing I make the most of are birthday cards (and lots of no particular themed cards).
I love your videos. Thanks for making all of these Happy Holidays.
You are so sweet, thank you Rhea!
My choice would be ‘minimal supplies’ for the next series.
As for favourites, Can I choose 2! Love the grinch cards but also that beautiful poinsettia on my favourite patterned paper which I am running low on! 😀
Yes, that paper is divine and always my ‘go-to’! Thanks for your vote my friend x
These cards are so lovely, I can’t wait to try them this weekend! Whatever you decide is perfect. I always learn something new, even with techniques I’ve done before. I’d especially love anything involving stenciling or layering.
Thank you Carrianne!
This is my first time here and I’m so glad I found you! My struggle is that I think too much and struggle to make each card totally different. I love your idea of working in a series where each card is “SBD”.
For next year, I’ll echo Jenni Cox’s idea of using up backgrounds. I, too, end up with many backgrounds from learning a new technique or something and they lay around taking up space.
I’m excited to continue and watch the previous years’ videos.
Welcome Cindy, I’m so happy you are here! But you better grab a cuppa, there are over 1000 videos on my channel lol. Hope you enjoy!
Love all the cards Therese I love the grinch card most so much that I’ve ordered the stamp set you’ve enabled me again TFS & for the chance to win the gift certificate
oops my apologies lol. Kat has the best Grinch stuff… my fave is the die cut grinch hand!
Ohhh, that festive pointsettia makes another return! I love that set. Next SBD series… colouring please.
It’s feels like it’s been a while, sooo much die cutting and stenciling happening around here lol.
I would love to see pop up cards. I’m in need of new ideas for fun cards that are suitable for seniors.
Love these cards Therese.
Great idea Lynelle, thank you!
Thanks for these great ideas for simple, last-minute cards.
I’m always looking for ways to use paper scraps, both solid colors and patterned paper. I’d be glad to see your take on this…same but different.
Yay! Thank you Helen!
MMM, Maybe embossing folders, fun folds, scrap cards. Oh, who am I kidding. I love them all!!! Whatever you decide, I will be watching
hahaha thank you Robin!
I love your Christmas Series and other ones too. My vote would be background techniques or embossing folders.
Thank you Ginger!
I love the same but different cards, next time.. I’m happy just watching your videos, but I’ll say backgrounds will be my first pick, or New Year cards ??
Thanks so much Pam!
I would love to learn more techniques with embossing folders because they are so quick and easy when you are mass producing cards. There is so many ways to use them.
I agree, I would really love to double-down on some embossing folder techniques myself!
I love the same but different ideas you come up with. I’m not sure how an easy fun fold can be the same but different so that would be the one I choose. I also think maybe the same die used in a different way might be a challenge. Keep up the great work! And Happy Holidays!
Great ideas thank you Geri!
Thanks again for ideas for quick Christmas cards! Always a great idea! I am curious about colored pencils….
OOooh yes, I need to get them out a LOT more lol.
Thanks for another awesome Same but Different Series video (though I love all your videos.) I would love to see a Same but Different series on a mix-and-match kinda thing. I struggle to put together a cohesive group of supplies to mix and match to make several cards without getting out every paper craftng thing I own lol.
Wonderful Idea Melissa!
fantastic cards. you know i love the critters, I’m thinking birds and flowers for the next series, not stamps though, die cuts.
Wonderful Kim! You must be in the loop… I’m currently doing a mini series of bird inspired cards lol.
Thank you so much for these great ideas! You always have the best tips and your cards are always amazing!! I’d love to see a SBD series about paper scraps. I have so much trouble throwing away any scraps so my box is always overflowing. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Sounding like we could all use some help with our scraps lol. Thanks Jean!
I love the idea of using scraps, we all have them. sometimes I struggle with using some of them. loved the poinsettia card, great job
Thank you Mechele!
I would love to see ideas using embossing techniques, and also I like the limited supplies idea. Thanks!
Thank you Carole!
I got really into the teepee fun fold recently, would be fun to see a same but different on that if you haven’t done one yet 🙂 And I love the black outline stamp on the colored background on this post!!
Thank you Mary, I will have to check out the teepee fun fold… it certainly sounds like FUN!
Therese, your cards and this series is awesome. Thanks for all the tips. I wasn’t aware there were so many videos in other series so I’ll have to check them out as well. Love your creativity!
As for the next series, anything you choose will be great. I am curious to see what the minimal supplies series is all about. I have so many supplies and not enough time most days so if I can make a beautiful card with minimal supplies and get it done quickly…well, that would be fantastic and be an interesting series.
Another series could be just on organization. As we enter the new year, a lot of us get focused on organizing in a small space – not a craft room but a small space like a small open area like a loft for example – and what crafter can say that their space doesn’t need organization? From swatching inks, to organizing dies, to paper and stamps, to labels, to cricket stuff, stitching, and so much more…we can always use some organization tips even if it’s for organized chaos.
Thanks for all your videos and all you do, Therese. I really appreciate you. Happy holidays!
Same but Different, I would love to see more on Easy Fun Folds/Interactive cards.
I enjoy your take on new designs. Even reminders on old techniques would be great!
Happy Holidays,
Hermelinda
Great ideas thank you Hermelinda!
Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us! I would love to see minimum supplies and how to get the most out of one stamp or die set
Perfect, thank you Gab!
For the next series I would love some masculine card ideas or some watercolour tips for colouring digital stamps. Other colouring techniques would also be great! Love what you do!
Thank you Kerry!
This is one of my favorite series of yours! All fantastic and quick ideas.
Thank you Lisa!
Easy fun folds and interactive…love these
Thank you Joanie!
Embossing folders would be fun!
I agree Lauryne!
I like everything that you share. I would like more of coloring techniques and quick cards. I tend to spend too much time on my cards
Me too Beverly, there is way too much procraftinating around here lol.
I would love more ideas for easy fun folds. Interactive cards are so special and unique. You do a great job with your videos. Thanks for sharing your creativity!
Thanks so very much Gayle!
My vote is for embossing folders!
Sounds popular!
Paper scraps or embossing folders. I love embossing folders, but don’t always know how to use them well beyond a full background.
Wonderful, thank you Amy!
You are very creative Therese, so go for whatever pops into your head. I love seeing what you come up with. All the categories would be good. It was nice to see you colouring with the copics today.
Yes… it feels like colouring has taken second place to stencils and die cuts lol.
How about everyday cards. I struggle with wanting to give a card to someone for no specific occasion. There are only so many hello, hi, etc. card ideas. But no matter what you do I will thoroughly enjoy it. Love your creativity! Thank you for sharing with us!
Yes, ‘Just Because’ is always the perfect occasion, thank you Misty!
I really appreciate all your ideas, you have inspired me a lot this year! I would really like to know a bit more about using waxes and colouring and using up scrap paper; I always seem to have scrap paper! I also like the Idea of Geri’s about using the same die in different ways. Thanks once again for your inspiration.
Thank you Kay, yes… we all have a LOT of those scraps, even though I try and use mine they still keep building up!
I would love to see some more fun folds cards. You do such a great job of explaining in your videos.
Thank you Peggy!
Fun folds for the win! And/or specialty shaped cards.
Sounds like ‘FUN’ Janet, thank you!
Wow! What a way to end the year and this series.
Two favourite cards would have to be the line art and the white gel on green.
I’m all for using non Christmas stamps for the festive season.
Why not add some UFO’s and use up all those leftovers.
Thanking you for 2025!
So many saved videos to keep me busy over the break.
Merry Hugs
Lisa
How did you know that I had UFO’s… lol. Great idea Lisa!
I would really like some tips on using ‘Pearl Ex’ powders, techniques etc. I love your videos about varying the ways to use embossing folders too.
Thanks Therese, it’s great hearing an Aussie accent.🥳😀🌲
Thank you Carol, embossing folders are definitely going to have to be on the list. But I don’t have any Pearl Ex powders… though I do have some old Perfect Pearls (I’ll have to look into whether they are the same but different lol.)
I love a good fun fold, but some are just so complicated. Some simple card ideas using scraps would be nice.
Scraps, don’t they build up soooo quickly! Thank you Holly!
I’d love to see more with embossing folders!
GReat choice, thanks Angie!
I think the next time around I’d like to see a Limited Supplies Challenge.
Because I have too many supplies, I usually get bogged down by too many choices and spend too much time going through everything before I even get started creating. I’d love to see how you do it.
Thanks Therese, I’m always inspired by your art.
Lisa
You are so sweet, thank you Lisa!
For the next series I would like to see some creative ideas for using up those leftover scraps. Thanks for this video series.
Yes… we ALL have a ton of those that need using up!
Background techniques would be interesting.
Great idea!
My favorite card is the different colors of the poinsetta card.
Thank you Candy!