Does anybody remember the movie Pretty in Pink? Because the only thing I don’t remember… is the penguin! 😂
For today’s live, I created a monochromatic Christmas card (or two 😉) featuring the cutest little penguin dressed entirely in pink. Plus we are taking the plum pudding for a spin…
It’s also the perfect little preview of the ideas behind my upcoming Color Made Easy for Cardmakers course, launching next week!
Want to see what I made?
Grab a cuppa and watch the video right here, or head over to YouTube to see it in HD.
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 🥰!
Monochromatic Christmas Card
Creating a monochromatic card is a fun way to explore one color without making the design feel flat. The trick is choosing a mix of light, mid and dark shades so each layer can still stand out.
TIPS FOR MONOCHROMATIC CARDS
- Choose several shades of one color, from light to dark.
- Use enough contrast so layered details don’t disappear.
- Add a neutral to help important elements stand out.
- Repeat the neutral elsewhere to keep the design balanced.
- Leave a little white space so the color can shine.
Don’t forget to ‘shop your stash’ for a fresh new take on these ideas!
Card Inspiration – Pretty in Pink!
When I don’t want to think too hard, monochromatic is the way to go! Once I’ve limited the color palette, it’s simply a matter of choosing which shades, tints and tones I want to use from my stash. And really, who wouldn’t love a pink penguin?
And these tiny spinners are perfect for adding a simple interactive surprise – because who would have thought to add a spinning pudding?
Bonus Card – Spectacular In Blue!
I couldn’t resist creating a bonus monochromatic card with the Spectacular Bear too! This time, I switched to shades of blue and placed him in front of a glittery white Christmas tree.
The dark blue 3D embossed frame and white ink splatters add plenty of contrast and texture while keeping the palette simple.
Both cards were treated to a little Christmas glitter and a couple of premade sentiments. Thank you, past self!
What would I have done differently?
- I wasn’t happy with the light grey ‘beak’ on the pink penguin… so i changed it to a darker grey.
- I was thinking that some ink blended shading would like nice to add some subtle dimension… maybe next time.
Over to You!
Are you ready to try a monochromatic design? Remember, you’re not limited to just cardstock – you can mix and match inks, markers, pencils and anything else in your stash. There really is no limit!
My free Color Made Easy email course is launching soon, with the full Color Made Easy for Cardmakers class available for anyone who wants to keep going. I’ll add the link here as soon as it’s live!
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! 😄
Let’s Shop!
Cardstock: Altenew – Ruby Red | Industrial Diamond | Carribean Sky | Desert Night – Concord & 9th – Honeysuckle | Pink Lemonade | Powder – Memory Box – Delicate Pastel Glitter Pad.
Ink: Spellbinders – Rose.
*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
 Spectacular Bear SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Spectacular Penguin SSS | SB UK | SB US |  A2 Ornate Molded Frame SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Christmas Cats Accessories SSS | SB UK | SB US |
 Christmas Cheer SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Merry Messages SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Snowfall Shimmer SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Card Spinner Multipack SSS | SB UK | SB US |
 Blushing Macarons SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | OTH |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS |
Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Fresh Dye Inks ALT | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Score Board ALT | SSS | Paper Trimmer SSS |  Sticky Grid Mat Ultra ALT | SSS | SB US |
 Mini MISTI SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Platesaver OTH |  BetterPress SB ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |
 Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Foam Tape ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
So super adorable. Love the pink penguin!