Can you make a handmade Christmas card look expensive without spending a fortune? That’s what I’m hoping to find out! 😂
Today we’re giving Christmas cards a little luxury treatment with unexpected colors, a touch of gold and some added dimension. But will these simple design choices make our cards look more elegant, or will I get carried away with the bling?
Let’s see what we 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 🥰!
Handmade Christmas Card Elegance!
Want to give your handmade cards a little luxury treatment? You don’t need expensive supplies to create an elegant look! Sometimes it’s the simplest design choices that make the biggest difference. Here are a few ideas to try!
SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE HANDMADE CARDS LOOK MORE EXPENSIVE
- Choose an elegant color palette – Try rich colors, unexpected combinations or soft neutrals.
- Add a touch of metallic shine – Gold embossing, hot foiling or metallic cardstock can instantly elevate a design.
- Create dimension – Use ink-blended shading, layered die-cuts or foam tape to add depth.
- Mix textures and finishes – Combine matte, glossy, metallic or embossed elements for added interest.
- Embrace white space – Give your focal point room to shine rather than filling every inch.
- Keep it balanced – Use the Rule of Thirds or group elements together for a polished design.
- Make the sentiment special – A beautifully embossed or foiled sentiment can be the perfect finishing touch.
- Add a little bling – A few carefully placed pearls, gems or metallic accents can make all the difference.
- Know when to stop! – Sometimes the most elegant thing you can do is leave something off. 😉
Card #1 – A Little Gold Goes a Long Way!
This card really was a team effort! During my YouTube LIVE, I asked everyone to help choose the background color, and they came through with some fabulous ideas for adding a little luxury with gold accents, too!
I started with a dark blue-grey stamped background, which, I’m happy to report, stamped beautifully (despite my earlier concerns 😂). Then I added pink and green baubles, a pink ribbon and some green foliage.
And I remembered that I had a gold frame which I didn’t use on my previous card? Well, it finally found its home! I finished with a gold hot-foiled sentiment and a few gold pearls for that extra touch of elegance.
Card #2 – Same Supplies, Different Elegance!
I had so much fun making the first card that I couldn’t resist making another!
This time I went for a completely different mood with a rich, dark plum background (we discussed using the Redwood in the Live, this is what it looks like!), paired with soft sage and light coffee-colored baubles and foliage.
I used that same large background stamp again – apparently we’re friends now! 😂
And instead of the gold frame and smaller sentiment, I added a large gold die-cut sentiment to make a statement.
It’s amazing how changing the colors and a few design details can give the same supplies a completely different look!
Over to You!
Will you be adding a touch of elegance to your next handmade Christmas card design? What’s your favorite way to make a card feel a little more luxurious? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!
I’d love to know, which of these cards is your favourite?
I’ll be back soon, until then,
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! 😄
Let’s Shop!
Inks: Altenew – Card #1 – Nimbus | Dusty Pink | Blush Rose | Raspberry Sunset | Mossy Meadow | Green Opal | Honey Drizzle – Card #2 – Redwood | Sagestone | Olive Grove | Shattered Shell | Warm Linen | Ginger Root | Pumpkin Pie.
Hot Foil: Crafty Critta – Matt Gold
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Today's Supplies
 Ornamental Christmas Bundle Shop at: SSS | C9 |
 Ornamental Christmas Stencils Shop at: SSS | C9 |
 Ornamental Christmas Stamps Shop at: SSS | C9 |
 Zero Waste: Embroidered Florals Shop at: ALT |
 Joyful Christmas Sentiments Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Nesting A2 Rectangles Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Holiday Sayings Shop at: SSS | SB UK |
 Brushed Gold Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Metallic Gold & Silver Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Fashion Gold Shop at: SB US |
 Antique Gold Spray Shop at: ALT | SSS |
Basic Supplies:
 Neenah Solar 110 Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Neenah Solar 80 Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Nocturne Shop at: SSS |
 Fresh Dye Inks Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brush Set Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Tweezers Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Perfect Picker Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Bone Folder Shop at: ALT |
 Score Board Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Paper Trimmer Shop at: SSS |
 Mini MISTI Shop at: SSS |
 Stampwheel Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Sticky Grid Mat Ultra Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US |
 Platinum 6 Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 BetterPress SB Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Glue Tape Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Bearly Art Glue Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Satin Masking Tape Shop at: ALT |
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