Joy Christmas Card Idea

Hi friends! I am sharing this Joy Christmas Card Idea using candy canes, holly, and sparkly details—perfect for handmade holiday greetings!

Supplies Used:

• Holly Ribbon Candy Canes SVG Cut Files & Clipart (grab this file for 15% off using code: paulasstudio15)
• Cardstock in blue for the card panel 4” x 5.25”
• Colored cardstock
• Vellum
• Adhesive
• Glitter
• Dark blue ink and blending brush or applicator
• Adhesive foam, optional
• Cutting machine, such as a Cricut machine or Silhouette Cameo
• Card base A2 4.25” x 5.5”

Make a Joy Christmas Card

1. Import the PNG files of the bare candy canes (without bows) from the SVG file into your cutting machine software. Also bring in the assembled SVG versions of the candy canes.
2. Create a rectangle or square for the desired card size. I am choosing A2 (5.5×4.25”) for this card.
3. Position the candy canes with bows on the rectangle as you would like the card to be. I chose to replicate one and resize it to fill the space.
4. Resize the bare candy canes to match the ones with bows. 
5. We will use the Print and Cut feature in the cutting software only for the candy canes, as they can be very intricate. Print them out on white cardstock and have the cutting machine cut them. Set those aside

6. Type the word “Joy” and choose a font. I am using a font called “Autumn in November.” I often use “Joy” as it is small and visually beautiful on a card. Another option is “Noel.”

7. Using the offset tool, create an offset around the word. This offset will be cut with vellum. 

8. Add the word and its offset to the design to help determine size and position before cutting.

9. Cut the holly, bows, and word out of cardstock in colors of your choice and assemble.

9. Cut “Joy” out of the color of your choice. I used dark blue. Cut the shadow piece of it out of vellum. This helps the word stand out against the background.

11. Glue the bows and holly to the candy canes. Drag a line of glue along the edge of each candy cane and sprinkle with glitter.

12. Using a blending brush or other applicator, add a border of dark blue around the blue card panel. This just adds some more interest.

13. Adhere the candy canes and word piece to the blue card panel as desired. I like to hang them off the edges; these will get trimmed later. I used adhesive foam hidden behind the letters on the word piece to elevate it a little; this is optional. 

14. Adhere the blue card panel to the white card base. Turn the card over and trim the parts hanging off. 

15. Add some sequins or gems for even more sparkle!

I hope you give this card a try! One thing I hear over and over about card-making methods using an electronic cutting machine versus physical dies is that the cutting-machine designs are flat and boring. They are not at all. It is all in what you do with them—add ink, sparkles, patterns, and more, and you will have beautiful results. Whether you’re working on this Joy Christmas Card Idea or any other holiday project, remember: it’s not how it is cut, it is how it is finished. Happy Holidays! Show me your sparkles!

-Paula

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