I’m excited to be on the blog today—this is Rick sharing a fun holiday card idea featuring some of my favorite Miss Ink Stamps products. When it comes to Christmas cardmaking, I love mixing in a little surprise element to keep things fresh. This design takes the adorable Some Pig Stamp Set and pairs it with the Oh Happy Day Frame Dies, Frosty Flakes Stencil, and the Candy Stripe Stencil for a festive card that’s both whimsical and heartwarming.
Thinking Outside the Holiday Box
I’ve been making Christmas cards for years, and sometimes it feels like I’ve done every tree, snowman, and ornament design out there. That’s when I start looking at my non-holiday stamps in a new way. The pig and chicken from the Some Pig Stamp Set aren’t exactly your typical Christmas images, but with the right colors and details, they turned into the sweetest holiday pair.
Pro Tip: When using non-holiday stamps for festive cards, lean into traditional holiday colors and accents like wreaths, sparkle, and snowflakes. It instantly transforms everyday images into seasonal favorites.
Building the Wreath
The centerpiece of this card is a Christmas wreath made with the Oh Happy Day Frame Dies. I cut the leaves and florals in holiday shades, then arranged them into a circle around the pig image. By layering the die cuts and adding touches of shimmer, the wreath feels dimensional and special, almost like it was made for Christmas cards all along.
I still remember the first time I tried this “wreath trick” with floral dies years ago—it opened up so many possibilities for stretching my supplies beyond their original theme.
Creating Background Layers
To keep the background interesting but not overwhelming, I blended soft color through the Frosty Flakes Stencil to create a snowy effect behind the wreath. It’s subtle but gives that wintry feeling without taking attention away from the focal point.
For the card front, I wanted bold and festive, so I turned to the Candy Stripe Stencil. Red stripes instantly say “holiday,” and with a spritz of shimmer on top, the panel came alive with sparkle.
Pro Tip: When stenciled backgrounds look a little flat, try finishing them with shimmer sprays or glitter accents. The shine adds depth without extra bulk.
Video Tutorial
Why This Card Works
The charm of this design comes from the unexpected mix of farmyard images and holiday details. It’s playful, different, and sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives it. That’s the beauty of stretching your stamps—you end up with a one-of-a-kind card that feels just as special as the person you’re sending it to.
Happy Crafting
Rick
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