Merry & Bright: Bold Non-Traditional Christmas Colors | Jody Morrow

Christmas crafting doesn’t have to stick to traditional red and green. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to create a vibrant holiday card using the Tree of Tales die set paired with the Christmas Lights background die. With bold, non-traditional colors and clean layering techniques, you’ll learn step-by-step how to bring a fresh, modern look to your Christmas cards. 

*Disclaimer: All products used are linked below as clickable images. If a product isn’t listed, it’s been discontinued.

How to recreate this card:

1. Cut and fold an A2 top-folding card base from white cardstock.
2. On an A2 white cardstock panel, ink-blend a rainbow of colors (Raspberry Bliss, Mango Sorbet, Grassy Knoll, Turquoise, Seaside, Hydrangea) in a spotty fashion. I used each color in 3 areas, ensuring there was no white space left on the panel.
3. Die cut the Christmas Lights coverplate from white cardstock and adhere it to the stenciled panel. 
4. Use the two largest dies from Double Stitched Rectangles to create a thin frame; adhere to the panel using foam tape.
5. On an A2 white cardstock panel, add color using the Tree of Tales stencils:
   1. Stencil 1: Mango Sorbet
   2. Stencil 2: Raspberry Bliss
   3. Stencil 3: Grassy Knoll
   4. Stencil 4: Seaside
   5. Stencil 5: Hydrangea
   6. Stencil 6: Turquoise
6. Die cut the stenciled Tree of Tales, and a blank one from Silver Glitter Cardstock. Adhere the layers together, offsetting to allow some glitter to peek out.
7. Adhere the layered book tree to the lower center of the background panel using double foam tape for dimension.
8. Hot foil the sentiment “Once Upon a Christmas” with matte silver foil. Die cut the sentiment, 2 blank ones from white cardstock, and a blank one from Silver Glitter Cardstock. Adhere the white layers together, and then to the silver, offsetting to allow some glitter to peek out. Adhere with liquid glue to the center of the tree.
9. Attach the finished panel to the white A2 card base.

I hope this project inspires you to step outside the box and try bold, non-traditional holiday colors in your own cardmaking. I’d love to see your unique take—tag us on Instagram with your version of this card!

Leave a comment below with your favorite non-traditional Christmas color combos.

Quick tip: Try this design with a pastel color scheme for a soft, whimsical vibe, or go bold with jewel tones for a dramatic holiday card.