Christmas Cheer in Two Color Stories
By Jyoti Adhikari

Christmas cards can capture the warmth of tradition or the sparkle of something unexpected. For these two cards, I explored both moods using dies from the Poppystamps 2026 Nordic Noel release. A burgundy bell with a flowing bow brings a classic holiday feel to the first card, while teal and purple ornaments give the second a colorful twist. With patterned paper on one and a Faber-Castell Gelatos watercolor background on the other, these cards celebrate two different ways to share Christmas cheer.

Card One: A Bell of Christmas Warmth

Creating a Rich Patterned Background

I began with patterned paper in warm red and brown tones, choosing a combination that feels cozy and slightly vintage. The decorative patterns bring plenty of interest to the background, while narrow gold accents add a festive touch. I mounted the background onto a white card base, leaving a slim white border to frame the design.

Framing the Bell with a Scalloped Oval

For the focal area, I used the Scalloped Pinpoint Oval Frames die (2790) from the 2026 Nordic Noel release. Cut from white cardstock, the oval creates a calm space against the patterned paper. Its scalloped edge and delicate pinpoint details add texture while allowing the bell and bow to take center stage.

Assembling the Bell and Flowing Bow

I created the bell using the Nordic Fancy Bell die (2805), layering burgundy, white, and pale gray cardstock to highlight its intricate decorative details. Gold accents on the hanging loop and clapper bring a little shine to the design. Above the bell, I added the Satin Ribbon die (2803) in coordinating burgundy. Its generous loops and curling tails frame the bell beautifully and give the card the feeling of a carefully wrapped Christmas gift.

Finishing with a Golden Greeting

To complete the card, I added a round Memory Box “Merry Christmas” sentiment near the lower-right edge of the oval. The gold lettering repeats the metallic accents in the background and bell, tying the design together. I love how the small circular greeting balances the large bow without distracting from the focal point.

Card Two: Jewel-Toned Christmas Sparkle

Creating a Gelatos Watercolor Background

For my second card, I created a soft watercolor background using Faber-Castell Gelatos and water. Aqua, blue, and lavender tones blend across the panel, with lighter areas keeping the background airy. Speckled details add texture and provide a lovely setting for the colorful ornaments.

Adding a Coordinating Blue Border

I layered the watercolor panel over blue cardstock and then mounted it onto a white card base. The blue border draws out the cooler colors in the background and gives the soft washes a defined edge. The stitched detail around the watercolor panel adds a subtle finishing touch without competing with the ornaments.

Building a Trio of Nordic Ornaments

I used the Nordic Drop Ornament die (2808) from the 2026 Nordic Noel release to create three ornaments in teal, deep blue-green, and lavender. By changing the order of the colors on each ornament, I gave them individual personalities while keeping the group coordinated. Gold caps and dangling details add holiday shine, and arranging the ornaments at different heights creates a natural hanging display.

Adding Sparkle and Christmas Wishes

I added fine gold cords from the ornament caps to the top of the panel to complete the hanging effect. Small sparkling gems along the decorative bands emphasize the beautiful details of the Nordic Drop Ornament die cuts. A round Memory Box “Merry Christmas” sentiment at the lower left balances the arrangement, with its gold lettering echoing the ornament accents.

These two cards show how color and background choices can give holiday die cuts completely different personalities. The patterned paper and burgundy bell celebrate the warmth of a traditional Christmas, while the Gelatos background and jewel-toned ornaments bring a fresh, playful sparkle. I hope these projects inspire you to explore the Poppystamps Nordic Noel collection, try a different color combination, and create something special to share this holiday season. Thank you for stopping by and crafting with me!