Poinsettia Perfection

Creating this card was a true joy, blending elements from the upcoming January – April 2025 Mini Catalog with festive inspiration for the season. I’m thrilled to share this design, which highlights a stunning poinsettia centerpiece, and to announce that it’s being entered into three fabulous online challenges.

The card begins with a sturdy foundation of thick white cardstock, offering the perfect canvas for building layers of texture and elegance. The first layer is embossed Basic White cardstock, which I ran through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine using the Starstruck embossing folder. This embossing folder is one of the amazing products you can earn for FREE during Sale-A-Bration, starting in January 2025. Its subtle star design adds an understated yet captivating backdrop to the card.

For a touch of warmth, I added Cherry Cobbler cardstock to ground the design. On top of this, a smaller panel of Basic White showcases the poinsettia ephemera. These festive florals, with their deep red tones and intricate detailing, bring a vibrant focal point to the card. To add a bit of shimmer and sophistication, I tucked a die-cut gold foil embellishment from the Mixed Labels Dies underneath the sentiment label. The gold accent complements the poinsettias beautifully, creating a cohesive and festive look.

The sentiment, “For a Great Friend,” is stamped using the Mixed Labels bundle from the upcoming mini catalog. This bundle’s stamps and coordinating dies make creating polished, professional-looking sentiments a breeze. I stamped the sentiment and label in Garden Green ink and cut out the die-cut label that echoes the elegance of the card’s overall design.

No card is complete without a little sparkle! I added a few gold Adhesive-Backed Glimmer Gems as a finishing touch. These gems catch the light beautifully and enhance the festive feel of the design.

Measurements (in inches):

• Card base (Basic White, thick) – 11 x 4-1/4
• Embossed layer (Basic White) – 4 x 5-1/4
• Cherry Cobbler Layer – 3-3/4 x 3
• Basic White Layer for art piece – 2-3/4 x 2-3/4
• Inside Basic White 3-3/4 x 5, Cherry Cobbler 3-7/8 x 5-1/8
• Scrap of Basic White for die cutting, Scrap of Gold Foil for die cutting

To complement the card, I recorded a video tutorial that walks through each step of the creative process. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or new to cardmaking, this video provides helpful tips and inspiration to create your own poinsettia masterpiece. Be sure to check it out for an up-close look at the details and techniques used in this card.

I’m so excited to enter this card into the following challenges. Each one provides a unique opportunity to showcase creativity and connect with a wonderful crafting community:

• As You See It Challenge Challenge #338 – A Window into the New Year (the sketch – love this one – it’s a keeper!)
• Can You Handle The Pressure? Challenge – Anything Goes With A Twist of Poinsettias
• A Cut Above’s December Challenge, “Anything Goes With A Die Cut”.  

Crafting for challenges is always a fun and rewarding experience, and it’s even better when I get to use new and exciting products. I hope this card inspires you to experiment with layers, textures, and a touch of sparkle in your own creations. With Sale-A-Bration and the new mini catalog just around the corner, the possibilities are endless!