Layered Dies + Mixed Media Magic: A Cozy Holiday Card

How I used shimmer paste, specialty cardstock, and dimensional die cuts to create a festive winter scene with Altenew.

Hi crafty friends! I’m back with another Altenew Educator Certification Program project. This one is inspired by the All About Layering 6 class, which focuses on layering dies. I loved how this class emphasized both dimension and texture, so I challenged myself to combine several materials and techniques in one festive winter card!

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Crafting the Card

I started with a standard A2 card base and added a cozy, dimensional background using the Sweater Knits Stencil and Smoky Quartz Shimmer Relief Paste. I love how this combo created a raised, shimmery texture that feels just like a knit winter sweater—perfect for setting the scene.

Next, I brought in the Timeless Sled Layering Die Set. I die cut all the components from a variety of specialty cardstocks to give the finished piece richness and visual interest:

• Brushed Silver Metallic Cardstock for the sled runners and bows
• White Cardstock for the sleigh body
• Moonstone Glitter Cardstock for the side panels
• Crimson and Volcano Lake for the presents
• Velvet and Olive for the foliage

I followed the layering guide provided in the die packaging to build my sleigh. Altenew’s packaging is always so helpful for figuring out how each piece fits together! Once the sled was assembled, I backed it with a vellum circle that I cut just slightly larger than the sleigh itself. This helped soften the background texture and let the die cuts stand out without overwhelming the card.

I adhered everything with a combination of Instant Dimension Foam Tape and liquid glue for secure, layered dimension. Finally, I stamped and die cut a sentiment from the Sleigh Ride Greetings stamp set and positioned it right under the sleigh for a crisp, clean finish.

Tip: Mix and Match Your Materials

Layering dies don’t have to be flat! Mixing in specialty cardstocks like glitter, metallic, and textured papers can completely change the look and feel of your project. The key is choosing a cohesive color palette and combining smooth and textured elements to add interest without making things too busy.

I hope this project inspires you to reach for your layering dies and experiment with different materials! Whether you’re crafting for the holidays or just love a cozy winter vibe, this technique is a great way to stretch your supplies and elevate your die cuts. Happy layering!

Charlene

Supplies