Sometimes the most fun cards begin with looking at your stamps in a new way! For this A2 Christmas card, I created a whimsical postage-stamp design with Waffle Flower’s Postage Die paired with the adorable Cheers to the Season stamp set, simple masking, and my Copic Airbrush System.
The Cheers to the Season stamp set is available from Pajama Crafter Stamps. Although I am no longer on their design team, they are a favored small business that offers whimsical stamps and coordinating products, including fun tools that can double as decor in your craft room. Be sure to check them out, and tell them Kelly sent you!
Creating the Postage Collage
The fun postage-style layout for this A2 card was created using the Waffle Flower Postage Collage Die. I love how the six connected postage areas create little spaces for each stamped scene while still coming together as one cohesive design. The die is currently listed as pre-order/backordered on Waffle Flower’s website. I am not an affiliate—I’m simply sharing the link for your convenience in case you’d like to check it out for yourself. (waffleflower.com)
Shop the Postage Collage Die:
Waffle Flower Postage Collage Die
Creating the Postage Scenes
I stamped the bears throughout the postage openings without worrying about perfect placement. Some peek in from the sides, turn sideways, or extend beyond the edges, giving each little scene its own personality.
Using the same stamp set in several different ways keeps the card playful and cohesive.
Masking and Airbrushing
To protect the stamped bears, I created simple masks with Post-it notes. Then I used my Copic Airbrush System to fill the openings with a bold Christmas palette of vibrant red, green, and blue.
The airbrush made it easy to build saturated backgrounds while keeping the images clean.
Copic Airbrush Color Combinations
For the bold backgrounds, I used my Copic Airbrush System and layered a combination of colors rather than relying on a single marker. For the red backgrounds, I used R08, R27 and R46; for the green backgrounds, I used G03, G05 and YG09; and for the blue backgrounds, I combined B02 with fluorescent FB and FBG. Layering two or more colors within each color family gave the backgrounds more depth and variation while still keeping that bright, whimsical Christmas feel. I love how the airbrush allows the colors to blend softly without competing with the stamped images!
❤️ Vibrant Red
💚 Bright Green
💙 Bold Blue
Keeping the Bears Simple
Because the backgrounds are so colorful, I kept all of the bears in the same warm brown color palette. This creates continuity and keeps their coloring from competing with the bold airbrushed backgrounds.
Copic Colors for the Images
To keep the colorful backgrounds as the star of the show, I kept my stamped images fairly simple and consistent. For the bears, I used E31, E33, E35, E37 and E29, creating warm brown tones with deeper shades for contrast and dimension. I also went ahead and took my YR23 marker over the browns on my bears to add some warmth and blend out the layers. For the festive details, I pulled from R27 and R29 for the reds, YG03, YG17, G05 and G07 for the greens, and E49 and 100 for the deepest shadows and details. Keeping the bears within the same color family helped unify all of the little postage-stamp scenes without competing with those vibrant airbrushed backgrounds.
I finished the bears’ noses with 3D GALAXY GLASS for a little extra dimension and shine. I also pulled out my WHITE GEL PEN and added dots for snow on the background. I adds texture, interest and a festive, snowy feel!
Assembling the Card
Once everything was colored, I assembled the layers with my TapeRunner Dry Adhesive. If you wish to purchase from there and receive 10% off everything in your cart, you can use promo code KELLY10 at check out.
Living in Florida means HUMIDITY! ☀️🌴 Whenever possible, I avoid adding extra moisture to my cardstock. A tape runner adhesive provides a clean, strong bond without the wet adhesive that can contribute to warping—especially on cardstock that has already been colored and airbrushed.
Finishing Touches ✨
I added the bold black “Merry Christmas” sentiment across the center, then finished the card with colorful Christmas lights, snowy splatters, sparkle, and shine. I colored the bulbs in coordinating colors and added some Stickles Glitter Glaze for some festive glitz!
Love the lights? They are from my Scrappy Boy Stamps‘ stash and I’m not sure if they’re available on their website any longer. There are plenty of other options to add bling or a festive element. All you have to do is think outside of the box and use what you have already.
I love how the finished design feels like a collection of tiny Christmas snapshots!
Remember, you don’t have to use a stamp exactly as you see it. Turn it sideways. Let it peek into a window. Mask it. Crop it. Airbrush around it. Finding new ways to use the stamps you already have is part of the fun!
I hope this inspires you to grab some Post-it notes, your favorite stamps, and your Copic markers to create something uniquely yours.
I can’t wait to see what you make! ❤️💚💙
Happy crafting!
Kelly | Stamped by Kelly
StampedByKelly 