Nutcracker Accordion Tri Fold Card: Christmas Cards on a Budget

Christmas in July continues with budget friendly Christmas cards using the Nutcracker Tags Kit and A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper!

You can download the Free Project Sheet here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/LIIfvYP/nutcrackertrifoldcard

Products used in today's cards:

NUTCRACKER TAGS KIT

A STITCHED SEASON DESIGNER SERIES PAPER

2 INCH CIRCLE PUNCH

2-3/8 CIRCLE PUNCH

GRANNY APPLE GREEN CARDSTOCK

POPPY PARADE CARDSTOCK

MEASUREMENTS (for the above pictured card):

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 11" Score: 4-1/4, 7 and 9-¾”

• (1) Belly Band - 1-½ x 9 ½” Score: 2-⅝ and 7”

• (1) DSP Strip for Belly Band 1-¼ x 4-¼” (A Stitched Season DSP)

• (1) 4 x 5-¼” DSP Panel (A Stitched Season DSP) 

• (1) 2-½ x 5-¼” DSP Panel (A Stitched Season DSP)

• (1) 2-½ x 5-¼” Basic White Panel

• (2) 1 x 5-¼” DSP Strips - 1-¾ x 5-¼” (A Stitched Season DSP)

• (1) 2-⅜” Circle

• (1) 2” Circle

• (4) Nutcrackers (trim off tag top) (Nutcracker Tags Kit)

• (2) Sentiment Die Cuts from Nutcracker Tags Kit

• (2) Holly Die Cuts from Kit

INSTRUCTIONS

NOTE: No stamping or die cutting for this card. I did use circle punches for the circles on the belly bands. We will use the Nutcracker Tags Kit to make budget friendly Christmas cards!

Here is an Accordion Tri-Fold Card. Cut card base 5-½ x 11.” Score: 4-¼, 7 and 9-¾”.  Glue all of your panels to the card base. The white piece will be the third panel because it’s hidden when the fun fold is closed.

Trim off the tag tops from the nutcrackers. Use the girl nutcracker for the first flap. You will use two of them and glue them back to back so I recommend trimming off both tag toppers at the same time so it’s lined up when you glue them onto the first flap. 

Add two more nutcrackers side by side on the last panel. Add your embellishments and greetings. I used only kit pieces for the decorating (the holly and sentiments) but you can use any coordinating Christmas bundle from your collection.

I used A Stitched Season Designer Series Paper for this card as well. This paper matches nicely with the Nutcracker Tags Kit. 

Belly Band: cut another strip of cardstock 1-½ x 9-½” Score at 2-⅝ and 7” or you can just wrap your belly band around the card and wherever the crease is just score the crease with your scoring tool to get a clean fold. 

Glue your white 2” circle to the 2-⅜” Granny Apple Green Circle. Add a greeting center with mini dimensionals. Glue the 1-¼ x 4-¼” DSP strip to the front of the belly band. I wanted to cover the seam with the DSP. Glue circle over top to cover the seam as well. 

if you’d like to shop with me, you can do that HERE. If not, any interaction with the YouTube video tutorial (a like, a subscribe, a comment or share) can really help get the video seen by other people. I appreciate your time today!

BONUS CARD! You can find the tutorial for how I made this card on YouTube and my blog under Raven’s Tale Summerween Cards and Gable Box! I did a Halloween version for the demo but here is a Christmas example swapping out the raven for a nutcracker! This is also a fun card to make though this one does involve stamping, die cutting and heat embossing! Raven’s Tale has this amazing corner stamp I’ll be using all season long!

Ravens Tale Stamp Set

Happy Crafting!

Melinda

July 2026 Paper Pumpkin Unboxing and Assembly of Cards: Hooray for Birthdays

 My July Paper Pumpkin Kit is here!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOORAY FOR BIRTHDAYS!

Check out the unboxing and assembly here!

Are you subscribed to Paper Pumpkin yet? Subscribe to the August kit: Kindred Greetings by August 10, 2026

Raven's Tale Summerween Cards and Gable Box

 

Summerween Series 2026: Raven's Tale Cards, Tag and 3D Gable Box!

The Raven's Tale Stamp Set is now available as part of the July 2026 Online Exclusives release. I will be combining the Frightfully Fun Suite along with Phrases & Frame Dies for today's Summerween projects.

Products used on today's cards:

Ravens Tale Stamp Set

Phrases and Frames Dies

Frightfully Fun Suite

Tools I Recommend for Today's Projects:

Stampin Positioner

Heat Tool

Embossing Additions Tool Kit

WOW Basics Embossing Powders

To make the Gable Box:

Stamp raven in Versamark ink directly onto the gable box (large panel). I recommend using the anti-static tool before stamping on box.

TIP: Turn your Stampin' Positioner into vertical position to accommodate the length of the gabe box. 

Sprinkle black heat emboss powder over image and heat set with heat tool. Repeat this on other side of box. Just make sure you give a minute for the heat emboss to cool down and dry. If you are doing a whole set of gable boxes in this theme I recommend using the Stampin' Positioner to make this more efficient.

NOTE: The raven is a large stamp. It measures 3" from beak to feet and diagonally it measures 3-1/2" from head to tail feathers.

Gable Boxes are part of the Frightfully Fun Suite
but can be purchased separately as well

GABLE BOX

To decorate your gable box you'll need (1) Phrases & Frame *largest frame* die cut and (2) Frightfully Fun DSP panels measuring 2-3/8 x 3-3/8" and glue to DSP panels to either side of gable box.

Cut up the Phrases and Frames Die Cut (in Basic Black) so (2) strips measure 4" and (2) measure 2-1/2" Glue as border along bottom of gable box.

Stamp "Happy" and "Halloween" from the Raven's Tale stamp set in Versamark ink on the Pumpkin Pie Oval Die Cut (also from Phrases and Frames) and heat set in black as well.

Use (2) magical swirl die cuts in Basic Black on either side of the oval and place next to the raven on the gable box.

OPTIONAL: If you have Festive Cheer Dies use the pine branch as a feather die cut! You'll cut (2) in black cardstock and glue to the top panels of gable box.

THE CARDS

This card uses the corner stamp from Raven's Tale
Card Base: Basic Black
5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4"

Die cut Phrases & Frames (largest die) in Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla. The process for stamping the raven with the Stampin' Positioner is the same with both cards.

Also for both cards you'll ink directly from Versamark pad to the frame all over it. You can be messy. Sprinkle with the black heat emboss powder and heat set both frames and ravens.

For the card with the corner stamp, I recommend stamping the corners first and then stamping the raven. You'll put the raven on your large positioner plate. You'll use the narrow plate for the corner stamp.

Use the "v" notch at the top center of positioner base to place your panel. The panel you are using is the insert rectangle from the largest Phrases & Frames die. Use your narrow plate vertically along the spokes at the top of positioner to keep aligned. Place corner stamp (clean and dry) in position on the corner of cardstock and then pick up with narrow plate. Ink it with Versamark and stamp all four corners by rotating the rectangle after each stamp. Continue with heat embossing in black.

Because this stamp is very detailed with thin lines I recommend heat setting the powder from the back. This way you do not lose any powder or details. This heat tool has two settings (1 and 2 or low and high) I like to use the high "2" setting but that may be too powerful for this delicate image. You can use the low setting if you want if you prefer to heat set from the front.

This card uses the Nevermore stamp from Raven's Tale
Card Base: Very Vanilla
5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4"

The measurements and steps are the same for the Very Vanilla version of the card with the exception of no corner stamping. On this card, I used the Iridescent Black ribbon to create a bold frame around the image.

By heat embossing these fabulously detailed impressions dies it gives a gothic, weathered look to your Summerween cards!

THE TAG

Use the Oh My Fright Tag Die for this project. This comes in the Oh My Fright Bundle or Frightfully Fun Suite.

Use white cardstock and Frightfully Fun DSP for the tag. For the DSP just a strip is fine. It's only for the top of tag above the frame. You'll use the middle size frame in Pumpkin Pie cardstock.

Stamp your raven on the tag centered. Heat set like the other projects. Use a tree die cut from Oh My Fright in Basic Black. Turn sideways to use as a perch for the raven. Trim off the excess branches. Tuck one of the trimmed off branches in the upper corner of tag. Adhere frame with foam strips or dimensionals.

Add black dots from embellishments in the Frightfully Fun Suite (Bats Ghosts and Dots Embellishments). Use black iridescent ribbon for tag and tie a bow.

NOTE: For the video I only decorated one side of the tag and I did not a sentiment. I plan to add a tag to back as well and add a sentiment later. I was short on time for the video!

I hope you enjoyed today's Summerween card and project ideas!

Happy Crafting!

Melinda

 

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Christmas in July FREE Online Card Class

Festive Cheer Bundle “Christmas in July” Card Class (2026) 

Would you like a project sheet for today's class? You can sign up for my email to get the project sheet here and you can unsubscribe at any time: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/TSkmnbN/festivecheercardclass

Shop the PRODUCTS USED:

FESTIVE CHEER BUNDLE

STITCHED SEASON DSP

TEXTURED TREE RING 3D EMBOSSING FOLDER

EVERYDAY BORDERS ACCENTS

SCALLOPED BLOOMS DIES

STAMPIN POSITIONER

REAL RED STITCHED RIBBON

STAMPIN POSITIONER GRID PAPER

MEASUREMENTS (for the above pictured card):

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" Score: 4-1/4, Trim off 2-½” piece to create a 2” flap on card front 

• (1) Stitched Season DSP Panel - 4 x 5-¼”

• (1) Basic White Insert - 1-¾ x 5-¼”

• (1) Embossed panel (for front flap) - 1-¾ x 5-¼” (Textured Tree Ring 3D Embossing Folder)

• (1) Everyday Border Accent - Trim to 5-½”

• (2) Pine Branch Die Cuts (Festive Cheer Dies)

• (1) Die Cut for Sentiment (Scalloped Blooms Dies)

• (4) Ornament Die Cuts (Festive Cheer Dies)

• (4) Ornament Topper Die Cuts (Festive Cheer Dies)

• (4) Ornament String Die Cuts (Festive Cheer Dies)

• (1) Piece of Stitched Real Red Ribbon (About 4”)

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut card base 5-½ x 8-1/2” Score at 4-¼ Trim front flap to 2”

Emboss and ink your Textured Tree Ring Pattern with the 3D embossing folder using plates 1 and 4 on the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine. Let dry a few minutes before cutting to 1-¾ x 5-¼”

STAMPING

I recommend using the Stampin’ Positioner and Grid Paper for the repeat stamping of these ornaments. Festive Cheer is a two-step stamping set. One stamp is the outline and one fills in the image with color.

How I used the Stampin’ Positioner:

Use the large plate for the outline stamps. Stamp first onto the grid paper. Line up each ornament on the lines of the grid paper leaving enough space that you can die cut without crowding the dies.

Use the narrow plate for the fill stamps.

NOTE: You can fit 5 ornaments across the large plate and 4 along the narrow plate *at least for this class*

TIP: You can use the narrow plate horizontally (pictured) even though it was designed to be used vertically on the platform. When you stamp horizontally the plate doesn’t lock into the notches so it’s just like lining up a clear block. The key to effortless line up is making sure the ornament stamps are centered on those grid lines so you can line up your fill stamps with ease.

Because I could only fit 4 on the narrow plate I just free handed the last ornament with a clear block. Same process. Whether or not you are using the Stampin’ Positioner plates, the base has the perfect stability and cushion for your photopolymer stamps to stamp beautifully every time even with your clear blocks.

Using the plates means stamping multiple ornaments in multiple colors in just a few minutes having your Simply Shammy on hand to clean between colors.

I really love using the Stampin’ Spots (from Paper Pumpkin and Kits Collection kits) because the smaller ink pad allows for easy inking without getting it all over the plate or the feet on the plates. You can use your full size ink pads too, of course. Just be sure to clean up any excess ink between stamping with your shammy.

I also recommend heat embossing at least one set of ornaments and/ or ornament toppers with your favorite metallic heat emboss powder. It just adds so much shine to your cards!

Stamp greeting on sentiment die cut for the front flap (I used Sending Cheer) and the sentiment for the insert panel. If you are using multiples of the same die cut *pictured are the Scalloped Blooms Dies* I recommend making a temporary template to hold your die cut in place by gluing the negative from your die cut to the grid paper. 

It’s not necessary for a single stamp but if you’re making a whole set of cards this is great. 

The two magnets that come with the Stampin’ Positioner are helpful but I found they were still moving a little if the stamp didn’t separate from the die cut after stamping it. I’d raise the plate off to change the color and everything would move. By gluing it down, it definitely stays in place, even if the paper gets moved you can slide it back and the line up is still perfect. The important thing is that the template doesn’t move. Just pop your die cuts in and and out of the template with ease.

Festive Cheer Dies are designed for die cutting 5 strings for ornaments with a single die. It also allows for 10 ornament toppers to be cut with two dies in a single pass. Don’t be afraid to stamp lots and lots of ornaments with your Stampin’ Positioner because you’ll have lots of die cuts without a lot of die cutting and it’s these details that make your cards showstoppers!

ASSEMBLY

For texture, add the embossed piece to your front flap. For charm, add the border to the edge of the flap with Tear and Tape.

Add your DSP to the inside of the card. Add your white insert so it’s under the front fold flap.

Tip: If you are tucking the ornament strings under your insert panel don’t glue the bottom. Just glue the top and sides. You can tuck the strings in at the bottom where needed.

Choose your ornament combos and layouts and glue to the bottom of the card so the ornaments look like they are hanging from the front flap!

If you want a rustic, layered look on the top flap then add a couple of the pine branches in your preferred green shades!

I used the Coordinating Colors for the Stitched Season Designer Paper:

Here are several different layouts using the same fun fold and bundle:

You can get a lot of cards from one Christmas in July sit down session! 

Whether you want a simple design or an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink card you’ll have a blast with these! And even though I chose not to do the quilted patterns for most of the cards I did use one quilted pattern on the front flap if you’d like more paper and less die cuts. You have so many options!

For my Paper Pumpkin Collector Friends: I know so many of you keep extra kits or save the stamp sets from past kits and I just wanted to mention if you still have the November 2024 Kit or stamp set it will compliment this bundle beautifully as well! While that kit is no longer available for purchase from SU, it pays to hold on to the old kits sometimes! 

I hope you enjoyed today’s free card class! My Christmas in July gift to you!

You can shop the July 2026 Online Exclusives right now!

I have a QR Code here that takes you right to my blog if you’d like to shop with me. If not, any interaction with the YouTube video tutorial (a like, a subscribe, a comment or share) can really help get the video seen by other people. I appreciate your time today!

Happy Crafting!

Melinda

Spooktacular Summerween Fun Fold Card and July 2026 Online Exclusives NOW AVAILABLE

Happy July!

JULY ONLINE EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS are here!

I have a brand new video today and a free PDF tutorial for you featuring an easy fun fold with the new Spooktacular 6 x 6 DSP and Frightfully Fun Suite!

You can get the project sheet for today's card HERE

Shop the card:

Spooktacular 6 x 6 DSP

Frightfully Fun Suite

Seasonal Cheer Mini Embossing Folders

 MEASUREMENTS:

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 11" Score: 4-1/4, 5-1/2 and 6-3/4" (Pumpkin Pie Cardstock)

• (1) Spooktacular DSP Dracula Face Die Cut (Beautifully Celebrated Dies)

• (1) Pumpkin Pie Die Cut (Beautifully Celebrated Dies) 3-½ x 4-¼” Size

• (1) Die Cut Frame (Beautifully Celebrated Dies) 3-½ x 4-¼” and 4 x 5” Basic Black

• (2) DSP Strips for Card Front - ¼ x 5-½” Spooktacular DSP

• (2) DSP Strips for the fun fold flap - 1 x 5-½” Spooktacular DSP

• (1) Small Oval Die Cut (Phrases & Frames Dies) Very Vanilla Cardstock

• (2) Bat Die Cuts (Oh My Fright Dies) Basic Black

• (1) Spooky Tree (Oh My Fright Dies) Basic Black

• (1) Basic White Insert (Perennial Postage Dies)

• (2) Bat Embellishments

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut card base 5-½ x 11” Score at 4-¼, 5-½ and 6-¾”

OPTIONAL: Emboss the card front with Seasonal Cheer Mini Embossing Folder in the Halloween pattern along the center of the card front.

Cut a window in the card Beautifully Celebrated Die. Set aside. This will be used for the flap fun fold element.

Fold on the three score lines so the fold looks like an M (mountain - valley fold). This creates a flap inside your card base. Glue so the flap is closed. The flap measures 1-¼ x 5-½”

Glue the 1” DSP strips to this fun fold flap on both sides.

Cut the Dracula face out of the Spooktacular DSP with the same die used to cut out the window on the card front. Glue face to the back of the die cut that you cut out of the card front. (The embossed pattern should be on the other side).

TIP: Use post-its to temporarily hold the Dracula face in place in the window of the card front  while you add glue to the back. Place glue only along the top. Glue to flap. This becomes your fun fold piece!

Once the glue is dried remove your post-its and the face should line up perfectly in the window when the card is closed.

Glue the ¼” DSP strips to the top and bottom of the card front.

NOTE: I did use a blending brush to add a little black ink (very soft touch) to the front of the card with the embossed pattern to make the bats more visible. Optional but a fun look!

Stamp “Happy Halloween” in the Basic Black Hydbrid Stampin’ Up Ink using the Oh My Fright Stamp Set onto the oval die cut. Glue to the center of the die cut on the back side.

To decorate the inside of the card, use the Perennial Postage Die Cut (3-¾ x 5” size) in Basic White for the insert and decorate with two bat die cuts and the spooky tree die cut from the Oh My Fright Dies. 

Finish the card with two bat embellishments on the front of the card.

Here are some other cards using this fun fold: 

I hope you enjoyed today’s project and instruction sheet. If you are interested in shopping the July 2026 Online Exclusives visit my blog or you can shop with me in the online Stampin’ Up! Store HERE

Happy Crafting!

Melinda

June 2026 Paper Pumpkin ALTERNATE IDEAS

 

I've had Bikes and Blooms on my mind this week!

I have two alternate projects for you today using the June 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit!

If you already used your kit pieces no worries! The REFILL is available in the online store while supplies last! Get it HERE

Reminder: Refills contain consumable kit pieces.
It does NOT include the original stamp set or ink spot.

Must be an active Paper Pumpkin subscriber
to purchase past kits, refills and add ons.

Today's alternate projects feature two products that will be released on July 1, 2026 with the next online exclusives launch:

• Gable Boxes
• Magic and Swirls Embossing Folder

Those two items are part of an upcoming Halloween suite but hopefully today's video will show you these are for just about any occasion!

Demonstrators can preorder these items right now! My suggestion is not to wait on the gable boxes friends when they do launch next Wednesday (7/1/26).

Today's alternate projects rely heavily on the kit! I did use the stamp set, ink and die cut pieces from the kit to decorate these boxes.

I added some Crisp Canteloupe ribbon. I did use a blending brush and for the gable box that is embossed I used a different electronic diecutting machine called an Empress (not Stampin' Up!).

I have not tried this with my Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine yet but I think it could work in the vertical position. I'll keep you posted as I play with these new products more.

I have a machine that has larger plates for large projects and I used that for this alternate.

For the other gable box I used card bases and envelopes to decorate the panels!

For the front and back of box: 4 x 3-1/2"

For the sides of the box: 2-1/2 x 3-1/2"

The die cut half bicycle is a perfect fit! The basket on the largest bike also fits beautifully!

It's so nice to have a matching gift box and card when the occasion calls for it!

I hope you enjoy today's ideas!

Not subscribed to Paper Pumpkin yet? Give it a try for July! It's the HOORAY FOR BIRTHDAYS Kit and if you want it make sure you sign up by July 10, 2026.

Subscribe Here

To my past, present and future Paper Pumpkin subscribers I say THANK YOU!

For those of you who open these emails, watch the videos, leave a comment and support in other ways THANK YOU!

For those of you who shop with me (past, present and future) I say THANK YOU to you too!

Don't forget the add on!

Detailed Flora Dies

Get them HERE

Have a creative day!

Melinda