A Grinch-Inspired Card for the 52 Christmas Card Throwdown challenge

This week’s 52 Christmas Card Throwdown theme is all about the Grinch, and I couldn’t resist bringing this mischievous character to life with paper, ink, and a few festive die cuts. Here’s how I created my cheeky Grinch card—perfect for anyone who enjoys a bit of Christmas mischief!

Step 1: Creating the Base Card

To start, I die cut the card base using Granny Apple Green cardstock by Stampin’ Up, paired with the largest die from the Notched Corner Frame Die Set by Spellbinders. This bold green was the perfect choice for capturing the Grinch’s signature look.

For the next layer, I used the next size down from the same die set to cut a piece of Basic White cardstock.

Step 2: Stamping the Background

I stamped a random pattern of ink splats using the Gorgeous Grunge stamp set by Stampin’ Up. The splats were stamped in Real Red and Green Galore inks for a playful, messy backdrop that perfectly suits the Grinch’s chaotic charm. Although not quite the same shade of green, Stampin Up colours tend to work together beautifully, so I used several different shades for this card.

Step 3: Preparing the Grinch

I found a free clipart image of the Grinch’s face online, resized it to fit the circle die from the Spellbinders Festive Ornaments set, and printed it onto Granny Apple Green cardstock. Lining up the circle die over the image, I ran it through my die cutting machine.

Step 4: Die-Cut Embellishments

• Holly: From the Festive Ornaments set, I die cut the holly leaves in Certainly Celery cardstock and the berries in Real Red.
• Santa Hat: From the Santa’s Festive Circle Crew die set by Spellbinders, I cut the Santa hat from Real Red and the trim from Basic White cardstock.

I sponged the red and green die cuts with their coordinating inks (Real Red and Green Galore) to give them depth.

Step 5: Assembling the Background

I wrapped a strip of red and white striped ribbon by Stampin Up across the stamped white cardstock and secured it with strong adhesive. This panel was then adhered to the Granny Apple Green base card.

Step 6: Adding the Grinch

The Grinch circle, holly leaves, and berries were layered together with the Santa hat. I adhered this assembled piece to the card using foam adhesive, positioning it just above the ribbon and to the left side.

Step 7: The Perfect Sentiment

Using Stampin’ Write Markers in Real Red and Lucky Limeade, I inked up the “Ho, Ho, Ho” sentiment, which is a really old Stampin Up wheel set that I cut up—but here’s the twist: I didn’t ink the horizontal bar on the last ‘H’. After huffing on the stamp to reactivate the ink, I stamped it onto Basic White cardstock. Using the fine tip of the marker, I drew in a small vertical line, turning the final ‘Ho’ into a No. Perfectly Grinchy!

The sentiment was die cut using the ticket die from the Tim Holtz Collector Die Set by Sizzix, and adhered over the ribbon.

Step 8: Final Flourishes

For a touch of festive sparkle, I added a scattering of red sequins. They catch the light beautifully while still keeping the design fun and light-hearted.

Why This Card Works for the Theme

The bright greens, cheeky sentiment, and that unmistakable Grinch face make this card an instant nod to the beloved Dr. Seuss character. It’s playful, festive, and just a little bit naughty—just like the Grinch himself and I know exactly who I’ll be sending this card to at Christmas!

If you’re playing along with this week’s 52 Christmas Card Throwdown, I hope this project inspires you to let a bit of festive mischief into your crafting!