It’s time for another 52 Christmas Card Throwdown challenge, and this week our technique challenge is to use stencils.
Now, I have to confess that my collection of stencils has grown rather larger than I probably need, and some of them don’t get nearly as much love as they deserve! As I was looking through my supplies, I came across a beautiful 7″ x 7″ Leaf Wreath stencil by Clarity Stamps that has been sitting quietly in my stash for far too long. It seemed like the perfect choice for this challenge, and I have to say, I’m so glad I dusted it off.
Even better, it gave me the excuse to get my Distress Oxide inks out again. I’d almost forgotten how much fun ink blending can be!
Here’s how I made my Design Team card.
Materials Used
- Card Base: 5¾” square white card
- White Linen Cardstock: Cut to 5½” square
- Leaf Wreath Stencil (7″ x 7″) Clarity Crafts
- Distress Oxide Inks:
- Twisted Citron
- Mowed Lawn
- Blending Brushes
- Black Ink
- Christmas Sentiment Stamp Stampin Up
- Stamp Positioner
- Spellbinders Sequins: Lilac, Blue and Pale Pink
- Liquid Glue
- Water Spray Bottle
- Kitchen Paper Towel
Step 1: Create the Stencilled Wreath
I started with a 5¾” square white card base and then cut a piece of white linen cardstock measuring 5½” square for the main panel.
Rather than centring the stencil, I deliberately positioned the Leaf Wreath stencil so that it extended off the left-hand edge of the panel. This creates a slightly more contemporary look. Positioning the wreath slightly off-centre also follows the rule of thirds, a design principle often used in art and photography. By placing the focal point away from the middle of the card, the layout feels more balanced and visually interesting, while the open space allows the design to stand out beautifully.
Using a blending brush, I first applied Twisted Citron Distress Oxide Ink through the stencil.
Next, I carefully lifted the stencil, rotated it slightly and lined it up just off the original image before blending Mowed Lawn Distress Oxide Ink over the top.
I repeated this one more time, rotating the stencil again and adding another layer of Mowed Lawn to build up a fuller, more natural-looking wreath.
Layering the stencil like this gives wonderful depth and makes the foliage look much more organic than a single application.
Step 2: Add a Water-Reacted Effect
One of the things I love most about Distress Oxide inks is their reaction with water. Once I was happy with the blended wreath, I lightly splashed clean water across the panel and left it for a few moments to work its magic. I then placed a piece of kitchen towel over the panel and gently dabbed away the water.
This lifted some of the ink, leaving behind soft, mottled highlights and subtle variations in colour that add even more texture and interest to the design. It’s such a simple technique, but the results are always slightly different and so satisfying to watch.
Step 3: Add the Sentiment
With the ink completely dry, I stamped a Christmas sentiment in the centre of the wreath using black ink.
To make sure it was perfectly positioned, I used my trusty stamp positioner—one of those tools I honestly wouldn’t be without now!
The crisp black sentiment stands out beautifully against the soft green foliage.
Step 4: Assemble the Card
The finished panel was then adhered to the centre of the white card base, allowing a narrow border to frame the design.
Sometimes a clean white border is all a card needs to make the colours really pop.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
For the final embellishments, I added a scattering of Spellbinders sequins in lilac, blue and pale pink.
These soft colours complement the fresh greens beautifully and add just a hint of sparkle without distracting from the stencilled wreath.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this is one of my favourite Christmas cards I’ve made for quite a while.
It reminded me just how much I enjoy sitting down with a few inks and simply playing. There’s something wonderfully relaxing about blending colours, layering stencils and watching the Distress Oxides react with water to create those lovely organic effects.
It’s also a gentle reminder to shop your own stash every now and then. That Leaf Wreath stencil had been waiting patiently to be used again, and I’m so pleased I rediscovered it. Sometimes our favourite supplies are the ones we’ve simply forgotten about!
If you have a collection of stencils gathering dust like mine were, why not pull them out and join us for this week’s 52 Christmas Card Throwdown technique challenge? We’d love to see the creative ways you use them, and who knows—you might just rediscover an old favourite too.
Enjoy your weekend
Lily-by-Gilly 