Need Quick & Easy Cards? Try this..
Listen… if you’re still working on Christmas cards, you’re in good company. I don’t know what it is about December, but suddenly the calendar flips and somehow I’ve convinced myself I have plenty of time—right up until I don’t.
So this week, I brought you a tutorial that’s perfect for us last-minute crafters: a super quick, vintage-inspired Christmas card and a step-up version featuring soft pastels. And because you know I can’t leave well enough alone, I also showed four different ways to color the same nativity image from the A Child Is Born stamp set.
If you can tear paper and swipe ink on an edge, you can make the first card. If you want a little “artsy moment,” you’ll love the pastel glow technique. And if you really want to experiment and play, the watercolor pencils, Blends, and water painter demos will give you plenty of options.
🎥 Watch the Full Tutorial Here
Card 1: Vintage Torn Edges (the “I still have 37 cards to make” card)
This one is beautifully simple and quick! Classic line art, soft edges, and a warm vintage feel without a lot of fuss.
Measurements (Imperial & Metric):
- Card Base: Secret Sea – 8½” × 5½” (21× 14.8 cm), scored at 4¼” (10.5 cm)
- Inside Layer: Very Vanilla – 5¼” × 4″ (14.3 × 10 cm)
- Front Layer: Very Vanilla – 5″ × 3¾” (13.8 × 9.5 cm)
Steps:
- Stamp the Holy Family image in Pecan Pie.
- Tear the edges toward yourself to get that soft deckled look.
- Lightly blend Pecan Pie ink around the edges—just enough to “age” the paper.
- Attach the panel to your card base (flat or popped up).
- Add your sentiment inside, and boom—you’re done.
This is the kind of card you can make in batches without losing your mind. Ask me how I know.
Card 2: Soft Pastels with a Glowing Star (the “okay fine, I’ll get fancy” card)
If you bought the Soft Pastels and they’ve been quietly judging you from a drawer… pull them out. This stamp set is perfect for them.
Measurements (Imperial & Metric):
- Card Base: Thick Basic White – 8½” × 5½” (21× 14.8 cm), scored at 4¼” (10.5 cm)
- DSP Layer: Modern Christmas – 5¼” × 4″ (14.3 × 10 cm)
- Front Layer: Basic White– 5″ × 3¾” (13.8 × 9.5 cm)
The trick is simple:
- Color lightly with the pastel stick
- Blend with a Q-tip
- Use VersaMark to stamp the stars
- Rub Daffodil Delight pastel over the wet ink to create a halo effect
- Seal the whole thing with Wink of Stella so the chalk doesn’t smudge
The result? A soft, dreamy nativity scene with a warm, glowing star. It’s subtle, but it’s beautiful.
Other Coloring Options (because not everyone loves pastels)
Watercolor Pencils + Blender Pen
Smooth, controlled, and beginner-friendly. The blender pen melts those pencil strokes into a soft wash of color—especially lovely for the manger.
Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers
Bold, clean color with minimal effort. Use a feather-light touch so your brush tips stay pointy and happy.
Ink Refills + Water Painters
This is your drama option. Deep, rich, saturated color with tons of control depending on how much water you add. If you want the image to pop, this is the way.
Which One Should You Try?
Honestly? Whichever method sparks joy in the moment. They all produce beautiful results, and none of them require you to be “an artist.” If you can hold a stamp block and keep a baby wipe nearby (trust me on that pastel dust), you’re good.
Want the Supplies to Re-Create These Cards?
Shop the A Child Is Born stamp set and everything else I used here:
👉 Click here to shop my Stampin’ Up! Store.
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Until next time—stay crafty, and don’t let December boss you around. 💚