Kia ora Koutou Crafty Friends
Design Inspiration
This Christmas card celebrates the beauty of a New Zealand summer Christmas, featuring two of our most recognisable natural treasures: the beautiful kererū and the golden blossoms of the kōwhai tree. Rather than using the traditional red and green Christmas palette, I chose a softer combination of purple and green to create an elegant, nature-inspired design with a distinctly Kiwi feel.
The soft purple and green background layers provide a beautiful setting for the decorative die-cut oval, which frames the focal image. The Copic-coloured kererū, nestled among delicate kōwhai blossoms, brings the design to life and adds a lovely touch of New Zealand charm.
Dies were provided by Amazing Paper Grace for today’s creation.
Design Details
The layered background was created using soft purple and green paper layered with white cardstock, allowing the colours to complement one another while providing depth and dimension. These gentle hues create a fresh, elegant backdrop that works beautifully with the natural elements of the design and coordinate with the bright and vibrant colours of the kererū.
A decorative die-cut oval takes centre stage, drawing the eye towards the Copic-coloured image of the kererū and kōwhai blossoms. I enjoyed bringing the images to life with Copic markers, adding colour and shading to give the bird and flowers dimension and detail.
To carry the floral theme throughout the design, I added delicate kōwhai flowers to the corners of the card. These little details frame the composition beautifully and tie the whole design together without distracting from the main image.
Finishing Touches
The finishing touch is the hot-foiled “Seasons Greetings” sentiment. The beautiful foiled finish adds a touch of elegance and subtle shine, making the card feel extra special for the festive season.
The combination of decorative die cuts, carefully coloured imagery, layered cardstock and metallic foiling creates a design that is both intricate and harmonious. Every element has its place, allowing the natural beauty of the kererū and kōwhai to shine.
Final Thoughts
I love creating Christmas cards that reflect the unique beauty of New Zealand. With our Christmas celebrations taking place in the warmth of summer, it is wonderful to incorporate native birds and flowers into a festive design.
The soft purple and green palette, golden kōwhai blossoms and beautiful kererū make this card a little different from traditional Christmas designs, while the hot-foiled sentiment adds that special festive sparkle.
A handmade Christmas card is a lovely way to share a little creativity and a touch of home with family and friends. This New Zealand-inspired design is a celebration of our native flora and fauna and the joy of sending heartfelt Christmas wishes.
Share the Joy
Thank you for visiting my blog today. I hope this card inspires you to create your own festive handmade Christmas cards this holiday season. And don’t forget to pin this project for later inspiration — you’ll definitely want to revisit it when you are in the mood for making a personalised Christmas card!
✂️ Supplies I Used:
Amazing Paper Grace Products
S4-990 – Bella Luce Oval
GLP-120 Christmas Damask Jubilee Hot Foil Plate
SDS-054 – Giving Occasions Stamp and Die Set
Other Products Used:
Heartfelt Creations Holiday Star Paper Collection
Heartfelt Creations Flower Foam – for dimension between background layers
House of Cards White Cardstock 300 gsm
Neenah Classic Crest Solar White – 110 Ib cardstock
Montarga Rubber Stamps New Zealand themed stamps – 0642 F Kowhai Corner Rubber Stamp, 0602 G Kowhai Rubber Stamp, 2000 G – Kererū on Kawakawa Branch Rubber Stamp
Honey Bee Stamps Embossing Folder – Burlap
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Copic Markers
Foam squares, strips
Bearly Art Glue
Winkles Glitter Brush Marker – Crystal Frost
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Happy Crafting
Patricia
