How to Make a Colorful Autumn Thank You Card with Die Cuts

Create a vibrant autumn thank-you card featuring a beautifully detailed Kokeshi doll, dimensional maple leaves, metallic accents, and an embossed background. In this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how to combine BetterPress impressions, watercolor marker coloring, die-cutting, embossing, and dimensional layering to create an elegant seasonal card.

This project is perfect for cardmakers who enjoy coloring detailed images and building dimensional card fronts. The Autumn in Kyoto Collection by Alex Syberia combines traditional Japanese-inspired designs with rich autumn colors, making it ideal for thank-you cards, friendship cards, and seasonal greetings.

Hi there, this is Annie Williams, and I’m excited to be back on the blog today to create a colorful autumn card with you step-by-step using the new Autumn in Kyoto Collection by Alex Syberia. This collection features beautiful press plates and dies, sweet stamps, and a gorgeous embossing folder you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.

Project Snapshot

Project Details	A colorful autumn thank you card featuring a BetterPress Kokeshi doll, dimensional maple leaves, metallic accents, and an embossed Shoji-inspired background.
Skill Level	Intermediate
Approximate Time	60–75 Minutes
Project Type	Handmade Thank You Card
Techniques	BetterPress, Watercolor Marker Coloring, Die Cutting, Embossing, Ink Blending, Layering
Occasion	Thank You, Friendship, Autumn Greetings
Finished Size	A2 Card (4.25" × 5.5")
Featured Products	Autumn In Kyoto Press Plate & Die Set, Shoji Screen 3D Embossing Folder, Japanese Maple Branch Die Set

What You'll Need

Spellbinders Products

• Autumn In Kyoto Press Plate & Die Set
• Porcelain BetterPress A2 Cotton Card Panels
• BetterPress Black Ink
• BetterPress Letterpress System
• Shoji Screen 3D Embossing Folder
• Essential Arches Etched Dies
• Indigo ColorWheel Cardstock
• Bronze Metallic Ink Pad
• Best Ever Craft Tape
• Tape Runner Adhesive
• White Adhesive Foam Strips
• White Foam Squares Mix - 1mm
• Rose Gold Matte Metallic Cardstock
• Japanese Maple Branch Die Set (available in the Autumn In Kyoto Curated Bundle)
• Mini Blending Brushes
• Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue + Tip Kit
• Platinum Die Cutting Machine

Other Supplies

• Heavyweight White Cardstock
• Ripe Persimmon Distress Oxide Ink
• Mustard Seed Distress Oxide Ink
• Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens

How to Make a Colorful Autumn Thank You Card

Step 1 – Press the Kokeshi Doll Image

Start by pressing the Doll with Braid image from the Autumn In Kyoto Press Plate & Die Set onto a Porcelain BetterPress A2 Cotton Card Panel using BetterPress Black Ink and the BetterPress Letterpress System.

You can also foil the image using the Glimmer Hot Foil System if you prefer a metallic outline instead of a pressed impression.

Step 2 – Color the Doll Image

Color the image using Zig Clean Color Real Brush Pens or your preferred coloring medium.

Begin by blending two shades of deep red onto the doll's clothing using 260 Deep Red and 029 Geranium Red.

Add shades of yellow and orange to the decorative details of the doll using 070 Orange, 052 Bright Yellow, 050 Yellow, 067 Mustard, 055 Pale Yellow, and 071 Flesh Color.

For the hair, lightly flick 095 Dark Gray marker into the areas of deepest shadow.

Add hints of 038 Peacock Blue while leaving small areas of white cardstock visible for highlights.

This simple combination creates glossy-looking black hair while preserving the details of the braid.

Step 3 – Die-Cut the Kokeshi Doll

Use the coordinating die from the Autumn In Kyoto Press Plate & Die Set to cut out the colored doll.

Secure the die with Best Ever Craft Tape before running it through the Platinum Die Cutting Machine.

Designer Tip: A small piece of low-tack tape prevents the die from shifting and keeps the border even around your image.

Step 4 – Create the Embossed Background

Trim Indigo ColorWheel Cardstock to 4.25" × 5.5".

Emboss the panel using the Shoji Screen 3D Embossing Folder.

Lightly rub a Bronze Metallic Ink Pad across the raised embossed surface to highlight the texture.

Designer Tip: Keep the ink pad flat against the embossed design. Tilting the pad can create uneven coverage.

Step 5 – Create the Card Base

Trim heavyweight white cardstock to 4.25" × 11".

Score at 5.5" and fold to create an A2 card base.

Adhere the embossed panel to the card front using tape runner adhesive.

Step 6 – Add the Arch Window and Focal Image

Trim another piece of Indigo ColorWheel Cardstock to 4.25" × 5.5".

Use Layer 5 from the Essential Arches Die Set to die-cut a large window from the center.

Add White Adhesive Foam Strips to the back of the window panel and adhere it over the embossed background.

Add foam squares behind the Kokeshi doll and adhere her inside the arch opening.

Step 7 – Create the Maple Branch Embellishment

Die-cut a branch from Rose Gold Matte Metallic Cardstock and leaves from white cardstock using the Japanese Maple Branch Die Set.

Blend Ripe Persimmon and Mustard Seed Distress Oxide Ink onto the leaf die cuts using Mini Blending Brushes.

Adhere the metallic branch along the arch opening using liquid glue.

Add the ink-blended leaves using a combination of liquid glue and foam squares to create depth and dimension.

Step 8 – Build the Sentiment

Die-cut the sentiment from the Autumn In Kyoto Press Plate & Die Set once from Rose Gold Matte Metallic Cardstock and twice from Indigo ColorWheel Cardstock.

Stack and adhere all three layers together using liquid glue, placing the metallic layer on top.

Designer Tip: Layered die-cut sentiments are easier to handle and stand out better against detailed backgrounds.

Adhere the completed sentiment to the card front.

Your card is complete.

Tips for Better Autumn Card Designs

• Use metallic cardstocks to add elegance without overwhelming the design.
• Combine warm oranges, yellows, and reds for realistic autumn leaves.
• Use foam adhesive selectively to create natural dimension.
• Highlight embossed backgrounds with metallic ink for extra texture.
• Layer die-cut sentiments to help them stand out against detailed card fronts.

Ways to Customize This Project

• Create a spring version using pink and green foliage.
• Use gold cardstock instead of rose gold accents.
• Swap the thank-you sentiment for a birthday or friendship greeting.
• Add additional branches and leaves for a fuller autumn canopy.
• Create a top-folding arch-shaped card base instead of an A2 rectangle.
• Use alcohol markers, colored pencils, or watercolor paints to color the doll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I foil the image instead of pressing it?

Yes. The Autumn In Kyoto Press Plate & Die Set can be used with either the BetterPress System or the Glimmer Hot Foil System.

What coloring medium works best with BetterPress impressions?

Water-based markers, alcohol markers, colored pencils, and watercolor paints can all be used successfully when paired with the appropriate BetterPress ink.

Why use foam adhesive on the leaves?

Foam adhesive lifts selected elements from the card front and creates visual depth throughout the design.

How do I avoid smearing metallic ink on embossed backgrounds?

Apply the ink pad lightly and keep it flat against the raised surface to highlight only the embossed details.

More Autumn Card Ideas from Spellbinders

• Autumn in Kyoto Collection Inspiration
• Creative Ways to Use BetterPress Plates
• Layered Die-Cut Thank You Cards
  

Conclusion

This colorful autumn thank you card combines multiple techniques to create a rich, dimensional design full of seasonal warmth. The embossed Shoji-inspired background, layered metallic foliage, and beautifully colored Kokeshi doll work together to create a card that feels elegant yet approachable.

Whether you're creating thank-you cards, friendship cards, or everyday greetings, the Autumn in Kyoto Collection offers countless opportunities for layering color, texture, and dimension.

About the Designer

Annie Williams

Annie Williams is known for colorful handmade card designs that combine stamping, die cutting, layering, and creative coloring techniques. Her projects focus on approachable ways to add polish and dimension to cardmaking designs.

For more inspiration, visit AnnieBWills.com and follow Annie on Instagram.