Posted by Yana Smakula
on October 31, 2026
Create a festive Christmas card featuring a stitched ornament, elegant layered die cuts, shimmering gold accents, and an embossed snowflake background. In this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how to stitch directly onto cardstock, create dimensional die-cut embellishments, add heat-embossed sentiments, and assemble a polished holiday card.
This project is perfect for cardmakers who would like to try stitching on cardstock for the first time. The ornament only requires minimal stitching, making it an approachable introduction to combining needlework with die cutting.
Hello, crafty friends! It's Lisa Tilson here with you on the blog today to share a stitched card using the Oh Christmas Stitch Collection. I'll be showing you how to create a festive holiday card using the Stitched Baubles & Boughs Etched Dies.
Project Snapshot
| Project Details | A festive Christmas card featuring a stitched ornament, layered JOY sentiment, embossed snowflake background, gold accents, and heat-embossed greeting. |
| Skill Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Approximate Time | 60 Minutes |
| Project Type | Stitched Handmade Christmas Card |
| Techniques | Die Cutting, Basic Stitching, Heat Embossing, Layering, 3D Embossing |
| Occasion | Christmas, Holiday Greetings |
| Finished Size | A2 Card (4.25" × 5.5") |
| Featured Products | Stitched Baubles & Boughs Etched Dies, Oh Joy! Etched Dies, Snowflake Joy Stamp & Die Set |
What You'll Need
Spellbinders Products
- Stitched Baubles & Boughs Etched Dies
- Oh Joy! Etched Dies
- Flurry of Snowflakes 3D Embossing Folder
- Snowflake Joy Stamp & Die Set
- Gold Mix Color Essentials Gems
- White Foam Squares Mix - 1mm
- Gold Assortment Treasured Cardstock
- Chiffon ColorWheel Cardstock
- Tutu ColorWheel Cardstock
- Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock
- Teal Topaz ColorWheel Cardstock
- Waterfall ColorWheel Cardstock
- Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock
- Best Ever Craft Tape
- Craft Stax Medium Tray Set
- Handy Craft Tool Set
- Spellbinders 4" Detail Scissors
- Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue
- Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine
- My Sweet Petunia MISTI
Other Supplies
- Versamark Embossing Ink
- Hero Arts Gold Embossing Powder
- Anti-Static Powder Bag
- DMC Diamant Gold Metallic Thread
- DMC Gold Plated Tapestry Needles Size 24
- Heat Tool
How to Make a Stitched Christmas Ornament Card
Step 1 – Die-cut the Ornament, Boughs, and Letters
Using the Stitched Baubles & Boughs Etched Dies and Oh Joy! Etched Dies, die-cut:
- Largest ornament circle from Teal Topaz Cardstock
- Middle ornament circle from Seaside Cardstock
- Two stitched circles from Tutu Cardstock
- Ornament topper from Gold Glitter Cardstock
- Boughs twice from Gold Glitter Cardstock
- Letters J and Y from Waterfall Cardstock and Gold Glitter Cardstock
Secure dies with Best Ever Craft Tape and run them through the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine.
Designer Tip: Store all die-cut pieces in a Craft Stax Medium Tray to keep everything organized during assembly.
Step 2 – Stitch the Ornament
Use the Precision Tool to remove all the inner die-cut pieces from the stitched ornament layer.
Thread a needle with Diamant Gold Metallic Thread. Double the thread and tie a knot at the end.
Turn the ornament over and bring the needle through one of the outer holes.
Secure the thread on the back with small pieces of Best Ever Craft Tape.
Bring the thread through the center hole.
Bring the needle up through the adjacent outer hole and back down through the center.
Continue stitching around the ornament, always returning to the center hole.
Secure the thread on the back and trim the excess.
This simple stitched pattern creates a beautiful radiating ornament design while remaining beginner friendly.
Step 3 – Assemble the Ornament and Letters
Apply liquid glue to the back of the aqua Y.
Offset the aqua letter slightly over the glitter letter to create a shadow-die-cut effect.
Repeat for the letter J.
Adhere the light aqua circle onto the dark teal circle.
Adhere the stitched ornament on top.
Attach the gold ornament topper and allow it to dry under a heavy object.
Step 4 – Emboss the Background
Place an A2 panel of Chiffon ColorWheel Cardstock inside the Flurry of Snowflakes 3D Embossing Folder.
Run it through the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine using the embossing folder sandwich.
Step 5 – Heat Emboss the Sentiment
Place Classic White Cardstock into a MISTI and position the chosen sentiment from the Snowflake Joy Stamp & Die Set.
Apply anti-static powder to the cardstock.
Ink the sentiment with Versamark Embossing Ink.
Stamp the sentiment onto the cardstock.
Apply Hero Arts Gold Embossing Powder and heat set until melted.
Die-cut the sentiment with the coordinating die.
Step 6 – Assemble the Card
Adhere the embossed snowflake panel to a white A2 card base.
Temporarily position the JOY letters to determine placement.
Attach the two decorative boughs and trim any excess.
Adhere the ornament onto the boughs.
Adhere the J and Y around the ornament to complete the word JOY.
Add foam squares behind the sentiment.
Adhere the sentiment below the ornament.
Finish the card with Gold Mix Color Essentials Gems, including one in the center of the stitched ornament.
Tips for Better Stitched Christmas Cards
- Use metallic thread to create a luxurious holiday look.
- Store die cuts in trays to keep small pieces organized.
- Keep stitching patterns simple when working on cardstock.
- Use shadow die cutting to add extra dimension to sentiments.
- Combine stitching, embossing, and glitter cardstock for maximum texture.
Ways to Customize This Project
- Create ornaments using traditional red and green cardstock.
- Use silver thread and silver glitter cardstock.
- Add multiple stitched ornaments to the same design.
- Turn the ornament into a gift tag.
- Try different sentiment combinations from holiday stamp sets.
- Add additional gems or pearls for extra sparkle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stitching on cardstock difficult?
No. Because the stitching holes are already die-cut, this project is beginner-friendly and a great introduction to stitching on cards.
What type of thread works best?
Metallic embroidery thread creates beautiful sparkle, but standard embroidery floss also works well.
Can I make this card without stitching?
Yes. The die set can be used with or without stitching, depending on your preferred style.
Why use heat embossing on the sentiment?
Heat embossing creates a more polished and elegant finish while coordinating beautifully with metallic accents.
More Christmas Card Ideas from Spellbinders
- Christmas Felt Stitching Santa Project
- Funny Holiday Monster Card Tutorial
- Creative BetterPress Cardmaking Tutorial
-
Layered Die-Cut Christmas Card Tutorial
Conclusion
This festive ornament card proves that a small amount of stitching can add a lot of impact. The combination of metallic thread, layered die cuts, embossed texture, and gold accents creates a polished holiday design that feels special without being overly complicated.
Whether you're new to stitching on cards or looking for your next Christmas project, this design is a wonderful way to add handmade charm to your holiday greetings.
About the Designer
Lisa Tilson
Lisa Tilson is known for detailed die-cut projects, thoughtful color combinations, and approachable tutorials that help cardmakers explore new techniques with confidence.
For more inspiration, visit Lisa on her blog, Instagram, and Facebook.
