How to Make a Funny Christmas Reindeer Card with a Snowball Scene
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Time to read 4 min
Add a little humor to your holiday cardmaking with this playful Christmas scene featuring a panicked reindeer and an oversized snowball. In this step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how to assemble layered die-cut characters, create a textured winter sky with embossing, build a dimensional snowy landscape, and finish the design with a fun holiday sentiment.
This project is perfect for cardmakers who enjoy scene building and character-focused designs. The Rein It In Die Set makes it easy to create expressive holiday cards full of personality, while simple layering and embossing techniques add dimension without a lot of complexity.
Hello! It’s Lisa Arana from Dahlhouse Designs here with you today to share a Christmas card featuring Rein It In from the Merry Mayhem Collection. The second I saw this hilarious panicked deer, I knew he needed a giant snowball headed straight his way. For today’s tutorial, I’ll show you how to create this snowy scene with simple die cutting, 3D embossing, and layering.
Project Snapshot
| Project Details | A humorous Christmas card featuring a dimensional die-cut reindeer reacting to an oversized snowball in a textured winter scene. |
| Skill Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Approximate Time | 45–60 Minutes |
| Project Type | Character Christmas Card |
| Techniques | Die Cutting, Layering, Embossing, Scene Building, Dimensional Adhesion |
| Occasion | Christmas, Holiday Greetings, Seasonal Cardmaking |
| Finished Size | A2 Card (4.25" × 5.5") |
| Featured Products | Rein It In Stamp & Die Set, Whimsical Skies 3D Embossing Folder, Ripped Edge Circles Etched Dies |
What You'll Need
Spellbinders Products
- Rein It In Stamp & Die Set
- Ripped Edge Circles Etched Dies
- Whimsical Skies 3D Embossing Folder
- Fawn ColorWheel Cardstock
- Truffle ColorWheel Cardstock
- Raven ColorWheel Cardstock
- Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock
- Alabaster ColorWheel Cardstock
- Pomegranate ColorWheel Cardstock
- Breeze ColorWheel Cardstock
- Platinum Die Cutting Machine
Other Supplies
- Black Ink
- Liquid Adhesive
- Foam Tape
How to Make a Funny Christmas Reindeer Card
Step 1 – Die Cut the Reindeer Pieces
Die-cut the pieces from the Rein It In Stamp & Die Set using Fawn, Truffle, Raven, Classic White, Alabaster, and Pomegranate ColorWheel Cardstock, following the sample as a guide for color placement.
Die-cut the head and antlers once from Raven Cardstock and again from Truffle Cardstock. Trim away the head portion from the Truffle die cut so only the antlers remain.
Step 2 – Assemble the Body
Adhere the belly to the center of the body.
Add the hooves to the ends of both arms and legs, then adhere the nose above the face opening using the embossed guidelines for placement.
Step 3 – Assemble the Head
Layer the trimmed antlers over the antlers on the head base.
Add the tongue near the bottom of the head using the embossed detail as a guide.
Layer the face piece over the top, aligning all openings so the eyes and mouth show through properly and the tongue remains visible.
Step 4 – Complete the Reindeer
Position the completed head behind the body and align the face openings carefully before adhering.
Attach the ears behind the head to complete the character.
Step 5 – Emboss the Background
Cut a 3.75" × 5" panel from Breeze ColorWheel Cardstock.
Place the panel into the Whimsical Skies 3D Embossing Folder and emboss it following the manufacturer's recommended sandwich instructions.
Designer Tip: Lightly mist cardstock with water before embossing to achieve a deeper impression. Allow the panel to dry completely before moving on.
Step 6 – Die Cut the Snowball
Use the largest die from the Ripped Edge Circles Etched Die Set and cut one circle from Classic White Cardstock.
This oversized circle will become the giant snowball.
Step 7 – Build the Snowy Background
Attach the snowball to the upper-right corner of the embossed panel, allowing it to extend beyond the card edges.
Adhere the embossed panel to the lower-left area of an A2 card base.
Trim away the overhanging portions of the circle and save the cut pieces.
Use one of the trimmed sections to create a snowy mound in the lower-left corner where the reindeer will stand.
Step 8 – Add the Reindeer
Apply foam tape to the back of the reindeer.
Position him on the snowbank with his eyes directed toward the incoming snowball.
Step 9 – Add the Sentiment
Stamp a sentiment from Rein It In using black ink.
Trim the sentiment to approximately 1.75" × 0.625" and add foam tape to the back.
Position the sentiment beside the reindeer, slightly tucking it behind the body for a finished look.
Tips for Better Christmas Scene Cards
- Use foam adhesive behind focal characters to add instant dimension.
- Create simple backgrounds that support rather than compete with your focal image.
- Save trimmed die-cut pieces for additional scene elements like hills and snowbanks.
- Use embossing folders to add texture without introducing additional colors.
- Position characters so their eye direction helps tell the story of the scene.
Ways to Customize This Project
- Create different winter scenes using the same reindeer character.
- Replace the snowball with a Christmas gift or ornament.
- Add additional snowy hills for more depth.
- Use different ColorWheel cardstock combinations for the reindeer.
- Create matching holiday tags with the leftover die-cut pieces.
- Add embellishments such as gems or glitter snow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why emboss the background instead of ink blending it?
Embossing adds texture and interest while keeping the focus on the die-cut character and sentiment.
Can I use the reindeer for cards beyond Christmas?
Yes. By changing the sentiment and scene elements, the character can work for winter greetings, encouragement cards, and humorous everyday designs.
What is the benefit of foam tape?
Foam tape adds dimension and helps focal elements stand out from the background.
How do I create balanced scene cards?
Use a focal character, supporting elements, and visual movement that guides the viewer's eye across the card.
More Christmas Card Ideas from Spellbinders
Conclusion
Holiday cards don't always have to be serious. This playful reindeer scene captures the fun and chaos of the season while incorporating simple die-cutting techniques and dimensional layers. The oversized snowball and expressive character make this design memorable, humorous, and perfect for spreading holiday smiles.
The Rein It In collection is full of personality and offers countless opportunities to create humorous Christmas cards that stand out from traditional holiday designs.
About the Designer
Lisa Arana of Dahlhouse Designs enjoys creating playful handmade cards featuring die-cut characters, bright colors, and storytelling elements. Her cardmaking projects combine approachable techniques with fun designs that inspire creativity for cardmakers of all skill levels.
For more inspiration, visit Dahlhouse Designs and follow Lisa on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
