Create Your Own Patterned Paper: A Fun Christmas in July Card

Have you ever had a project in mind but just couldn’t find the right patterned paper to bring it to life? That’s exactly what happened to me while working on this Christmas in July project. Instead of letting that slow me down, I decided to create my own patterned paper—and it turned out to be the perfect solution!

Custom Background Using Stamps

To build my background, I chose a piece of green cardstock and paired it with a slightly darker green ink. Using a present-shaped stamp and a stamping block, I randomly stamped across the entire cardstock to create a subtle tone-on-tone effect. This technique added interest and texture while still allowing my focal images to stand out.

Featuring Kat Scrappiness Reindeer Games

For the stars of the card, I turned to the Kat Scrappiness Reindeer Games stamp set. These whimsical reindeer were just right for a playful Christmas card. I stamped them with alcohol marker–friendly black ink on white cardstock and then colored them in using a mix of Altenew and Ohuhu Oahu alcohol markers (full color list below).

Layering with Die Cuts and Sentiments

Once my reindeer were colored, I cut them out using the Kat Scrappiness Zig Zag Rectangle die set. I wanted to include a sentiment on each panel, so I adjusted my cuts to leave space above and below the images. After experimenting with placement, I decided to offset the panels—one high to the left and the other low to the right—for visual balance.

To soften the starkness of the white background, I used a slightly dirty green ink blending brush to blend the edges of the panels. This helped the pieces better integrate with the green stamped background.

Sentiments That Make a Statement

For the sentiments, I reached for the Kat Scrappiness Simple Sentiments Holiday stamp set. I stamped several all at once using black ink and heat-embossed them with clear embossing powder for added dimension. Then I die cut them all at once using the Universal Simple Sentiments Die. I backed the chosen sentiments with leftover green cardstock and adhered them to the reindeer panels.

Crafting Tip: Using “all in one” stamp and die sets that allow you to prepare multiple sentiments at once is a great time-saver. I like to keep extras on hand for future projects. Kat Scrappiness offers several themed all in one Simple Sentiment sets—Holiday and Halloween are two of my favorites!

Finishing Touches

To complete the card, I used foam tape to raise the reindeer panels slightly off the card base, adding depth and interest. And just like that, my Christmas in July card was complete!

I hope this inspires you to look at your stamps in a new way—especially when the perfect patterned paper just doesn’t exist. Creating your own can be fun, creative, and just the touch your project needs.

Supplies Used