Today’s challenge is such a fun shake-up because we’re ditching the basic card base and diving into something a little extra. A quirky little festive fold? Yes please.
Let’s make Christmas cards that pop, stand, flip, slide… basically anything except “just open normally.” 😄

And honestly? I’m so in love with today’s project.

12 Days of Christmas – Day 10: Festive Fold” challenge graphic by The Stamping Lounge. Encourages card makers to create a non-traditional fun fold Christmas card. Teal candy cane background. Hashtag #TSL12daysofChristmas.

🎄✨ Spotlight on… a Festive Stand-Up Fold!

For Day 10 I went totally playful and created a stand-up style card that gives serious “Christmas on display” vibes.
And bonus fun: this entire project is made using the Nutcracker Creativity Kit from Stampin’ Up!.
It’s an alternative project that shows just how much magic you can create beyond the designs included in the kit!

The adorable little nutcracker takes centre stage (as they should!), framed with bold colour, layered banners, pops of gold foil, and some sweet holly accents. The fun fold adds dimension without being tricky, making gift-worthy.

I stacked up patterned pieces from the kit, added a big “Sending Joy,” tied in a cute bow, and let the fold do the talking. It’s bright, cheeky, and super charming.

✨ On the BACK OF THE card

The back side of the card keeps things clean and simple with space to write, but I added a strip of gold foil and a little patterned detail to tie everything together.
It’s the perfect mix of decorative + functional.

Handmade Christmas card featuring a bright nutcracker-style character holding a gift. The card has teal patterned paper, red accents, gold foil trim, and layered banners with a ‘Sending Joy’ sentiment and twine bow. The nutcracker stands on a step-card base with festive holly leaves and berries.

Angled close-up of a handmade step card with a whimsical nutcracker figure dressed in teal and lime green, accented with gold foil and glitter. Red and green patterned papers and a ‘Joy’ sentiment embellish the top panel.

Side view of a colorful step-style Christmas card showcasing a pink-haired nutcracker holding a present. Decorated with teal patterned paper, red stripes, gold accents, and a twine bow next to the ‘Sending Joy’ sentiment.

Inside of handmade Christmas card featuring a clean white writing panel bordered with a strip of gold foil and green patterned trim. The bottom step section has red plaid patterned paper.

🎁 Ready to Play Along?

Create a card using a non-traditional fold today and share it with us using
#TSL12daysofChristmas

Maheswari & Rochelle are also crafting away — check out their Day 10 designs 👇
Maheswari’s blog
Rochelle’s blog

💌 Want ALL the tutorials + bonus inspo?

During these 12 days, Maheswari, Rochelle and I are sharing 36 projects (I know… wild 🤯).
Stamping Lounge Members get full PDF tutorials for every single one!

👉 Join The Stamping Lounge here:
https://www.thestampinglounge.com

Come hang out, learn cool techniques, and craft with us all year long ✨
Tomorrow’s theme is another fun one… get ready for Day 11! 🎅💕

Happy stamping!

SHOP WITH ME & GET A FREE GIFT & TUTORIAL

PLEASE NOTE: Regardless of when you are viewing this post, this is automatically updated so the information and links listed here are current.

Shop with me in November 2025 to receive a FREE gift, tutorial and handmade card from me to thank you for your order.

Don’t live in Australia but still want to purchase the tutorial? You can purchase it through my tutorial store for $22AUD for instant PDF download. CLICK HERE to purchase.

HAPPENING NOW

The brand new November Global Creative Project tutorial is now out. Earn for free from me for placing an order in my online store or head to my tutorial store and purchase the PDF tutorial.
New Creativity Kits have been released in my online store. Head here to check them out.
A fabulous new Stampin’ Up! class featuring the Brushed with Beauty suite has been announced. Check out all the details for the Stampin’ Up! online classes here.

Events coming soon

These are two upcoming amazing events with The Stamping Lounge run by myself, Maheswari Rajaguru and Rochelle Laird-Smith. We will be running an online class using the brand new Stampin’ Up! Brushed with Beauty Suite and we also have our 12 Days of Advent calendar class that is coming up and open for registration now featuring the Stampin’ Up! 12 Days of Advent Calendar. Click the images or links to find out more and enrol OR sign up to The Stamping Lounge membership to get access to both are these events which are included in the membership.

supplies for day TEN card

Product List

Nutcracker Tags Kit [166226] $25.00	Poppy Parade A4 Cardstock [121694] $25.00	Shy Shamrock A4 Cardstock [163796] $25.00	Basic White A4 Cardstock [166781] $25.00	On The Go 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [165566] $21.75
Gold Foil Sheets [132622] $8.75	Shy Shamrock Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack [163825] $19.25	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $17.50	Garden Green 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Chevron Ribbon [167212] $14.00	Traditional Sparkling Sequins [165875] $14.00