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 September 2026 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 September 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.
Our new Product of the Month promotion is now in full swing. Get an exclusive product for just $9 when you spend over $125 in my online store. Learn more about this new program here.

creativity advent calendar

Beginning this month you can get prepared for some creative fun with the release of the brand new Stampin’ Up! Advent Calendar. Available to order now for $173 which includes 12 days of surprises with anything from embellishments, exclusive dies, paper, colouring tools, cards & envelopes & more + includes an exclusive stamp set! Don’t like surprises? You can get a peek at what is waiting for you inside by heading over to the Stampin’ Up! blog. If you would like to order one click here.

VIRTUAL CARD RETREAT

It is back for another year & I am so excited!
Come and join in on the Stampin’ Up! Virtual Card Retreat & get access to these fun products + fifteen exclusive classes where you will learn lots of techniques, tips & ideas + access to an exclusive Facebook group with PDF’s and video replays. Click here to find out more.

upcoming events + KITS

I have so much fun at The Stamping Lounge which is run by myself, Maheswari Rajaguru and Rochelle Laird-Smith.
We not only have a monthly membership full of amazing content but we also run regular classes.
The Hot Foiling Fun Monthly Class is coming up on the 12th of September.
Also coming up in September and open for registration now is our September-December Catalogue + Online Exclusives launch party! Click here to find out more.
Click the images or links to find out more and enrol OR sign up to The Stamping Lounge membership to get access to monthly classes and more which are included in the membership (retreats are sold separately)

New Paper Pumpkin Kit coming in September – subscribe by the 10th of September to receive the Aspens of Gratitude Kit
PLUS – subscribe to Paper Pumpkin with me and get TWO alternative PDF tutorials with a total of 20 tutorials for projects using this kit. Click here to subscribe with me.

SKETCH BOX EDITION #1

We have a brand new product at The Stamping Lounge and you won’t want to miss this one. Get your sketch box complete with 52 sketch cards that include measurements and crafting tips! This is a tool you need in your crafting tool box that you can use again and again. Available now and shipping internationally. Get yours here.

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