{"id":17362,"date":"2025-10-13T09:41:02","date_gmt":"2025-10-12T23:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/?p=17362"},"modified":"2025-10-13T09:41:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-12T23:11:04","slug":"stampin-up-festive-friends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/stampin-up-festive-friends\/","title":{"rendered":"Festive Friends Santa Card Tutorial \u2013 Simple Layers, Soft Blending, and a Touch of Sparkle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s Thursday 9 October and in our regular live we brought back the <strong>Stampin Up Festive Friends<\/strong>\u2014this time letting Santa take centre stage. If you weren\u2019t sold on this set at first glance, I completely understand. The more I\u2019ve stamped with it, the more it\u2019s won me over. Between the elf, the snowman, and now Santa, you\u2019ve got three charming focal images that make quick, cheerful Christmas cards without fuss.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image17362_f3ad3c-60 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17362_f3ad3c-60 size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa.jpg\" alt=\"stampin up festive friends\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-17363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa-560x560.jpg 560w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Festive-Friends-Santa-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why you\u2019ll love the Stampin UpFestive Friends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Three mix-and-match characters<\/strong> for a whole season of designs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clean line art<\/strong> perfect for Stampin\u2019 Blends colouring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time-saving dies<\/strong> to cut images crisply and add sweet extras like the tree I\u2019ve tucked behind Santa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Friendly sentiments<\/strong>, including today\u2019s choice: <em>Santa\u2019s coming to town<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"width: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tC8I7ywvo7M?si=dXiyh5OO6bY9ygCH\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supplies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stamp set\/bundle:<\/strong> Stampin Up Festive Friends (bundle recommended for the coordinating dies)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ink:<\/strong> Memento Tuxedo Black (ideal with alcohol markers), Soft Seafoam &amp; Real Red for edging the card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stampin\u2019 Blends:<\/strong> Real Red (light\/dark), Ivory (skin), Light Smoky Slate, Colour Lifter, Flirty Flamingo (light)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Card &amp; paper:<\/strong> Real Red, Soft Sea Foam, Garden Green, Basic White, plus a red-friendly check from <strong>Christmas Tags &amp; More Specialty Paper<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extras:<\/strong> Wink of Stella, Traditions Sparkly Sequins, Stampin\u2019 Dimensionals, basic adhesives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips &amp; Techniques from the Live<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1) Clean outlines for Blends<\/strong><br>Stamp your image in <strong>Memento<\/strong>\u2014it\u2019s water-based, so it won\u2019t bleed with alcohol markers. This is the single most important step for crisp colouring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2) Fast, flattering colouring<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lay down <strong>Real Red light<\/strong> as your main coat colour, shadow with <strong>Real Red dark<\/strong> under the arm, along seams and where the beard overlaps, then soften edges by feathering back with the light marker.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For skin, colour with <strong>Ivory<\/strong>. For a healthy glow, dot <strong>Flirty Flamingo light<\/strong> on cheeks and nose first, then glaze over with Ivory to soften.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep Santa\u2019s trims \u201cwhite\u201d but dimensional: trace a fine edge of <strong>Light Smoky Slate<\/strong>, then diffuse with the <strong>Colour Lifter<\/strong> to melt the line to nothing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3) Simple ink-blended edges<\/strong><br>A quick halo of ink around your <strong>Soft Sea Foam<\/strong> and <strong>Real Red<\/strong> panels deepens the colour and adds instant polish. Work lightly from the edges in circular motions; you\u2019re after a soft vignette, not a solid band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4) Layering that leads the eye<\/strong><br>Today\u2019s layout is wonderfully repeatable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Background check panel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Narrow <strong>Garden Green<\/strong> strip flush right<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Real Red<\/strong> strip overlapping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Basic White<\/strong> square for your focal image and sentiment<br>Audition the order of strips with your die-cut Santa resting on top\u2014choose the arrangement that gives the best contrast around his suit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5) Build a tiny scene<\/strong><br>Die-cut the <strong>Garden Green<\/strong> tree and let it peek beyond the white layer to break the straight edges. A few <strong>red sequins<\/strong> on the tree mimic baubles without extra effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6) Shine that photographs beautifully<\/strong><br>Finish with <strong>Wink of Stella<\/strong> over all \u201cfur\u201d trims and the pom-pom. One coat reads as subtle snow sparkle; two or three coats give that rich, festive sheen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sentiment placement (no wonky stamping)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re stamping directly on the white layer, line up your clear block with your grid mat before inking <strong>\u201cSanta\u2019s coming to town\u201d<\/strong>. It\u2019s a tiny habit that saves re-cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make it your own<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Swap the check for woodgrain or subtle snowflakes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change the strip colours (Crumb Cake base with Soft Sea Foam and Red looks lovely).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use black, green or white gloves\u2014Santa is surprisingly flexible with accessories.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready to craft yours?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re in Australia, you can order the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stampinup.com.au\/products\/festive-friends-bundle-english?demoid=4000014\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stampin Up Festive Friends Bundle<\/a><\/strong> from me\u2014pair it with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stampinup.com.au\/products\/christmas-tags-more-6-x-6-15-2-x-15-2-cm-mix-match-specialty-designer-seriespaper?demoid=4000014\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Christmas Tags &amp; More Specialty Paper<\/a><\/strong>, <strong>Wink of Stella<\/strong>, <strong>red sequins<\/strong>, and the <strong>Stampin\u2019 Blends<\/strong> mentioned above for the exact look shown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Get the PDF:<\/strong> Pop your name on my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/freebie-library-sign-up\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"13277\">newsletter list<\/a> to receive the step-by-step measurements for today\u2019s card and instant access to my Freebie Library with 100+ tutorials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Festive, friendly, and fast\u2014<strong>Festive Friends<\/strong> is the set that will carry you from quick make-and-mails to special keepsake cards, one cheerful character at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cheers for now<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image17362_6e3bb3-dd .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image17362_6e3bb3-dd size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/alisa-tilsner-round-logo-transparent-e1623752213720.png\" alt=\"Alisa\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-11857\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shop my <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stampinup.net\/esuite\/home\/alisatilsner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ONLINE STORE<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/join-stampin-up-australia\/\">Join The Artful Stampers<\/a><a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/join-stampin-up-australia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Team<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/join-stampin-up-australia\/\"> <\/a>&#8211; Happy Shoppers, <g class=\"gr_ gr_11 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace\" id=\"11\" data-gr-id=\"11\">Hobbiest<\/g>, Part Time and Full Time welcome!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/tutorial-and-card-making-membership\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"14602\">Creative Card Makers Club<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watch me on <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/alisatilsner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Socialise with me on <a aria-label=\"undefined (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AlisaTilsnerIndependentStampinUpDemonstrator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FaceBook<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"mailto:alisacraig@westnet.com.au\">Email Me<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s Thursday 9 October and in our regular live we brought back the Stampin Up Festive Friends\u2014this time letting Santa take centre stage. If you weren\u2019t sold on this set at first glance, I completely understand. The more I\u2019ve stamped with it, the more it\u2019s won me over. Between the elf, the snowman, and now&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":170,"featured_media":17363,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"0","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[455,5,459,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17362","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stampin-up-birthday-card-ideas","category-stampin-up-card-ideas","category-stampin-up-colouring-with-blends","category-stampin-up-video-tutorials"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/170"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17362"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17362\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17366,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17362\/revisions\/17366"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17363"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17362"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.alisatilsner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}