Oh So Bright Layout

Happy Tuesday CutCardStock friends!  Cassie here with you today. With Thanksgiving just over a week away, I have a question for you: When do you typically start decorating for Christmas?

In the past, I’ve always been one of those people who waited until after Thanksgiving to break out the Christmas decorations. There’s something so special about savoring each holiday on its own before jumping into the next. But this year… well, I had a change of heart!

I had been dreaming of a new artificial Christmas tree for a while, and after doing some research, I realized that the best selection tends to happen early in the season. So, I decided to splurge and get a new twinkling tree — a perfect addition to our holiday celebrations. The only problem? I couldn’t resist setting it up as soon as we brought it home! So, yes, our tree has been up (though still undecorated) since the first weekend in November. I just couldn’t wait to see how it would look, and now I’m anxiously waiting for the perfect moment to start decorating it fully.

But enough about my early Christmas excitement! Let’s talk about today’s crafting project, which I’m so excited to share with you. I’ve been busy creating a fun, festive layout featuring a Christmas tree and beautiful 3D poinsettia flowers, and I can’t wait to walk you through the process.

Getting Started

The first step in creating this layout was picking out a tree cut file in my Silhouette Studio library. I knew I wanted something that had some dimension and would really stand out, so I went with a large tree design that I could layer and add texture to. I also decided to include a 3D poinsettia flower cut file to add a bit of contrast and color to the layout. With my design elements selected, it was time to gather the cardstock.

For the tree, I chose a mix of green cardstocks that would give the tree some depth and richness.  I used DCS Canvas Textured Scottish Highlands Green cardstock, DCS Canvas Textured Bonsai Green cardstock and DCS Smooth Granny Smith Green cardstock to create different layers of the tree. For the poinsettia flowers, I used DCS Smooth Red Wagon cardstock for a vibrant pop of color. I also pulled out my favorite white cardstock for layering behind my photo: DCS Canvas Textured Wedding Cake White cardstock.  And to add some sparkle, I grabbed CCS Gold Glitter cardstock to use for accents, like the tree ornaments.

Prepping the Cut File Pieces

With my colors chosen, it was time to let my Silhouette do the hard work! I started by cutting out all the pieces for the Christmas tree. I wanted the tree to have some extra dimension, so after cutting out the tree pieces, I inked the edges with some darker ink to create depth and give the tree a more layered, realistic look. Next, I decided to back the tree circles with the gold glitter cardstock to add a little sparkle to each section. This gave the tree a festive touch, even before I fully decorated it!

Then it was time for the poinsettia flowers. These are one of my favorite parts of the layout because they really add a beautiful, eye-catching element to the page. I cut out all the layers for six flowers using a single sheet of the red cardstock. Once the flowers were cut, I added some distress oxide inks in red and pink tones to the edges of the petals for added dimension. This technique helps the flowers look a bit more lifelike and gives them a beautiful shaded effect.

To give each flower its final shape, I gently curled the edges of the petals before gluing all the layers together. For the center of each poinsettia, I added a small circle of gold glitter cardstock for that extra touch of sparkle.

Finishing the Layout

Once all my cut pieces were ready, it was time to assemble the layout. The first step was selecting two pieces of patterned paper. I knew I wanted something that would complement the tree without overpowering it. So, I chose a piece of wood grain paper to go behind the tree — it gives the layout a nice, earthy feel — and a brighter patterned paper to layer underneath that.

I positioned the tree pieces in the center of the page first, then added my photo. After that, I arranged the poinsettia flowers around the layout, placing them in a way to create a visual triangle.

For the title, I used some fun puffy alpha stickers to spell out a simple yet cheerful phrase. I love the texture and dimension these stickers add! At this point, I added a few gold and white ink splatters around the page for added interest and movement.

Finally, I finished off the layout with a few word phrase stickers. Of course, some white enamel dots for added texture and dimension. The result is a page that feels warm, festive, and full of holiday cheer!

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! My holiday layout featuring a twinkling tree, gorgeous 3D poinsettias, and plenty of festive details. I hope this project has inspired you to start documenting your holiday memories. After all, the holiday season is filled with little moments that are worth preserving.

And don’t worry — I haven’t forgotten about our tree. As I mentioned, it’s still waiting to be decorated, but we’re enjoying its twinkling lights. I can’t wait to add the ornaments and make it sparkle in its full glory!

Thank you so much for joining me today! I hope you feel inspired to get crafting for the holidays, and don’t forget to check out all the beautiful cardstock options at CutCardStock to help bring your creations to life.

Until next time, happy crafting and happy holiday season!