How to Create a Winter Scene Card with Alcohol Markers

There’s something about a snowy winter scene that makes me want to pull out my coloring supplies and create a little bit of Christmas magic! Of course, when you combine a snowy landscape with a sassy character, the result can be even more fun. Today, I’m sharing a winter card featuring the Snowballed (Pissy Kitty) Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Company, and this little kitty certainly looks like it has had enough of winter!

For this project, I wanted to create more than just a colored stamped image. I wanted the entire card to feel like a winter landscape, with a snowy sky, evergreen trees, and plenty of icy sparkle. Alcohol markers were the perfect choice because they allowed me to build the background and color the stamped image using a coordinated palette. The best part? You don't need an extensive collection of supplies to create a scene like this. A few markers, a favorite winter stamp, and some creative layering can go a long way.

Creating a Winter Scene Card with Alcohol Markers

One of the things I enjoy most about scene cards is the opportunity to create an entire setting around a stamped image. Rather than coloring the character and leaving the background plain, I used alcohol markers to establish a turquoise winter sky and build a snowy forest behind the focal image. This approach helps the stamped character feel like part of the landscape instead of simply sitting on top of the card.

I chose turquoise and deeper blue-green shades for the background because they create a beautiful contrast with the white snow and the warm orange tones of the kitty. The darker evergreen trees also help establish depth. When creating a scene, I like to think about where I want the viewer's eye to go first. In this case, the colorful character is the focal point, while the surrounding trees and sky provide an atmosphere without competing for attention. This is a useful design principle for any scene card, whether you're working with winter stamps, floral images, or a favorite outdoor landscape.

Building Backgrounds and Adding Snowy Details

One of my favorite techniques in this project was creating the background trees with the same alcohol markers I used to color the sky. This helps the colors feel connected and creates a more cohesive scene. You don't always need a separate collection of markers for every element in a stamped image. Sometimes, changing how you use a color is enough to create a completely different effect.

I also added white gel pen highlights to bring attention to the snowy areas and help define some of the details. White highlights are especially useful when coloring winter scenes because they can suggest reflected light, snow-covered branches, and little icy accents. White splatters added another layer of texture, giving the impression of snow falling throughout the scene. If you don't have a white gel pen or a spray stain, don't let that stop you from trying this idea. White paint, a suitable white marker, or another favorite snow-making medium can create a similar effect. The goal is to add texture and contrast without covering up the details you've already worked so hard to color.

Adding Icy Sparkle Without Overdoing It

Snowy scenes are a wonderful opportunity to experiment with shimmer and glitter! For this card, I used iridescent shimmer spray to give the background a subtle sparkle and added Rock Candy Glitter to selected trees and snowy areas for a more icy effect. I also used Picket Fence Spray Stain to help create the snowy splatter effect.

When adding glitter or shimmer to a handmade card, I like to think about where the light would naturally catch the surface. Concentrating sparkle on a few areas helps create visual interest while allowing the stamped image and coloring to remain the stars of the design. Too much glitter can sometimes compete with your coloring, but a little sparkle in the right places can make a winter scene feel wonderfully magical. If glitter isn't your thing, you can absolutely skip it! White highlights and snow splatters alone can create a beautiful winter atmosphere.

Make This Winter Card Your Own

Although I used the Snowballed Pissy Kitty Stamp Set from Unity Stamp Company, the techniques in this project can be adapted to just about any winter stamp in your collection. Try the same background approach with a snowman, a woodland animal, a cozy cabin, or even a simple collection of evergreen trees. You can also change the color palette to create a softer, more traditional winter scene with pale blues and icy grays, or use deeper blues and purples for a nighttime snowfall.

If you're newer to alcohol marker coloring, start with a simple background and just a few trees. You don't have to create an elaborate forest to make a scene card feel complete. As your confidence grows, experiment with overlapping trees, additional color variations, and different ways to add snow. Remember, the goal isn't to make every scene look exactly like mine. It's to discover techniques that help you bring your own creative ideas to life.

I hope this sassy little winter kitty inspires you to look at your winter stamps in a new way! Creating a background with alcohol markers, adding snowy highlights, and finishing with a touch of sparkle can turn a simple stamped image into a complete winter scene. Pull out a favorite stamp, gather a few coloring supplies, and see what kind of snowy world you can create. And if your winter scene happens to snowball a little quicker than expected, well, that just makes the creative adventure even more fun!

Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.

Supplies Used

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Happy Crafting,

Rick Adkins

Affiliate Disclaimer:

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to shop through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my business!