July 2026 New Release: Galaxy Pattern Paper Christmas Card with Santa Says Stamps

One of my favorite things about Christmas cardmaking is finding unexpected ways to create a festive design. While traditional reds, greens, and snowy scenes will always have a place on my craft table, sometimes it's fun to step outside those familiar colors and try something completely different. That's exactly what inspired this card featuring the new Santa Says Stamps and Die Bundle and Galaxy 6x6 Pattern Paper Pack from The Rabbit Hole Designs.

The vibrant galaxy-inspired papers immediately caught my eye because they create such a magical backdrop for holiday cards. Instead of competing with the stamped images, the colorful patterns help tell the story, giving this playful reindeer scene the feeling of soaring through a star-filled Christmas sky.

Let the Pattern Paper Do the Heavy Lifting

When I work with bold patterned paper, I like to think of it as more than just a background. It becomes part of the overall design.

For this card, I used several pieces of the Galaxy 6x6 Pattern Paper Pack in a layered arrangement. By matting each panel with coordinating cardstock, the individual pieces stand out while still feeling connected. This creates visual interest without requiring complicated techniques.

If you've ever struggled with patterned paper because it feels "too busy," try limiting yourself to papers from the same collection. Since they're designed to coordinate, you'll end up with a cohesive look even when using several patterns together.

This is also a wonderful stash-busting layout. You don't need large pieces of paper, making it perfect for using leftover scraps from previous projects.

A Simple Coloring Approach That Still Pops

The reindeer images from the Santa Says Stamps and Die Bundle have so much personality that they don't require elaborate coloring to become the focal point.

For this project, I colored them with fineliners, keeping the color palette fairly simple. Rich browns paired with bright red noses provide enough contrast against the cool galaxy background without overwhelming the design.

Sometimes we assume Christmas cards need advanced coloring techniques to look polished, but that's not always the case. Clean coloring with a few thoughtfully chosen shades often creates a stronger result than trying to add every possible highlight and shadow.

If you're newer to coloring stamped images, don't worry about perfection. Focus on consistent color application and good contrast. Those two things alone make a tremendous difference.

Why Die Cutting Makes a Difference

After coloring, I die cut each image before adding them to the card front. Separating the images from the background instantly gives them more presence and allows them to overlap the layered panels naturally.

I especially enjoy using die-cut images when working with patterned paper because they create clean edges that help the focal images remain easy to see. Even against detailed backgrounds, the stamped characters still become the stars of the project.

Adding a little dimension with foam adhesive is another simple way to create depth without making the card feel bulky.

Try This Layout with Your Own Supplies

One of the things I appreciate most about this design is how adaptable it is.

You could recreate this same layout using:

• Any patterned paper collection in your stash.

• Winter, birthday, encouragement, or everyday stamps instead of Christmas images.

• Colored pencils, alcohol markers, watercolor, or even simple ink blending for the focal images.

• Sentiments that fit any occasion throughout the year.

Changing the papers completely changes the mood of the card, making this a layout you'll likely return to again and again.

Building Confidence with Pattern Paper

Many cardmakers tell me they love buying patterned paper but hesitate to use it because they're afraid of covering it up or mixing designs incorrectly.

My advice is simple: start with papers that already coordinate, limit your color palette, and let one element be the star. In this card, the galaxy papers provide the excitement while the stamped reindeer add charm and personality. Neither element competes with the other because they each have a clear role in the design.

That's a design principle you can apply to almost any handmade card, regardless of your style or skill level.

I hope this project encourages you to look at your patterned paper collections with fresh eyes. Whether you're creating Christmas cards months ahead of the holiday season or simply looking for a new way to use your favorite papers, don't be afraid to mix playful images with bold backgrounds. Sometimes those unexpected combinations become the cards you enjoy making the most.

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

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