Spellbinders Blog

Hi, crafty friends! Lea Lawson here with you today, creating a card featuring the hilarious new Christmas Cats collection by Yana Smakula. I’m not even a cat person, but I can’t get enough of this adorable collection!

Today I’m sharing my step-by-step process in easy-to-follow photos and instructions. I hope you find them helpful! Die-cut the cats from the Christmas Cats die set in the following cardstock colors: Striped cat: Bellini & Coral; Siamese cat: Fawn & Truffle; Bow: Poppy Eye backer: Raven; Pupils: Class White [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-2.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-3.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-4.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-5.webp"] Assemble and glue the cats together in steps. Be sure to add the white pupil piece first, followed by the black eye backer on the striped cat. Die-cut the elements from the Christmas Cats Accessories die set in the following cardstock colors: Tree & light strings: Fern; Santa Hats: Poppy Tree trunk: Truffle; Garland, Tree star & ornament hangers: Brushed Gold; Ornaments & lights: White glitter metallic; Tree pot: Gold matte metallic [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-7.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-8.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-9.webp"] Assemble the diecut tree, then adhere the striped cat to it. [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-10.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-11.webp"] Adhere the Christmas light strings together, then adhere to the Siamese cat. [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-12.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-13.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-14.webp"] Next, we are going to 3D emboss an A2 panel of Oceanside cardstock with the Ornate Molded Frame 3D embossing folder. The best plate sandwich for running this through your Platinum 6 is Platform Base A, 3D Embossing Folder with paper inside, and Adapter Plate D.

TIP (not pictured): To help the paper not crack, I like to mist the back of my cardstock with a little bit of water. Some crafters prefer to mist the front, but I have found the back works best for me!

I decided the Christmas lights cat needed a bed, so I die-cut the pieces from Blush cardstock and quickly glued them together (not shown). [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-16.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-17.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-18.webp"] Next, we are going to hot foil the sentiment. To start, turn on your Glimmer Hot Foil System, then let it heat up. Once the green indicator light notifies you that the platform is ready, place the sentiment from Meowy Christmas Sentiments on it and hit the timer button. Once the timer button stops flashing, prep your Rose Gold hot foil and white cardstock. [gallery type="rectangular" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-19.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-20.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-21.webp"] Remove the platform from the base, then place the Rose Gold foil pretty side down on the hot foil plate. Place the white cardstock over top, then layer the plate sandwich on top and run through a Platinum 6 diecut machine.

TIP: I like to add a cardstock shim in the middle of the glimmer sandwich to help press plates foil more accurately.

Die-cut the sentiment with the coordinating die. Glue the 3D embossed panel to an A2-sized white card base. [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-25.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-26.webp"] Arrange and adhere the Christmas Cats die-cut elements to the front. [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-27.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-28.webp"] Mount the foiled sentiment to the front with thin foam strips. [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="lealawson-christmascats-step-29.webp,lealawson-christmascats-step-30.webp"] Accent the card with Aura AB self-adhesive crystals to finish. I find using the Precision Tool from the Handy Tool Kit helpful when adhering the tiny crystals to the card. I hope you enjoyed seeing these adorable Christmas Cats come to life, and how fun it will be to feature these naughty little kitties on your holiday cards this year! I share lots of inspiration on my Instagram and YouTube channel - follow and subscribe to see even more inspiration with this beautiful collection. Happy crafting! [spellbinders-supplies]S4-1546,S4-1547,S5-761,E3D-179,BP-375,SCS-168,GLS-005,GLF-004,PE-104,CS-8-100,CS-8-103,CS-8-109,CS-8-110,CS-8-120,CS-8-129,CS-8-142,CS-8-144,CS-8-147,CS-8-148,SCS-116,SCSP-001,SCSP-016,T-098[/spellbinders-supplies]

Other Supplies

Liquid glue  

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Hello, crafty friends! It’s Marie here again from Marie Nicole Designs, and I have such a fun card to share today! The Christmas Cats collection has so many cute dies, a few 3D embossing folders, and some Better Press sentiments that perfectly finish of the feline theme. I mixed and matched a few things in today’s card, and I’ll be showing you a step-by-step on how you can replicate this one on your own. Let’s get started!

Cut Out Your Cats!

[gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-1-scaled.webp,marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-2-scaled.webp,marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-3-scaled.webp,marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-4-scaled.webp"] There are four different cats in the Christmas Cats die set. Using the cat or cats you prefer, cut out the pieces and assemble. I have pictured all the pieces for each cat together with the finished image. Feel free to vary the colors!

Cut Out Accessories

There is also a Christmas Cats Accessories die set, which has these cute Santa hats and Christmas sweater included, as well as Christmas lights, some gift boxes, a tree, and tree accessories. I am using the hats and sweater cut out in red and white cardstock.

Ink Blend a Background!

[gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-7-scaled.webp,marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-8-scaled.webp"] Using the colors Candied Apple, Saltwater Taffy, and Crushed Olive, tape off slanted stripes and ink blend, alternating colors. I like the brighter green, pink, and red to give a playful Christmas theme that fits with the playful kittens.

Cut a Front Panel

Using the Playful Stitched Panels, I cut a piece of white cardstock smaller than my background. This will allow the stripes to show through on the sides, and we can build a scene on the front.

Cut Out the Curtain and Window

[gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-21-scaled_8fd7b770-c4dd-41c7-bdd2-ab355aa7a801.webp,marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-22-scaled.webp"] The Window View die set includes this lovely window and curtain. There is also a cushion that we will be using for this card, so cut that out, as well. I used a bright red for the curtain, and then I cut the window frame out of black cardstock and the solid window piece from vellum. The vellum will be layered behind the frame to look like a frosty windowpane.

Assemble the Shaker Window

[gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-23-scaled_aa3dd578-e100-4746-9e33-3dd0e31386ab.webp,marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-25-scaled_51e57a47-e30e-4b08-a96b-2b84995add5a.webp"] Using liquid glue, adhere the window frame to the vellum window pane. Then, use some strips of foam adhesive on the back of the window, hiding it behind the frame. We are making our window into a shaker, so it looks like it is snowing outside! Add some shimmery glitter or sequins to the center of your stitched edge panel we cut earlier. Then, adhere the foam adhesive on the back of the window over the glitter to seal in the shaker bits. [gallery type="rectangular" columns="2" link="file" size="large" ids="marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-26-scaled.webp,marie-heiderscheit-2026-christmas-cats-step-by-step-27-scaled.webp"]

Assemble the Scene

Now is the fun part! We get to put all the pieces together for a fun and festive feline scene. Adhere the stitched panel with the window onto the striped background panel with foam adhesive. Then, dress up the window with the curtain and the cushion. Finally, add whatever kitties you’d like! I added the lounging cat to the cushion and the black and white kitty behind. Don’t forget to dress them up with hats, sweaters, and bows!

Add the Sentiment

The Meowy Christmas Sentiment set has so many cat-themed punny sentiments to finish off your card perfectly. I am using a sentiment that says, “We wish you a meowy Christmas”. Using your Better Press platform and some black ink, press the sentiment into the cardstock and then cut it out using the coordinating dies. Add the sentiment to your scene, and that finishes the card! A purrrrr-fect card for the cat lovers in your life! Since this collection was so adorable, I also went ahead and made a second card with similar details as this one, but I changed up the scene a bit to feature some of the other cats and accessories in this collection. I hope you enjoyed today’s tutorial and that it gave you some ideas and inspiration for getting crafting in your own home! Thanks for stopping by today. Until next time, Marie Nicole [spellbinders-supplies]BP-375,S4-1546,S4-1547,S5-761,S5-747,BP-001,PE-104,BPI-043,SCS-123[/spellbinders-supplies]

Other supplies

Ink, ink blending tools, cardstock, liquid glue, foam adhesive, scissors, paper trimmer, glitter, sequins

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Christmas is even more magical when shared with our furry friends, and that's exactly what inspired the Christmas Cats Collection. Last summer, I adopted two orange kittens, and they've completely changed my life (and my craft room!). They "help" with every project, inspect every box that arrives, and somehow always manage to find the Christmas tree before I do. Their playful personalities inspired this collection, which celebrates all the funny, mischievous, and heartwarming moments that come with having cats during the holidays. Designed for cardmakers who love building scenes and telling stories, this collection combines playful dies, festive accessories, BetterPress sentiments, and versatile embossing folders that work beautifully together or alongside products already in your craft room.

Watch the Collection Introduction

In the video below, I'm sharing every product in the collection, the inspiration behind each design, and lots of finished card ideas to help spark your creativity.

https://youtu.be/RsfLESdIek4

Christmas Cats Dies

The Christmas Cats Etched Dies are the heart of the collection. The set includes four playful cats with layering pieces that let you customize their markings and personalities. Whether you're creating orange tabbies, tuxedo cats, gray cats, black cats, or recreating your own beloved pet, these dies make it easy to build unique feline characters.

Small details, like expressive faces, playful poses, and even a broken Christmas ornament, bring each scene to life.

[blogbutton text="BUY NOW"]https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/collections/july-2026-new-arrivals/products/christmas-cats-etched-dies-by-yana-smakula[/blogbutton]

Christmas Cats Accessories Dies

The Christmas Cats Accessories Etched Dies provide everything your cats need for the holidays. Decorate your scenes with Christmas trees, Santa hats, sweaters, ornaments, bows, wrapped presents, and festive lights.

While designed to coordinate with the Christmas Cats, these accessories are also wonderful standalone embellishments for countless holiday card designs.

[blogbutton text="BUY NOW"]https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/collections/july-2026-new-arrivals/products/christmas-cats-accessories-etched-dies-by-yana-smakula[/blogbutton]

Christmas Cats Window View Dies

Cats spend hours watching the world from the window, so I couldn't imagine this collection without one.

The Christmas Cats Window View Etched Dies feature an oversized arched window inspired by the windows in my own apartment, along with coordinating curtains, curtain rod, curtain tie, and a cozy cat bed. Build warm indoor holiday scenes, create views looking outside, or flip the perspective and create scenes looking into a festive home.

[blogbutton text="BUY NOW"]https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/collections/july-2026-new-arrivals/products/christmas-cats-window-view-etched-dies-by-yana-smakula[/blogbutton]

Meowy Christmas Sentiments Press + Foil & Die Set

The Meowy Christmas Sentiments Press + Foil & Die Set features festive greetings in my signature handwritten style. Designed for BetterPress, the plates can also be hot foiled with the Glimmer Hot Foil System for beautiful metallic greetings. Coordinating dies make it easy to add dimension and finish your holiday cards with polished sentiments. [crafty_links items="110881:4,5" columns="1" show_sku="0" layout="div"]

Ornate Molded Frame 3D Embossing Folder

The Ornate Molded Frame 3D Embossing Folder was inspired by one of my most-loved previous designs - Molded Frame.

It features an elegant decorative frame surrounding an open center, making it perfect for showcasing focal images, sentiments, or scene-building designs. The embossed detail adds beautiful texture while naturally drawing the eye toward the center of your card.

[blogbutton text="BUY NOW"]https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/collections/july-2026-new-arrivals/products/a2-ornate-molded-frame-3d-embossing-folder-by-yana-smakula[/blogbutton]

Herringbone Décor 3D Embossing Folder

Inspired by the beautiful herringbone flooring in my apartment, the Herringbone Décor 3D Embossing Folder creates a timeless textured background for holiday and everyday projects alike.

Within this collection, it serves as the perfect floor for cozy indoor Christmas scenes featuring your playful cats, but its classic design makes it a staple you'll reach for throughout the year.

[blogbutton text="BUY NOW"]https://spellbinderspaperarts.com/collections/july-2026-new-arrivals/products/a2-herringbone-d-cor-3d-embossing-folder-by-yana-smakula[/blogbutton]

Designed for Cat Lovers

Every product in this collection was inspired by real moments with my own cats - the ornaments they can't resist, the Christmas tree they somehow always manage to climb, the presents they claim as their own, and the quiet moments spent watching the world through the window. Whether you're creating cards for fellow cat lovers or simply celebrating your own furry companion, I hope this collection brings joy, laughter, and plenty of holiday inspiration to your craft room. Thank you so much for joining me to celebrate the release of Yana's Christmas Cats. I can't wait to see the festive scenes and playful personalities you create with these products. Happy crafting!

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