How to Make a Funny Christmas Card with Die-Cut Raccoons

Holiday cardmaking does not always have to be elegant and traditional. If December leaves you feeling more frazzled than festive, a funny Christmas card can capture that holiday chaos in a playful and memorable way. This dimensional card combines a die-cut dumpster fire with mischievous raccoons, colorful Christmas lights, snowy layers, and a perfectly relatable sentiment.

In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to assemble the paper-pieced dumpster and raccoons, decorate the scene for Christmas, build a layered winter background, and use foam adhesive to create dimension. Small details such as white gel pen highlights, scattered paper snow, and tiny banana peels give the finished card even more personality.

Hello, crafty friends! It’s Rachel here with a fun and festive card featuring the new Deck the Dumpster Stamp & Die Set.

I don’t know about you, but by the time Christmas arrives, I usually feel like a frazzled mess. Between wrapping presents, frantic decorating, and endless meal prep, I am always ready for a vacation. My card today was inspired by that exact brand of holiday chaos that so many of us experience. This cute new set is the perfect way to embrace the festive madness!

Project Snapshot

Project Details	A dimensional Christmas scene featuring three die-cut raccoons gathered around a decorated dumpster fire with Christmas lights, a snowy foreground, and a stamped holiday sentiment
Skill Level	Confident beginner
Approximate Time	About 1 hour
Project Type	Dimensional handmade Christmas card
Techniques	Die cutting, paper piecing, stamped sentiments, layered scene building, dimensional assembly, and gel pen detailing
Occasion	Christmas and holiday greetings
Finished Size	A2
Featured Products	Deck the Dumpster Stamp & Die Set, Dumpster Fire Clear Stamp & Die Set, and Landscape Edges Etched Dies

What You’ll Need

Spellbinders Products

• Deck the Dumpster Stamp & Die Set
• Dumpster Fire Clear Stamp & Die Set
• Landscape Edges Etched Dies
• Raven ColorWheel Cardstock
• Anchor ColorWheel Cardstock
• Fog ColorWheel Cardstock
• Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock
• Fern ColorWheel Cardstock
• Peridot ColorWheel Cardstock
• Beeswax ColorWheel Cardstock
• Carrot ColorWheel Cardstock
• Cranberry ColorWheel Cardstock
• Poppy ColorWheel Cardstock
• Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock
• Teal Topaz ColorWheel Cardstock
• Waterfall ColorWheel Cardstock
• Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine
• Liquid adhesive
• 3D foam adhesive tape

Other Supplies

• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
• Sakura White Gelly Roll Pen Bold
• 1/8-inch hole punch or a small circular die

How to Make a Funny Raccoon Christmas Card

This project uses the original Dumpster Fire set to build the main dumpster and the coordinating Deck the Dumpster set to add raccoons, Christmas lights, holiday decorations, and a sentiment. Unless otherwise noted, use liquid adhesive to assemble the individual die-cut pieces.

Step 1 - Die Cut the Dumpster Pieces

Use the Dumpster Fire Clear Stamp & Die Set to cut the dumpster pieces from Raven, Rainforest, Fern, Beeswax, and Carrot ColorWheel Cardstock.

Choose contrasting shades for the different sections of the image. Using two greens gives the dumpster more definition, while the yellow and orange cardstock creates a bright layered flame.

Die cut the dumpster teeth from Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock using the same die employed for the darker backing layer.

Step 2 - Die Cut the Raccoons and Christmas Decorations

Use the Deck the Dumpster Stamp & Die Set to die cut the raccoons and holiday decorations. Rachel used Raven, Anchor, Fog, Peridot, Beeswax, Cranberry, and Poppy ColorWheel Cardstock.

Keeping the die-cut pieces grouped by character or accessory can make the assembly process easier, especially when working with several small layers.

Step 3 - Assemble the Dumpster

Begin assembling the dumpster by attaching the white teeth and Raven cardstock backing behind the face. Use liquid adhesive so you have a moment to adjust the pieces before the glue sets.

Attach the completed face to the main dumpster body.

Add the dark green strips to the side and top of the dumpster. These narrow accents help define the shape and give the paper-pieced image more depth.

Step 4 - Assemble and Position the Flame

Adhere the yellow flame layer to the front of the orange flame base.

Attach the assembled flame behind the dumpster. Match the line on the yellow flame with the top edge of the dumpster to align the pieces correctly.

Designer Tip: Check the alignment before the adhesive dries. The etched or embossed guide lines on small die-cut pieces can help show where overlapping layers should sit.

Step 5 - Assemble the Seated Raccoon

To build the seated raccoon, adhere the light gray piece over the black raccoon silhouette.

Attach the white oval piece behind the eye openings.

Add the two black eye pieces to the raccoon’s face, using the outlines on the gray layer to guide their placement.

Adhere the light gray center piece to the raccoon’s body.

Complete the tail by attaching the black striped piece to the gray tail base.

Attach the finished tail behind the lower portion of the raccoon’s body.

Optional: Create a second seated raccoon so you can position one on each side of the dumpster. Use the alternate tail option for the second raccoon so the tails face in opposite directions and fit naturally within the scene.

Step 6 - Assemble the Raccoon Digging in the Dumpster

Begin the second raccoon pose by attaching the back leg behind the main leg piece.

Add the small black foot pieces to the ends of the legs.

Glue the black stripes onto the gray tail base.

Attach the completed tail behind the lower portion of the raccoon. This pose is designed to look as though the raccoon is leaning into the dumpster.

Step 7 - Assemble the Christmas Lights

Add Poppy, Cranberry, and Peridot cardstock bulbs to the dark light strands. Alternating the colors creates a cheerful holiday look and helps the tiny decorations stand out against the green dumpster.

When finished, you should have two decorated strands of Christmas lights.

Adhere both light strands to the front of the dumpster to transform the chaotic scene into a Christmas scene.

Add small highlights to the bulbs with a white gel pen, if desired. A tiny dot or curved mark can make each bulb appear glossy.

Step 8 - Build the Layered Winter Background

Trim cardstock panels for the layered card background using Classic White, Teal Topaz, and Waterfall ColorWheel Cardstock. The blue-green shades create a cool winter setting while providing enough contrast for the white snow and colorful focal images.

Trim a piece of Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock to 3.75 inches wide by 3 inches tall. Use the hill die from the Landscape Edges Etched Dies to cut a snowy slope.

Step 9 - Stamp the Holiday Sentiment

Choose a sentiment from the Deck the Dumpster stamp set. Position the stamp over the snowy hill before attaching the hill to the card.

Stamp the sentiment in black ink near the center of the snowy piece. Stamping before assembly allows you to repeat the impression if necessary without affecting the rest of the card.

Step 10 - Add Dimension to the Snowy Hill

Apply 3D foam adhesive tape to the back of the snowy hill panel. Place the foam near the edges and across the center so the panel remains evenly supported.

Adhere the snowy piece across the lower front of the layered card background.

Step 11 - Arrange the Dumpster and Raccoons

Begin assembling the scene by attaching the decorated dumpster with additional 3D foam adhesive tape. Position it first because it is the largest focal image and determines where the raccoons will sit.

Add the raccoons next. Use liquid adhesive for the raccoon digging through the dumpster. Attach the two seated raccoons with a combination of liquid adhesive and foam tape, depending on whether each section overlaps the raised dumpster or the background.

Designer Tip: Before removing the foam tape backings, arrange all the pieces loosely on the card. This makes it easier to balance the characters and check that no important part of the sentiment is covered.

Add the tiny banana peels around the raccoons and dumpster. These humorous details reinforce the messy holiday theme and help connect the separate characters into one scene.

Step 12 - Add Paper Snow

Use a small circular die or a 1/8-inch hole punch to cut small circles from Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock. Scatter and adhere the circles around the background to create falling snow.

Vary the spacing rather than arranging the circles in straight rows. An irregular placement helps the paper snow look more natural while filling open areas of the background.

Tips for the Best Results

• Organize the die cuts: Keep the pieces for each raccoon, accessory, and section of the dumpster in separate groups before beginning the assembly.
• Use liquid adhesive for small pieces: Liquid glue gives you a short window to reposition tiny eyes, stripes, lights, and facial details.
• Follow the alignment guides: Use the etched or embossed lines on the die-cut pieces to position the layered sections accurately.
• Stamp before assembling: Stamp the sentiment on the snowy hill before adhering the panel or adding dimensional elements.
• Plan the scene first: Arrange the dumpster and raccoons without adhesive before committing to the final placement.
• Support raised panels: Add foam tape across both the edges and center of larger pieces to keep them from sagging.
• Add highlights sparingly: Small white gel pen details can make the lights look glossy without distracting from the characters.

Ways to Customize This Funny Christmas Card

• Create only one seated raccoon for a simpler scene with fewer die-cut pieces.
• Change the dumpster to a different shade of green, blue, or gray to coordinate with your cardstock collection.
• Use a rainbow assortment of cardstock scraps for the Christmas light bulbs.
• Add glitter cardstock or glitter accents to the snow for extra holiday sparkle.
• Replace the punched paper snow with white paint splatters, gems, sequins, or dimensional snow.
• Use a different sentiment from the Deck the Dumpster set to change the card’s personality.
• Adapt the layout for a winter birthday card by omitting the Christmas lights and choosing a non-holiday greeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is paper piecing in cardmaking?

Paper piecing involves die cutting the different parts of an image from separate cardstock colors and layering them to create a complete design. It is especially useful for detailed characters because the colors are added with cardstock rather than markers or paint.

How do you assemble small die-cut pieces accurately?

Use a fine-tip liquid adhesive and add only a small amount of glue. Follow any etched alignment lines on the die cuts, and use a craft pick or reverse tweezers to position very small pieces.

How can I add dimension without making the card uneven?

Use foam adhesive behind the main focal images and larger background panels. Where one section of an image overlaps a raised element, use foam tape on that section and liquid adhesive where it touches the lower layer.

Do I need to make all three raccoons?

No. The second seated raccoon is optional. You can create a simpler design with one seated raccoon and one raccoon digging through the dumpster.

What can I use if I do not have a small circle die?

A 1/8-inch hole punch works well for creating small paper snowflakes. You can also substitute white sequins, gems, paint splatters, or another snow-style embellishment.

Create a Christmas Card That Celebrates the Holiday Chaos

This funny Christmas card proves that holiday crafting can be festive without taking itself too seriously. The layered dumpster, mischievous raccoons, colorful lights, snowy background, and playful sentiment work together to create a scene filled with personality.

Use the same paper-piecing and dimensional scene-building techniques with your favorite colors, accessories, and sentiment. Whether you create the full three-raccoon scene or simplify the design, the result is a memorable card for anyone who understands that the holidays can sometimes feel like a beautifully decorated dumpster fire.

I hope you enjoyed my card today and will give this set a closer look! If you already own the original Dumpster Fire set, the coordinating Deck the Dumpster set gives you even more ways to customize it for Christmas.

For more cardmaking inspiration, feel free to join me on my blog or Instagram!

Wishing you all a lovely day!
Rachel

About the Designer

Rachel Alvarado is a cardmaker who specializes in colorful handmade cards, detailed die-cut scenes, and character-based designs. Visit Rachel Alvarado Designs or follow @theunpamperedstamper on Instagram for more paper-crafting inspiration.