What if the die became the card? That was the idea behind this adorable holiday shaped card using the Whimsical Wheels Collection from Hero Arts. It is such an easy way to stretch your dies beyond the card front.
Let’s take a look at how this tiny card came together and why it is just about perfect for adding to a gift.
Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are quick videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. Watch it on YouTube.
Featured Supplies
 Beep Beep Die Set HA | SBC |
 Beep Beep Holiday Extras Die Set HA | SBC |
 Winter Words Foil & Cut HA | SBC |
 ColorWheel Cardstock HA | SB | SBC |
Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links. Full list of supplies at the bottom of this post.
A Mini Card Made for Gifting
I loved the idea of this little reindeer driving around in his reindeer car with a pile of presents behind him. I started with one of my favorite non-traditional holiday color combos, teal, pink, and red, then pulled in a few more bright colors for the gifts. It gave this tiny card exactly the playful Christmas feel I wanted.
The shaped card base is surprisingly easy. I folded white cardstock in half, then positioned the car die with the left edge hanging slightly past the fold so that part wouldn’t cut. That leaves the fold intact and turns the die cut into an actual card base. Once all the colorful car pieces are layered over the front, you don’t even notice where that fold is hiding.
Colorwheel Cardstock Colors: Teal Topaz | Anchor | Classic White | Raven | Breeze | Pomegranate | Fawn | Truffle | Blush | Tutu | Dahlia | Peridot
One of my favorite little details is that MERRY license plate. I colored behind each letter with markers before adding the white plate over the top, so each letter has its own pop of color. It is such a small detail, but on a card this size those little touches are extra fun.
Copic Colors: BG15 | YG03 | Y02 | RV23 | R35
Inside, I ink blended a little blue on the back window before popping it in place. Then added the reindeer and presents, which brings the design to the inside. Since the window detaches from the die cut, having the presents and reindeer glued to it will hold it in place. I love that you still get a cute little scene when the card opens, plus a sentiment tucked underneath.
There isn’t room for a long message, but that is exactly why I like it for a gift. Add a little note, tie it onto the package, and the card becomes part of the wrapping.
Tips for Making Mini Shaped Cards
- Leave Part of the Fold Uncut: Position the folded cardstock so a small section of the die hangs past the fold. That uncut area becomes the hinge that keeps your shaped card together.
- Choose Dies with Enough Space: Larger solid shapes work best because they give you enough room for a fold and still leave space for decorating.
- Hide the Fold with Another Die Cut: Cut the same shape again from your finished cardstock and layer it over the front. This covers the folded edge and makes the card look like one clean die-cut shape.
- Keep the Inside Simple: Mini cards do not need a lot of writing space. A short sentiment and a little room for your name or quick message is plenty, especially when the card is going on a gift.
- Think of Them as Card + Gift Tag: These little shaped cards are perfect when a full-size card feels like too much. Add a ribbon or tuck one under the bow and it becomes part of the gift wrapping.
I love how this tiny card turned out, and now I’m looking at my larger dies a little differently. Shaped cards are such a fun way to stretch what you already have, especially when you need a little something to add to a gift.
Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media. I would be thrilled to see it and leave you some love.
Supplies
Some links provided are affiliate links. If you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both the crafty companies and me too. 🩷
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.
Colorwheel Cardstock Colors: Teal Topaz | Anchor | Classic White | Raven | Breeze | Pomegranate | Fawn | Truffle | Blush | Tutu | Dahlia | Peridot
Beep Beep Die Set HA | SBC |
Beep Beep Holiday Extras Die Set HA | SBC |
Winter Words Foil & Cut HA | SBC |
ColorWheel Cardstock HA | SB | SBC |
 Blue Sky SBC | OTH |
 Tranquil Teal SBC | OTH |
Most Used Tools
 1.5″ block SB | OTH |
 Big Shot SB |
 Black Stamping Tool SB |
 Blending Brushes AMZ |
Blending Brushes Large AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Medium AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Mini AMZ |
 Blending Brushes Small AMZ |
 Connect Glue SB |
 Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
 Die Cut Envelope AMZ |
 Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
 Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
 Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ |
 Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ |
 Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brushes AMZ |
 Mini Stencil Mat** SB |
 Mini Trimmer SB |
 MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
 MISTI – Original – Black SB |
 MISTI Corners SB | AMZ |
 Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB |
 Post It Note Tape AMZ |
 Reverse Tweezers SB |
 Sticky Mat SB |
 Triangle Trays AMZ |
 White Gel Pens SB | AMZ |
 White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ |
 Adhesive Roll SBC |
The cutest tag ever!!