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Project Inspiration: Magic of the Season Card by Melissa Phillips

Vintage Ornament Card Project Inspiration by Bobbi Lemanski

October 2025 Release Day

Nutcracker Magic Stamps & Dies + Designer’s Free Space

September 22, 2025      Winnie Cate Ignacio      93 Comments

Sneak Peek Day 4

 

Penny here! Can you believe we’ve already reached the final day of sneak peeks for our September Release?

We’ve shared so many beautiful products this week, and we’re wrapping things up today with a set that truly brings the magic of the holidays to life. ✨

 

Nutcracker Magic Stamps & Dies

Step into the timeless storybook wonder of the season with the Nutcracker Magic Stamps & Dies. Featuring Clara, her Nutcracker, and elegant ballerinas, this set captures the movement and charm of a holiday classic. Add in festive greenery, sparkling stars, and heartfelt sentiments to design cards that feel as enchanting as the ballet itself. Whether you’re crafting whimsical winter scenes or keepsake-worthy holiday greetings, these stamps and dies will let your creativity dance across the page. 🎄💫

 

🎨 NEW FEATURE

Designer’s Free Space – where inspiration has no boundaries! ✨
In this part, our designers aren’t tied to one product combo, they have the freedom to mix and match favorites from the release in any way their creativity leads. The result? Fresh ideas, playful pairings, and projects that might just spark your next crafty session. ✂️💡

Because sometimes the most magical cards happen when we let our creativity wander. 💖

 

Below, you’ll find stunning inspiration from our design team, who have brought this set to life with imaginative detail and holiday cheer.

 

Tell us in the comments which project has your heart, we love hearing your thoughts and seeing which designs spark your creativity.

 

And don’t forget, our new release goes live on Tuesday, September 23rd at 12PM ET.

Set your reminders now!

💖 Want a chance to win a $50 gift card? 💖

It’s easy! Scroll through the sneak peeks and leave a comment at the bottom telling us which project is your favorite.

Nutcracker Magic Stamps & Dies

Featured designs by Bobbi & Kelly

Bobbi Lemanski

SUPPLIES

Stamps: Nutcracker Magic stamps
Dies: Nutcracker Magic dies, In Frames: Oval Dies
Cardstock: Stampers’ Select White, Soft Stone
Ink: True Black
Other: White Gelly Roll Pen, Foam Tabs, Copic Sketch Markers, Bee Creative Precision Glue

TIPS: 

  • Use the In Frames: Oval Dies to create emphasis on the focal point of the card front.
  • A rounded oval frame is softer and more feminine than a square or rectangle for the feature ballerina on this card.
  • Use the greenery swags in the Nutcracker Magic set to “frame” the design and create a storybook look. 
  • Use a fine-tip black marker to add specks around the tiny sparkle design elements to unite them together.

Kelly Lunceford

SUPPLIES

Stamps: Nutcracker Magic
Ink: Vintage Photo, True Black
Paper: Soft Stone, Stamper’s Select White, Pure Poppy
Dies: Nutcracker Magic, Rounded Corners: Stitched
Other: Cascading Stars Hot Foil Plate, Merry Motifs Hot Foil Plate, champagne foil, white gel pen, glossy accents, adhesive gems, shimmer spray 

TIPS: 

  • Add adhesive gems to Clara’s skirt for sparkle and shine.
  • Don’t hesitate to try using two different hot foil plates on one card! Just keep the scale in mind when choosing your design.

Kelly Lunceford

SUPPLIES

Stamps: Nutcracker Magic
Ink: Vintage Photo, Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, True Black
Paper: Pinefeather, Sweet Blush, Stamper’s Select White, Pure Poppy
Dies: Nutcracker Magic, In Frames: Ovals, Rounded Rectangles: Pierced
Other: alcohol markers, Fresh Greens Hot Foil Plate, champagne foil, adhesive pearls, sequins, shimmer spray, Glossy Accents

TIPS: 

  • Use a lighter color of ink for the outline of the line-art images for a softer look.
  • Try adding glossy accents to the berries for extra detail.
  • Use the foliage in the opposite corners for a festive touch.

Kelly Lunceford

SUPPLIES

Stamps: Nutcracker Magic
Ink: Spring Rain, True Black, Versamark 
Paper: Spring Rain, Stamper’s Select White
Dies: Nutcracker Magic, Love to Layer: Playful Scallops
Other: vellum, white embossing powder, alcohol markers, Dotted Lines Stencil Collection, white gel pen, glossy accents, adhesive gems, shimmer spray, Merry Motifs Hot Foil Plate, silver foil

TIPS: 

  • Heat embossing the skirt in white on vellum and trim out to give the illusion of a real tutu.
  • Stencil a pattern lightly behind the ballerina for added detail.
  • Use a white gel pen on the berries once the glossy accent has dried for added interest.
Melissa Phillips

Brenda Noelke

Melody Rupple

Betty Wright

Stephanie Guse
Liane Hodges
Seeka
Catherine Cohen

Designer's Free Space

Liane Hodges

Bobbi Lemanski

Melody Rupple

Betty Wright

Brenda Noelke

Kelly Lunceford

Melissa Phillips

We hope today’s sneak peek has you inspired to bring the wonder of the season into your crafting! From graceful ballerinas to timeless Nutcrackers, these new designs are ready to add elegance, whimsy, and joy to your handmade cards. 🌟💃

 

Be sure to scroll down and let us know which project captures your imagination, we love hearing your favorites and celebrating creativity together. 💌

 

And the best part is just around the corner! Tomorrow is Release Day, and you’ll finally get the chance to make the September Collection yours. 🎁✨

 

Click HERE to see our September 2025 Release Winners page!

Winners will be announced on September 23rd at 3PM ET.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janice says

    September 22, 2025 at 8:14 AM

    ‘‘Twas the Night Before Christmas card by Melody Rupple appeals the most.

  2. Laura Corkill says

    September 22, 2025 at 8:24 AM

    You have brought us 3 cherished Christmastime favorites plus a host of other beautiful things. The ideas and inspiration from the design team is AMAZING and almost overwhelming. All I want to do now is create with these brilliant products.

  3. Maureen Hampshire says

    September 22, 2025 at 8:29 AM

    I truly like Kelly Lunceford’s card. Her design, spacing & use of multiple techniques makes her card stand out!

  4. Barbara Campbell-Mulligan says

    September 22, 2025 at 8:31 AM

    The Nutcracker suite is so magical and an amazing Display of Christmas cards. So many designs possible. I am loving Melody’s example.

  5. Bonnie Dongon says

    September 22, 2025 at 8:37 AM

    The Nutcracker set evokes an innate sense of child-like wonder and joy in me. The artists did such a good job in presenting the different characters in beautiful colors.

  6. Julie Bitner says

    September 22, 2025 at 8:48 AM

    So difficult to choose, but I love Kelly’s nutcracker card!

  7. Denise Bryant says

    September 22, 2025 at 8:55 AM

    Love the wonderful Nutcracker designs! Charming cards!
    My favorite is Melody’s card in pink and green! Beautiful color combo and details!

  8. Roxann says

    September 22, 2025 at 9:32 AM

    O love Kelly Lunceford’s Sugar Plum Fairy. That little vellum detail! Gorgeous!

  9. Beth Fairweather says

    September 22, 2025 at 9:32 AM

    Oh I like them all but the first one really caught my eye! Beautiful creations!

  10. Andre M. says

    September 22, 2025 at 9:38 AM

    The pink and green on Melody’s card is my fave today.

  11. Mary C. says

    September 22, 2025 at 9:38 AM

    My favorite today is Bobbi’s card. I love the layout and the colors that she used. Can’t wait until tomorrow when everything is in the shop for sale!

  12. Lauryne Cunningham says

    September 22, 2025 at 9:55 AM

    Fabulous designs! I love Liane’s rainbow tree and all of the nutcracker cards!

  13. jengd says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:07 AM

    Today’s is tight- they’re all anazing, but I have to go with Kelly’s. The colors and design just sing to me.

  14. Sylvia Meredith says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:12 AM

    Liane Hodges’ card is so unique! I love it!

  15. kathleen dumpert says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:14 AM

    I think all the cards using the new nutcracker stamp set are whimsical & fun!

  16. Terri Sandoval says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:16 AM

    I am in love with Liane Hodges’ rainbow tree and Kelly Lunceford’s snowdrops on the black and red backgrounds.

  17. Helen F. says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:17 AM

    Melody Rupple’ s card has captured my inner child! I have always loved this Christmas Poem!

  18. Isabel Z says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:24 AM

    They are all stunning, but Kelly’s card is one of my favorites b/c of how she used the vellum-such a nice touch.

  19. Jeanne Rice says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:24 AM

    Wonderful cards. My favorite is Kelly Lunceford‘s ballerina blue card. Love the use of gold in the background.

  20. Melissa Leftrick says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:29 AM

    I love Catherine’s card!!! So pretty!!!

  21. abrash says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:34 AM

    I love Betty’s nutcracker card!

  22. Sue D says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:46 AM

    I like Melissa Phillip’s nutcracker card.

  23. Anna Given says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:51 AM

    Loving the Nutcracker Magic in blue by Kelly Lunceford. Heat embossing the skirt in white on vellum makes it look so delicate.

  24. Bonnie says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:51 AM

    Both of Kelly’s cards tug at my heart and bring back fond memories of watching my granddaughter dance The Nutcracker.

  25. Kathy Mc says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:52 AM

    Brenda’s Nutcracker Magic card is so sweet. That color palette is gorgeous and different for Christmas. Lots of lovely creations throughout this entire release!

  26. Deb Wagner says

    September 22, 2025 at 11:03 AM

    Love Kelly’s vintage nutcracker themed card. The blue stared back and the scrolled corners and frame make Clara pop. Makes me look forward to creating my holiday cards.

  27. Carmela Douglas Hubler says

    September 22, 2025 at 11:13 AM

    Wow, my favorite of the new release today!! I do love the Nutcracker ballet!! Love the projects by Kelly, Melody, Melissa and Catherine!! Too many beautiful cards to choose a favorite!!

  28. Amy Mattingly says

    September 22, 2025 at 11:16 AM

    Betty’s nutcracker card is so gorgeous – perfect to capture the holiday season

  29. Amy Cooley says

    September 22, 2025 at 11:54 AM

    Kelly Lunceford did an especially amazing job on her card! The vellum skirt is amazing!

  30. Catherine says

    September 22, 2025 at 12:03 PM

    Number 7 Kelly Lunceford is my favorite!

  31. Ana says

    September 22, 2025 at 12:09 PM

    Sadly I think my original comment errored out so I’ll keep this one short. Love the Nutcracker cards by Bobbi, Melissa and Melody! The free space, love how Melody used the scroll but I also love Bobbi’s and Liane’s. Impossible to pick!

  32. momi1977 says

    September 22, 2025 at 12:32 PM

    My favorites are Kelly’s. They are all stunning★★★ Just so pretty!!

  33. Greta H says

    September 22, 2025 at 12:48 PM

    Beautiful cards by everyone! I adore Kelly’s vellum skirt for the ballerina, but the card that has my heart is Melody’s with the houses!

  34. Marilyn M says

    September 22, 2025 at 12:50 PM

    Bobbi’s Nutcracker card is so sweet!

  35. Annette Snyder says

    September 22, 2025 at 12:51 PM

    I love Kelly’s nutcracker cards

  36. LizD says

    September 22, 2025 at 12:52 PM

    I love Kelly & Melissa’s pink ballerina Dolls. Thanks for sharing with us. They are all so beautiful.

  37. Chris McKennie says

    September 22, 2025 at 12:59 PM

    Again, love them all but Liane Hodges card in the free space is lovely! Love the bright colors.

  38. Stephanie Haley says

    September 22, 2025 at 1:19 PM

    I love Catherine‘s card with the Nutcracker stamps and dies! These are so unique and I can’t wait to make cards with them!

  39. Donna Tuschoff says

    September 22, 2025 at 1:22 PM

    The project by Melissa Phillips is awesome!!

  40. Gayle I. says

    September 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM

    So much cute creativity! Love Melody’s Nutcracker ballerina card!

  41. Anne Sturgeon says

    September 22, 2025 at 1:27 PM

    Stephanie Guse has represented the Nutcracker play with all the intricate players. Her coloring is exquisite!

  42. Kylie Z says

    September 22, 2025 at 1:28 PM

    I love the Nutcracker set and Bobbi’s card is my favorite. I like how she placed Clara in the middle oval and the stitching around it.

  43. Kelley says

    September 22, 2025 at 1:36 PM

    LOVE Melody Rupple’s Night Before Christmas card, so creative!

  44. Lori Beseke says

    September 22, 2025 at 1:48 PM

    Love Melissa’s nutcracker card.

  45. Leanne S says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM

    Liane Hodges’ card is my favourite.

  46. Rachel Kleinman says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM

    These are such gorgeous cards! I really love the mouse in the nutcracker suit 🙂 What a lovely release

  47. Deb B. says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:09 PM

    I like Kelly’s snowdrops card in the “free space section”

  48. Scraporcraft says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:09 PM

    I love Kelly’s layers!

  49. Wendy Modzelewski says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:15 PM

    Loving Nutcracker Magic Stamps & Dies and Melody Rupple’s design.
    My daughter danced in the Nutcracker for years and this brings back so many memories

  50. Cynthia C. says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:21 PM

    Love the new feature! And I absolutely adore all of the Nutcracker cards, this is such a cute cute set, I can’t pick a favorite!

  51. Laurie Black says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:24 PM

    Fun new products! Betty’s nutcracker card is my favoite.

  52. Becca Yahrling says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM

    Oh dear, I can’t pick just one favorite again today! They are all just awesome. My fave numbers are 2, 5, 7, 9 & 14.

  53. Gracie Harrell says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:45 PM

    I love all the nutcracker cards from Kelly Lunceford. Love the color combinations.

  54. Gloria Coliton says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:51 PM

    I love the light blue ballerina card made by Kelly Lunceford. My granddaughter has just started ballet and she would love this card.

  55. Susan B says

    September 22, 2025 at 2:52 PM

    I really love the blue ballerina with vellum overskirt by Kelly. So very pretty!!

  56. K. Groff says

    September 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM

    Bobbi Hart’s design is fantastic! I love how she has used clear bright holiday colors to bring the images to life!

  57. Mel H says

    September 22, 2025 at 3:17 PM

    I love Kelly’s blue ballerina card.

  58. Cynthia Gratton says

    September 22, 2025 at 3:52 PM

    I love Kelly’s Nutcracker Magic card in blues, is my favorite! I think her use of the vellum on the princess skirt is awesome, and the in-laid foil scroll work is beautiful!
    Now, I know I need to get this stamp & die set to make my Christmas cards!

  59. Emma Sleppy says

    September 22, 2025 at 4:26 PM

    Love Melody’s nutcracker card! Love the pink!!

  60. Beth says

    September 22, 2025 at 4:29 PM

    Melanie Rupple (both) seems to catch my eye. The details are absolutely gorgeous!

  61. Cheryl robinson says

    September 22, 2025 at 4:31 PM

    I love the christmas tree by Liane Hodges. Pieced paper is one of my favorite techniques.

  62. Debbie Br says

    September 22, 2025 at 4:34 PM

    All the designers have such a unique way of interpreting the stamps and dies!! They are all so inspiring.
    My faves are Kelly’s cards, I love how she creates such beautiful vignettes!

  63. Carmen Nance says

    September 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM

    I really like the Nutcracker Magic card by Kelly Lunceford. It’s gorgeous. Thank you for all of the beautiful card inspiration and holiday release!

  64. Bo Gilmore says

    September 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM

    Kelly Lunceford’s card is my favorite. I love cards on black cardstock. They just pop and make me smile.

  65. Sadie H says

    September 22, 2025 at 4:44 PM

    My favorite is the very first card by Bobbi L. All kinds of cuteness!!! Love the vintage feel too.

  66. Meghan Kennihan says

    September 22, 2025 at 4:56 PM

    I LOVE the Nutcracker designs sooo much! Especially Kelly Lunceford’s in Blue!!!

  67. Christine Miller says

    September 22, 2025 at 5:29 PM

    LOVE Kelly’s Nutcracker cards—especially the blue one which includes the vellum skirt. Just so pretty!

  68. Myrna Colon says

    September 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM

    All the cards are all so beautiful. I am a fan of the nuctcracker and I am in love with this set! Just so cute and adorable. Waiting excited!!

  69. Karen V. says

    September 22, 2025 at 6:05 PM

    Liane Hodges tree is happy and colorful – very modern.

  70. Carolee says

    September 22, 2025 at 7:42 PM

    Love them all but especially Melissa’s!! Love her style:)

  71. Helen F says

    September 22, 2025 at 7:53 PM

    Wow! Thhis is an amaziing release. So much to lov. My favourite is the sweet little ballerina and Nutcracker!! So special!

  72. ConnieG says

    September 22, 2025 at 7:58 PM

    I like Liane’s clever use of colorful strips for the Christmas tree. So creative!

  73. Kathy j in Ellicott City says

    September 22, 2025 at 8:14 PM

    Melody Rupple’s is my favorite!!!

  74. Lisa Lahiff says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:03 PM

    These are absolutely gorgeous! I love the Nutcracker and these are all just wonderful!

  75. Kim Burckhard says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:17 PM

    Kelly’s card is so pretty in the blue hues

  76. Karen says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:31 PM

    Love the blue card by Kelly Lunceford

  77. Heather says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:41 PM

    Melody’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas” card is serene & peaceful!

  78. Brenda Katrein says

    September 22, 2025 at 10:59 PM

    I love the nutcracker, but Kelly’s card featuring the snowdrops is my favorite!

  79. Marisela Delgado says

    September 22, 2025 at 11:15 PM

    Kelly Lunceford always hits it out of the park.

  80. Suzette Thoeni says

    September 22, 2025 at 11:55 PM

    I love Liane’s twas the night… So pretty!

  81. Carrianne Banul says

    September 23, 2025 at 5:39 AM

    This is such a wonderful festive release! Kelly Luncford is the most eye catching to me. I also love toy soldiers and have a big collection of them on display during the holidays. Everyone’s card from this release is so beautiful!

  82. Joan Lucht says

    September 23, 2025 at 9:10 AM

    Oh I love Melody Rupple’s Night Before Christmas night city scene! What a great idea! This release is incredible!

  83. Kara Parish says

    September 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM

    Kelly Lunceford’s Nutcracker Magic cards are both so beautiful!! Magically sweet.🥰🥰🥰

  84. Nancy M. says

    September 23, 2025 at 10:16 AM

    I love the very first card by Bobbi! But they are all amazing creations.

  85. Roseanna Amato says

    September 23, 2025 at 10:40 AM

    Love Kelly card design just beautiful.

  86. Jennifer G says

    September 23, 2025 at 11:02 AM

    The nutcracker suite is so magical and suite!

  87. JoAnn P. says

    September 23, 2025 at 11:38 AM

    Kelly’s card is so stunning! I love it all.

  88. JoAnn P. says

    September 23, 2025 at 11:41 AM

    Love Kelly’s card!

  89. Erika says

    September 23, 2025 at 12:42 PM

    I love the Into the Blooms: Snowdrop Die!!!

  90. Dawn W. says

    September 23, 2025 at 12:52 PM

    LOVE Bobby Lemanski’s nutcracker card!

  91. Jaemi Moore says

    September 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM

    I love the Melody Rupple card with that dark night background and red house that pops. It screams of a Christmas night waiting for Santa. All the cards are beautiful though.

  92. Pamela Beadles says

    September 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM

    I like the one Seaka made with the toy soldiers.

    This was very hard to choose with so many great examples

  93. Cindy Cherry says

    September 23, 2025 at 4:47 PM

    I love literally anything that has to do with Nutcracker! Great release!

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