Add Sparkly Texture to a Stitched Tree by Jean Okimoto

Add extra handcrafted details to your cards - I think they'll be appreciated more than ever. Hi, Jean Okimoto here with a Christmas design for the special people on your list. Accent your holiday greetings with a frosty sparkly Stitched Tree, glittery birds and a gold star - and brighten someone's day.

Diecut the dark green Garland 6x6 print with the 2nd-largest Wrapped Stitch Rectangle die. Prep the Stitched Tree die by rubbing it briskly with scrunched waxed paper to help release the little dots. Diecut the rectangle with Stitched Tree.

Tape the end of sparkle yarn (or floss) on the reverse side with Scotch Tape (Magic Tape might tear) - attach the tape within the tree outline to keep a smooth surface surrounding the tree. This keeps the yarn and tape from creating little bumps when you press the tree later. Stitch the tree - sew the angled vertical stitches and sides first, then the horizontal rows. Punch a small hole ½" below the bottom of the tree and sew a long vertical stitch for the trunk.

Cut Resting Birds from the red glittered cardstock in the 6x6 Holiday Glitter Pad - leave the diecuts in the die. Attach ScorTape behind the diecut birds and run it through the machine again for self-adhesive birds. Attach the three birds on the tree.

There are 2 options for the next step. Place a half-sheet of printer paper over the stitched rectangle and run it through the diecut machine with the usual plates to press the birds firmly onto the yarn. Or press it under a heavy book or ream of paper. Carefully trim some of the long fibers along the sides and bottom if it looks too fuzzy.

Attach the two other birds and a gold glittered star cut with a portion of the Starlit Breeze die. Attach the rectangle to a top-folded white A-2 card.

Stamp the greeting - from the Berry Wreath Clear Stamp and Die Set - with Tulip Red VersaFine Clair.