Doesn’t this magical scenic card using the Autumn Trees Dies by Stampin’ Up!® just make you want to grab your craft supplies and create something beautiful? This handmade card captures the beauty of a northern night sky, with glowing colors and soft light dancing across the background. Add the silhouette of trees and deer, and suddenly you’ve got a card that feels like a quiet walk under the stars.
Now, here’s the fun part: this card looks impressive, but it’s actually simple to create thanks to two key products. First, the Autumn Trees Dies do all the heavy lifting when it comes to cutting out detailed trees, branches, and even those sweet little deer. No fussy hand-cutting, no endless trimming, just run your cardstock through the Stampin’ Up! Cut & Emboss Machine, and out pops a perfectly crisp design every time.
The second star of this project is the gorgeous Lights of Aurora Paper. It brings the drama with its pre-printed ribbons of color that mimic the northern lights. One look at this paper and you don’t even need to ask, “How do I blend this effect?” The paper does it for you.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by scenic cards, this project is your answer. You don’t have to be a master artist to create something breathtaking. With the right supplies, you can skip the stress and go straight to the “wow” moment. And that’s really what handmade cards are about, isn’t it? Taking a few minutes at your craft table, getting lost in the joy of creating, and then sharing that joy with someone who could use a little brightness in their day.
Imagine sending this card to a friend who loves the outdoors. The moment they open the envelope, they’re transported to a crisp autumn night, standing under a dazzling aurora with deer grazing nearby. It’s more than just a card — it’s a little escape, a reminder that you thought of them, and a way to say “you matter” without needing a lot of words.
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One of my favorite things about using dies like the Autumn Trees is how flexible they are. On this card, I chose Basic Black cardstock for a strong silhouette, but you could easily switch to Early Espresso for a softer look, or even try white for a frosty winter vibe. The same goes for the background — today it’s the Lights of Aurora Paper, but imagine pairing those dies with soft watercolor washes, rustic plaids, or even a simple sponged sky. You’ve got endless ways to make this design your own.
And let’s not forget the emotional win here. So many stampers tell me they hesitate to make “scenic” cards because they don’t feel confident in their artistic skills. The truth? With products like these, you don’t need to be a painter or a pro. You just need a few minutes, a die-cutting machine, and a willingness to play. Once you hold the finished card in your hands, you’ll feel that spark of pride — that “I actually made this!” feeling — and that’s the kind of confidence that keeps you coming back to your craft table again and again.
If you’re new to cardmaking, this project is the perfect bridge between simple stamping and something that feels advanced. And if you’re a more experienced crafter, you’ll love how quickly it comes together while still delivering that jaw-dropping “wow” factor. Either way, the transformation is the same: from blank cardstock to magical scenery in just a few easy steps.
I can’t wait to walk you through this design. Whether you’re making it to mail, to display, or just to enjoy the process, I promise you’ll be smiling at the results. So grab your Autumn Trees Dies, your favorite sheets of Lights of Aurora Paper, and a little Basic Black cardstock — and let’s create something magical together.
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
I’m delighted you stopped by for today’s creative escape! Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or any special moment, I’m here to help you craft the perfect card with ease. If you have questions about today’s tutorial, please email me for detailed steps. Inspire your craft with more ideas—join me over on Pinterest!
Lights of Aurora Paper+ the Autumn Trees Dies = Magic!
Cardstock Measurements
- Basic White Cardstock: 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"
- Lights of Aurora Designer Paper: 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"
- Basic Black Cardstock: 3" x 6" (for die-cutting)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Fold the Basic White cardstock in half at the score line to create your card base.
- Adhere the 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" sheet of Lights of Aurora Designer Paper to the front of the card.
- Run the Basic Black cardstock through the Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine using the long deer/tree die.
- Adhere to the bottom of the card front to finish.
Skill Level
Worker Bee projects are designed for the crafter who has a bit more time and enjoys creating a handmade card that features a technique or tool. In many cases, a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine is required for die-cutting and/or embossing. Note: this is a super simple card to create but since it requires a die-cut machine in order to create the scene, I’ve upgraded this to a Worker Bee card. But it comes together in literally minutes!
Hi Barb. You mentioned you are getting ready for retreat. Are you doing that after the first of the year? I haven’t seen anything in your posts until now
Laura
Hi Laura! Sorry for the confusion! The Retreat I was talking about in my newsletter today was the Virtual Retreat I’m doing this weekend. I hope to do another in-person Retreat in 2026, but I haven’t started planning it yet. I’ll be sure to let you know when I do! 😊