Map and decoration pendant with napkin technique

With vintage-style cards and envelopes, you can create personal winter greetings with a special depth. When making cards, you can neatly highlight napkin designs against a light background and combine them with napkin technique for delicate details. Embossing foil creates subtle 3D effects that make your designs appear more three-dimensional. This way, even tags and small gift cards become atmospheric, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Here's how the cards are made:

Designing Cards with " napkin technique " – Option 1: Motif on Light-Colored " craft cardboard sheet "
For winter greeting cards, napkin designs look especially elegant when they stand out clearly against a clean, light background without any distracting underlying color. That’s why, in this variation, you’ll start by working on a light piece of “ craft cardboard sheet: ” This ensures that colors, details, and outlines remain clearly visible.

Step 1: Choose a card and plan the design
Choose a suitable card from the card and envelope set and decide where the napkin motif should be placed—centered as an eye-catcher or slightly offset for a more modern look. If you’d also like to design a tag, plan a harmonious motif pair right away so that the card and tag complement each other.

Step 2: Cut out a light-colored background
Cut a piece of light-colored “ craft cardboard sheet ” slightly larger than your desired design. The light-colored background is crucial here: it prevents the card from showing through or the colors from appearing dull. At the same time, it allows the design to be neatly glued on later.

Step 3: Prepare the “ napkin ”—use only the printed layer
Carefully peel off the top, printed layer of the napkin . napkins usually consist of several layers; you only need the thinnest layer with the design.

Step 4: Apply a thin layer of napkin varnish and secure the design
Apply a thin, even coat of napkin varnish. to the craft cardboard sheet . Place the design layer on top, then apply another very thin coat of napkin varnish over it. Work gently from the center outward to prevent wrinkles and push out any air bubbles. Thin layers dry smoother and look more elegant.

Step 5: Let it dry and cut out the design neatly
Let everything dry completely before continuing. Then cut the design to size: either precisely along the outline of the design or in a rectangle or label shape for a clean, framed look.

Step 6: Glue the design onto the card—flat or with a 3D effect
Glue the decorated “ craft cardboard sheet ” either directly onto the card using “ handicraft glue .” For more depth, use “3D-glue pads: ” This creates a small gap between the design and the card’s background, making your winter design appear more three-dimensional—ideal for high-quality DIY-greeting cards.

Designing Cards with napkin technique – Option 2: Motif on Embossing Foil with 3D Embossing
If you want to make your Christmas or winter card just a little bit more special, embossing foil is perfect. Embossing from the back gives the design a subtle 3D effect that stands out very delicately depending on the light.

Step 1: Attach the design to the embossing foil
Once again, peel off only the top, printed layer of the napkin and smooth it onto the embossing foil. Make sure to apply a thin layer so the surface remains even. Let the layer dry thoroughly.

Step 2: Cut out the design or shape
Once dry, cut out your desired design or shape it into a suitable form, such as a label, circle, or banner. A clearly defined shape gives the card a more balanced look and works particularly well with winter motifs like forests, animals, or houses.

Step 3: Embossing for the 3D effect
Flip the embossing foil over, place it on the special mat, and emboss the design from the back using an embossing tool. “Embossing” here means gently raising lines and areas by applying pressure. This causes details to curve forward, giving the design depth without making it bulky.

Step 4: Attach the design
Glue the embossed foil to the card using “ handicraft glue ” if you want it to lie flat and smooth. Alternatively, use “ glue pads, ” if you want to further enhance the 3D look. This combination looks especially high-quality on cards from a vintage set.

Add wintery highlights: Accents with a snow effect
For a little extra flair, add spot accents with a snow liner. Apply it sparingly—for example, as snow caps, small dots, or glittering details. This gives your design more texture without looking cluttered. Let the accents dry thoroughly before placing the card in the envelope.

Now it’s your turn
Browse our online shop for matching napkin designs, “ craft cardboard sheet ,” and accessories, and create your own series of winter-themed cards—perfect if you want to make several greeting cards in the same style.