The Pōhutukawa tree is native to Aotearoa New Zealand, and bursts into vibrant red bloom each December—right at the start of summer.  Thanks to its rich colour and perfect timing, this iconic coastal tree is fondly known as New Zealand’s Christmas tree.

With that in mind, I reached for the Branching Out Bundle to create a New Zealand–inspired Christmas card featuring stylised Pōhutukawa blooms…

Bundles: Branching Out Stamp Set + Branching Out Dies (photopolymer: 165776). Stamps: Jolly Delivery (photopolymer: 165838). Ink: Real Red (147084), Old Olive (147090), Secret Sea (165285), VersaMark (102283). Card/Paper: Real Red (106578), Secret Sea (165296), Basic White (166781), Traditions of Christmas 12” x 12” Specialty Designer Series Paper (165853), Gold Foil Sheets (132622). Accessories: Gold Striped 3/8” Mesh Ribbon (165599), Traditional Sparkling Sequins (165875), White Embossing Powder (Basics WOW! Embossing Powder: 165679). Tools: Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine (149653), Embossing Additions Tool Kit (159971), Heat Tool (129056), Adhesive Sheets (152334), Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals (144108).

Branching Out Stamp Set + Branching Out Dies Bundle (165776) - $100.75

This striking tri-fold card starts with a piece of Real Red cardstock cut to 27 cm x 7 cm (10-1/2” x 2-3/4”) and scored at 9 cm and 18 cm (3-1/2” and 7”).  Panels of Traditions of Christmas Specialty Designer Series Paper add festive elegance, layered with decorative stitched pieces die-cut from Secret Sea and Basic White cardstock using the coordinating Branching Out Dies.

On the front panel, the branches are stamped in Secret Sea ink.  For the blooms, I used the pine-style needle image from the Branching Out stamp set, stamped multiple times in Real Red ink without re-inking between impressions—creating that soft, feathery texture reminiscent of Pōhutukawa flowers.  A touch of Old Olive ink with the dotted image adds subtle foliage and depth.

This Pōhutukawa-inspired card was one of the projects we created last weekend at the Hamilton Extravaganza—a fantastic day filled with festive creativity, inspiring displays, and plenty of shared laughs.  Want to join us next time?

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