Poinsettia Flower Mandala Christmas Cards Tutorial

Supplies for Paper Layered Mandala Cards

• Cardstock, green glitter cardstock, red glitter cardstock, and buffalo print paper.
• Light grip and/or standard grip Cricut mat
• Foam taps (both large and small)
• Tombow liquid glue (optional)
• Cricut machine (Not sure which Cricut cutting machine is right for you? Read my buyer’s guide.)
• Poinsettia Mandala template

Download the Poinsettia Christmas Card SVG File

Poinsettia Christmas card template – Find my poinsettia card SVG file for this DIY Christmas card in the Abbi Kirsten Craft Vault.

Log in and search the keyword “poinsettia card” or design #105 in the top search bar. You can also click here to go to the card directly.

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Poinsettia Mandala Christmas Cards Tutorial

This Christmas card craft takes less than an hour and is so easy to make. For full details, watch the video! Be sure to scroll past the instructions for machine setup tips and more ways to use your 3D layered mandala!

Prep and Cut Out Your Card With Cricut

1. Gather all your supplies before beginning.
2. Use your Cricut or a similar cutting machine to make your poinsettia mandala layers and your card.
3. Now that you have all your poinsettia mandala layers cut out and your Christmas or greeting card cut out and ready, you can begin assembling the flower mandala.

How to Make a Poinsettia Christmas Card Step-By-Step

1. Starting with the bottom two layers (green), add foam tabs at random to the back of the layer you will be placing on to the bottom layer. When using foam tabs, make sure you cover the back in all directions so your layer will be supported evenly and not become lopsided. Remove the foam tab backs.

Note: I like to use a weeding tool to take the backs off the foam tabs. This is a lot easier than using your fingers.

5. Align your foam-tabbed layer over the bottom layer. I like to align the green layers together and the red layer together, but offset the red layers on the green layers, since leaves and flowers aren’t always perfectly aligned. Repeat this process for your next layers.
6. Be careful that your foam tabs don’t show through the intricate cutout layers. I like to use the little glue strips for these layers, cutting them down as needed. You don’t need a lot of glue strips for the cut-out layer that lays over the red glitter poinsettia. 
7. You can use foam tabs for the last layer (top layer), but I prefer using clear liquid glue because of the large empty spaces in the design.
8. Glue the little center pieces into the middle if you are using them.
9. Put the poinsettia mandala aside to dry.
10. Prepare the card you cut out by scoring down the center if your cutter didn’t score it for you.
11. Fold the card along the scoring line.
12. Place your poinsettia mandala on the card in the center, either in portrait or landscape orientation.
13. Attach the mandala to the card with liquid glue. Be sure to get the edges. Press down firmly.
14. Let your poinsettia mandala Christmas cards dry completely before using them. This card craft would be perfect for the special people in your life or as a holder for a gift card.

Note on Your Cutting Machine Settings:

If your cardstock is tearing, try the “Cardstock for Intricate Cuts” setting. However, if your cardstock is not cutting all the way through, try selecting “more pressure” on the cut screen. 

When using glitter cardstock or cover-weight cardstock, make sure to select the corresponding setting in Design Space Custom settings.

Note on Cutting the Christmas Mandala Layers in Order:

Your mandala pieces may or may not be cut out in the order you arrange them. But don’t panic; there is an easy way to make sure you layer them correctly. Just make sure to set all the pieces aside and not lose any – I like to use a shallow container or box to collect my mandala layers.

Whenever you load a mandala file, the layers can always be kept organized by viewing the “layers” panel to the right. The same way the images are stacked in the “layers” panel is how you will need to assemble them – so when in doubt, look there!

Note on Scoring the Poinsettia Christmas Card:

If you are using one of my card templates that come with the poinsettia mandala file, be sure to change the black line down the center of the card to a scoreline and use your “Attach” tool in the “Layers” panel to hold it in place when you go to cut.

Best Uses for 3D Poinsettia Paper Mandalas

You can show off your mandala art in many creative ways besides Christmas-themed mandala cards.

Greeting Cards and Accents

Flower mandalas are perfect for creating stunning greeting cards or any occasion cards. Use your papercraft mandalas on signs, bouquets, tops of gifts, and more!

Home Decor

Mandalas are also wonderful for decorating your home! Make larger poinsettia flower mandalas to use around your home for everyday display or as a new part of your holiday decoration tradition. You can also add flower mandalas to canvases to create beautiful wall hangings.

Check out my two-minute tutorial on turning a mandala into canvas art with my sunflower design.

Seasonal Mandala Home Sign Craft

Recently I made this 3D mandala seasonal home sign – see how to assemble it here!

Need more poinsettias in your life? Click here to view all my designs!

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