Under the Tree: Christmas in July
Mary Jo Johnston • July 22, 2026

We're still celebrating Christmas in July!

It’s the perfect excuse to pull out your favorite holiday supplies, enjoy festive creativity in the middle of summer, and get a jump start on your Christmas cardmaking before the busy holiday season arrives. A little pre-planning now, means less stress later, and more time to enjoy sharing handmade cards with the people you love.


For this card, I reached for the beautiful Sugar Plum Christmas Collection, combining the gorgeous patterned papers and festive die cuts to create a cheerful holiday scene. The classic red and green color palette immediately brings timeless Christmas charm, while the touches of green plaid and delicate holiday florals add warmth, texture, and a cozy vintage feel.


One of my favorite details are the die cut Christmas ornaments set against the tree in those beautiful papers.  Use foam squares to add dimension and lift the die cuts off the page.


The layered ornaments, scalloped edges, and festive florals create plenty of dimension without overwhelming the clean white background. I also love how the sentiment, "It's not what is under the tree that matters, it's what's around it," reminds us that Christmas is truly about the people we share it with.



This card is the perfect start to your holiday projects if you've been thinking about getting ahead.  Making a few cards each week throughout the summer is an easy way to build your Christmas card stash, experiment with your favorite supplies, and enjoy the creative process without the last-minute rush.


Pretty Little Studio has so many collections that can incorporate right into your holiday cardmaking.  Each one is filled with timeless elements that make mixing patterns effortless. Combine traditional colors, festive florals, classic plaid, and whimsical die cuts to create cards that feel both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for sending warm holiday wishes all season long.


Happy crafting, and happy Christmas in July!

Mary Jo



Mary Jo Johnston
Hi, I'm Mary Jo Johnston, and I've been paper crafting for more than 20 years. What began as a love for creating scrapbook pages quickly evolved into a passion for cardmaking. I enjoy every part of the creative process, from selecting papers and embellishments to layering the final details that bring a project to life. My favorite part is sharing those handmade creations, giving away one-of-a-kind works of art and being able to brighten someone's day or celebrate life's meaningful moments. I'm beyond excited to be designing for Pretty Little Studio and sharing creative inspiration using their beautiful collections.