Posted by Yana Smakula
on September 24, 2026
BetterPress plates can do more than create letterpress impressions and hot-foiled designs. In this detailed Christmas card tutorial, you’ll learn how to apply clear sticky ink to a BetterPress plate and use white embossing powder to produce a crisp, heat-embossed snowflake background.
The tutorial also covers pressing and die cutting a sentiment, assembling three detailed snowmen, and arranging the finished elements on an A2 card. Careful anti-static preparation is especially important for this technique because the Winter Peace plate contains many fine details. The result is a bright snowman card with a snowy white background pattern, colorful accessories, and added dimension.
Hello, crafty friends! It’s Lisa Tilson here with you today. I’m sharing a card from the Create Your Way Holiday Collection featuring the beautiful Winter Peace Press + Foil Plate & Die Set.
Project Snapshot
| Skill level | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Approximate time | 1 hour |
| Project type | Christmas card |
| Techniques | BetterPress heat embossing, letterpress, die cutting, and paper piecing |
| Occasion | Christmas and winter |
| Finished size | A2 - 4.25 x 5.5 inches |
| Featured product | Winter Peace Press + Foil Plate & Die Set |
What You’ll Need
Spellbinders Supplies
- Winter Peace Press + Foil Plate & Die Set - BP-378
- Wonderful Winter Sentiments Press + Foil Plate & Die Set - BP-391
- Snow Notes Etched Dies - S4-1461
- BetterPress Letterpress System - BP-001
- Full Size BetterPress Black Ink Pad - BPI-043
- Porcelain BetterPress A2 Cotton Card Panels - BPC-002
- Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine - PE-104
- Hero Arts White Detail Embossing Powder - PW-122
- White Foam Squares Mix 1mm - SCS-267
- Best Ever Craft Tape - SCS-123
- Craft Stax Medium Tray Set - T-056
- Handy Craft Tool Set - T-098
- Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue - PCG02E
- Mulberry ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-139
- Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-124
- Carrot ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-125
- Truffle ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-126
- Raven ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-112
- Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-119
- Waterfall ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-147
- Orchid ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-148
- Teal Topaz ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-144
- Blue Spruce ColorWheel Cardstock - CS-8-138
Other Supplies
- Anti-static powder bag or tool
- Versamark Ink
- No. 2 round paintbrush
- Heat tool
- Coffee filter or scrap paper
- Uni-ball Signo White Gel Pen
How to Heat Emboss with a BetterPress Plate
The heat-embossed background is created by applying Versamark Ink to the Winter Peace BetterPress plate. Running the plate and cardstock through the BetterPress system transfers the sticky ink onto the panel, allowing the detailed snowflake pattern to hold white embossing powder.
Because the design contains many small snowflakes, thorough anti-static preparation is essential. Take your time during this part of the process to minimize stray embossing powder.
Step 1 - Prepare the BetterPress Plate and Cardstock
Place the Winter Peace Press + Foil Plate onto the magnetic Chase included with the BetterPress Letterpress System.
Cut an A2 panel of Mulberry ColorWheel Cardstock measuring 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Use small pieces of Best Ever Craft Tape to secure the panel to the underside of the clear BetterPress Platen.
Apply Versamark Ink evenly over the entire Winter Peace plate. Use a gentle pouncing motion to cover all areas of the detailed pattern.
Lisa’s Tip: Make sure the ink pad is well inked so it can cover the entire plate. Check the surface from different angles to identify any areas that may need more ink.
Step 2 - Apply Anti-Static Powder
Run an anti-static powder bag or tool over the Mulberry cardstock. Apply a generous layer over the top two-thirds of the panel where the snowflake pattern will appear.
Brush or blow away the excess powder, then repeat the application to make sure the surface is thoroughly prepared. Remove the excess again before returning the Platen to the Chase.
A detailed background such as this one leaves many small spaces where unwanted embossing powder can collect. Preparing the cardstock twice helps reduce those stray flecks.
Step 3 - Transfer the Versamark Ink
Return the Platen to the Chase and run the BetterPress system through the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine. No additional plates are needed for this step.
Carefully lift the Platen and examine the cardstock. The pressed Versamark pattern should be visible across the surface.
Do not touch the inked portion of the panel. Oil transferred from your fingers can cause embossing powder to adhere in areas where it is not wanted. Hold the panel by its edges or by the uninked portion.
Step 4 - Add and Heat the Embossing Powder
Place a coffee filter or piece of scrap paper over the work surface to catch the excess embossing powder.
Hold the cardstock by its edges and tilt it over the prepared surface. Cover the Versamark pattern with Hero Arts White Detail Embossing Powder. Repeat the application as needed until all the snowflakes are covered.
Lisa’s Tip: Flick the back of the panel after each application to dislodge loose powder. The powder collected on the coffee filter or scrap paper can be funneled back into its container.
Inspect the panel carefully. If embossing powder is clinging outside the snowflake design, remove the unwanted flecks with a clean, dry paintbrush.
Use a heat tool to melt the powder. Move the heat tool across the panel until the snowflakes become smooth, raised, and opaque.
Set the finished panel aside while you prepare the sentiment and snowmen.
How to BetterPress and Die Cut the Sentiment
Step 5 - Press the Winter Sentiments
Secure an A2 Porcelain BetterPress Cotton Card Panel to the underside of the Platen with Best Ever Craft Tape.
Place the Wonderful Winter Sentiments Press + Foil Plates onto the magnetic Chase. Ink the sentiments with Full Size BetterPress Black Ink.
Use a pounce-and-pivot motion when applying the ink. This helps distribute the ink evenly without dragging the ink pad across the plate.
Return the Platen to the Chase and run the BetterPress system through the Platinum SIX Machine.
Step 6 - Die Cut the Sentiments
Prepare the Platinum SIX using the following die-cutting sandwich from bottom to top:
- Plate A - Platform Base
- Plate B - Platform Top
- Plate C - Cutting Plate
- Plate C - Cutting Plate
Place the cardstock and die between the two cutting plates. The cutting edge of the die should face the cardstock.
Position the coordinating Wonderful Winter Sentiments die over the pressed greetings and secure it with Best Ever Craft Tape.
Run the sandwich through the Platinum SIX Machine. Set aside the die-cut “Let It Snow” sentiment for the card.
Lisa’s Tip: Place the remaining sentiments in a Craft Stax Medium Tray so the small pieces stay together and are ready for future projects.
How to Die Cut and Assemble the Snowmen
Step 7 - Die Cut the Snowman Pieces
Use the Snow Notes Etched Dies to cut the three snowmen and their accessories.
For the first group of pieces, die cut:
- Three snowmen from Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock
- Three noses from Carrot ColorWheel Cardstock
- Two sets of arms from Truffle ColorWheel Cardstock
- Three sets of mouths and coal buttons from Raven ColorWheel Cardstock
For the remaining accessories, die cut:
- Scarves from Rainforest, Waterfall, and Orchid ColorWheel Cardstock
- The songbook from Teal Topaz and Blue Spruce ColorWheel Cardstock
The dies are shown cutting-side up in the reference photos so the shapes are easier to identify. Turn the dies over for cutting so the cutting edges sit directly against the cardstock.
Step 8 - Add the Faces and Buttons
Apply small dabs of Bearly Art Glue behind the mouth and button openings on each snowman.
Use a Pick Up Tool to place the small Raven cardstock pieces over their corresponding areas.
Adhere the three Carrot cardstock noses. The embossed guidelines on the die cuts will help with placement.
Step 9 - Assemble the Songbook and Scarves
Add glue beneath the guidelines on the smaller songbook piece, then attach the songbook cover.
For each scarf, adhere the two tails first.
Add the neck portion of the scarf over the tails to complete the layered design.
Step 10 - Position the Snowmen’s Arms
Begin with the middle snowman. Add a small amount of glue to the circular end of each arm, then place the snowman over the arms. After adhering them, gently move the hands around to the front of the body.
Attach the arms to the left snowman. Position them upright so they do not extend beyond the edge of the finished card.
Repeat the process for the third snowman. Keep the outer arm upright so it remains within the card panel.
Adhere the assembled songbook between the middle snowman’s arms. Add a tiny amount of glue to the hands and attach them over the book.
Lisa’s Tip: If it feels easier, attach the songbook before adding the middle snowman’s arms. The twig hands are small, so use only a tiny amount of liquid glue.
How to Assemble the Snowman Christmas Card
Step 11 - Arrange the Snowmen
Use liquid glue to adhere the left and right snowmen to the heat-embossed panel.
Add 1mm White Foam Squares to the back of the middle snowman. Position the foam squares along the central areas and avoid placing them over the small black die cuts. This will help the snowman sit flat.
Remove the foam-square backings and place the middle snowman between the other two characters.
Step 12 - Add the Sentiment
Cut small sections from the 1mm White Foam Squares and place them behind the “Let It Snow” sentiment.
Adhere the sentiment approximately halfway between the top of the panel and the snowmen.
Step 13 - Complete the Card
Create a top-folding A2 card base from Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock. Cut the cardstock to 11 x 4.25 inches, score it at 5.5 inches, and fold it in half.
Adhere the completed panel to the card base.
Inspect the embossed background. If necessary, use a white gel pen to fill any small areas of the snowflakes that did not emboss completely.
This optional correction is best saved until the end so the gel pen can dry without being disturbed while the other card elements are assembled.
Tips for Heat Embossing with BetterPress Plates
- Apply anti-static powder generously when working with a detailed press plate.
- Repeat the anti-static application to make sure the entire embossing area is prepared.
- Use a well-inked Versamark pad and check that the complete plate is covered.
- Hold the pressed panel by its edges to avoid transferring oil from your fingers.
- Apply embossing powder over a coffee filter or scrap paper so the excess can be returned to the container.
- Flick the back of the panel to remove loose powder.
- Use a clean, dry paintbrush to remove isolated flecks before heat setting.
- Keep small die-cut pieces in a tray so they do not disappear during assembly.
- Use only tiny amounts of liquid glue when attaching narrow arms and small facial details.
Ways to Customize This Snowman Card
Change the cardstock palette to give the snowmen a different personality. Traditional red and green scarves would create a classic Christmas look, while pale blue, lavender, and silver would emphasize the winter theme.
Try heat embossing the Winter Peace pattern with metallic embossing powder on dark cardstock. Gold embossing on navy or silver embossing on deep green would create a more dramatic background.
The three snowmen can also be arranged on a slimline card or divided among several smaller projects. Use one snowman on a gift tag, place two on a mini card, or create a coordinating set with different sentiments from Wonderful Winter Sentiments.
For additional dimension, adhere all three snowmen with foam squares. For a flatter card that is easier to mail, attach every element with liquid glue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can BetterPress plates be used for heat embossing?
A BetterPress plate can transfer clear sticky ink onto cardstock in the same way it transfers BetterPress Ink. Cover the transferred sticky ink with embossing powder, remove the excess, and melt the powder with a heat tool. Follow the plate and machine care instructions when using alternative inks.
Why is embossing powder sticking outside the design?
Stray powder can cling to static, fingerprints, or other residue on the cardstock. Apply anti-static powder thoroughly before pressing the image, avoid touching the inked surface, and use a dry paintbrush to remove remaining flecks before heat setting.
What cardstock works best for this technique?
Smooth cardstock gives the plate an even surface for transferring the sticky ink. Dark or colorful cardstock also provides strong contrast when paired with white or metallic embossing powder. Test unfamiliar cardstock before beginning the finished project.
Can other BetterPress plates be heat embossed?
Many designs may work with this technique, but the amount of preparation required will depend on the plate. Bold designs may be easier for a first attempt, while finely detailed backgrounds require more careful anti-static preparation and cleanup.
Do I need additional plates when running the BetterPress system through the Platinum SIX?
No additional die-cutting plates are used when making the BetterPress impression. Place the Platen onto the Chase and run the assembled BetterPress system through the compatible machine according to the BetterPress instructions.
More BetterPress Ideas from Spellbinders
- What Is Letterpress? Beginner’s Guide to the BetterPress System
- Happy Holidays BetterPress Card Tutorial with Upright Italic Press + Foil Plate
- How to Create a Sweet Snowman Christmas Card with Unexpected Colors
Get More from Your BetterPress Plates
Heat embossing is a creative way to expand the possibilities of your BetterPress plate collection. With clear sticky ink, careful anti-static preparation, and embossing powder, the Winter Peace design becomes a raised snowy background for this cheerful Christmas card.
Take a look through your own press plates and consider which patterns might work with this technique. Bold designs offer an easy place to begin, while detailed patterns can produce beautiful results when the cardstock is prepared carefully.
Thank you so much for joining me on the Spellbinders blog today. If you would like to see more of my cards, I would love to have you visit My Card Trip or follow me on Instagram and Facebook.
I hope you have a wonderful day!
Lisa
About the Designer
Lisa Tilson is the cardmaker behind My Card Trip, where she shares handmade cards, detailed tutorials, and creative cardmaking techniques. Follow Lisa on Instagram and Facebook for more project inspiration.
