Hello, friends! I continue to dive into the products from my new City Holiday Collection with Spellbinders, and today I’m excited to share a closer look at one of the more playful and versatile dies in this release — the Shadow Joy Die.
While this die set might seem simple at first glance, don’t be fooled — it offers a range of creative opportunities that work for both quick and easy cards and more detailed, layered designs.
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The Shadow Joy Die Set features several dies, with two main components: the bold “Joy” word die and its coordinating shadow layer. You can use them together or separately to suit your card design style.
In my video tutorial, I demonstrate a variety of ways to use this die:
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On its own, as a statement, “Joy”.
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Layered over the shadow background.
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Fully embellished with detailed accent dies for extra flair.
You’ll also find some additional “fill-in” dies that allow you to create multi-colored shadow pieces, giving your finished word dimension and richness. While these might seem a bit tricky at first, once you understand how the pieces come together, they open up a whole world of design options.
HOW TO USE YANA’S SHADOW JOY DIE
Watch the video below or on my YouTube channel:
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CARD EXAMPLES & TIPS
First up – single Joy die cut, without the shadow layer. Designed to fit an A2 card perfectly (both landscape and portrait). I foiled a snowy background for this card using the Confetti BetterPress plate and Opal foil on Windy cardstock.
I also added embellishments from the City Holiday die set, and an additional sentiment foiled in red.
My next example is a 5×7 card – you can see that this die cut first a larger card size nicely, as well. I used Oceanside cardstock for the Joy and background, along with Mirror Gold for the shadow layer and Fern + Rainforest for the greenery. The berries were cut from white. I also added a sub-sentiment foiled in gold.
My next card shows the Shadow Joy die used with all the extra layers and shadow pieces to create a multi-color shadow. I used Poppy & Pomegranate cardstock for the “Joy” along with the Gold Glitter for the shadow detail. I also added foliage and a “Happy Holidays” banner from the Christmas Cracker die set, along with a plethora of green gems.
Here’s another card with a snowy background and very minimalistic look. I used the same supplies as before:
Another creative use was framing a sentiment with multiple “Joy” die-cuts in the corners — a completely different layout that draws the eye to the message at the center. (Side note: you may spot a missing “E” in my example — that was a prototype! Your finished dies will have everything you need.)
Die Cutting Tips
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Use a strong liquid glue (I love Barely Art Glue) to secure the tiny shadow pieces into place.
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Add foam adhesive behind the word die to create dimension and help it stand out.
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Mix and match colors to create a bold, multi-tone holiday look — the smaller dies are perfect for using up scraps.
This card uses a Molded Frame embossing folder along with the other previously mentioned supplies:
I hope you enjoyed this closer look at the Shadow Joy Die and feel inspired to create your own festive cards. Whether you want a clean and simple look or something more detailed and dimensional, this die truly lets you customize the “joy” of the season.
Let me know in the comments if you give it a try — or tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations. I’ll be back soon with more card ideas from the City Holiday Collection!
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Spellbinders City Holiday Etched Dies Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Christmas Cheer Sentiments BetterPress Plate & Die Set Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil System (Platinum) Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Molded Frame 3D Embossing Folder Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Platinum 6 Machine With Universal Plate System Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Shadow Joy Etched Dies Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Christmas Cracker Etched Dies Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Sprinkled Confetti Press Plates from the Home for the Holidays Collection Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Hot Foil Roll – Red Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil Roll – Gold Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil Roll – Opal Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Brushed Black Cardstock Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Gold Assortment Treasured Cardstock Shop at: SSS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Oceanside ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Windy ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Fern ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Poppy ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Pomegranate ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Craft Stax Large Tray Set Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Craft Stax Medium Tray Set Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Craft Stax Combo Tray Set Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Craft Stax Magnetic Panels Large Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Craft Stax Magnetic Panels Medium Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Green Mix Color Essential Gems Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Bearly Art Mini Precision Craft Glue Shop at: SSS | SB USA | AMZ |
 White Foam Squares Shop at: SSS | PFS | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Sakura Classic White Bold Line 10 Pen Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
