Hello, hello! We made it to the finish line! Today I’m sharing Day 12 from the 12 Days of Stitchmas Advent Calendar by Spellbinders – and it’s a classic: the Nutcracker. This post walks through my assembly steps, a few stitching tips, and two finished card ideas (one stitched, one not) to show just how versatile this die is, even if you skip the stitching entirely.
Missed Day 1? Watch it HERE. Watch Day 2 HERE. Watch Day 3 HERE. Watch Day 4 HERE. Watch Day 5 HERE. Watch Day 6 HERE. Watch Day 7 HERE. Watch Day 8 HERE. Watch Day 9 HERE. Watch Day 10 HERE. Watch Day 11 HERE.
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
Watch the video below or on my YouTube channel.
CARD DETAILS
Day 12 includes a multi-piece Nutcracker die set with optional stitching inserts for several areas (hat detail, jacket panel, and boots). The pieces are etched with guide lines pressed into the cardstock – those lines show you exactly where each element should sit when you’re assembling (so helpful!).
I used the following cardstock colors to create the cards: Brushed Black, gold glitter (from the Treasured Cardstock Pack), Fawn (skin), Fog (hair), Fern & Rainforest (greens), Brushed White, plus a second palette of Teal Topaz, Seaside, Wild Berry, and Blush.
I also used Color Essential Gems in Green and Capri Blue to embellish the cards.
A BetterPress plate sentiment (from my City Holiday collection), gold foil on Brushed White cardstock, and the Molded Frame embossing folder were used to complete the pink/teal card.
Day 12 wraps up the 12 Days of Stitch Advent Calendar with a festive bang. Whether you stitch everything, stitch a little, or skip stitching entirely, this Nutcracker is a showstopper and super customizable.
I hope you enjoyed my look at the 12 Days of Stitchmas Advent Calendar from Spellbinders! I had a blast opening each window and creating with the surprise dies. I now look forward to opening the Crafty Advent Calendar starting on December 1st.
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!
 12 Days of Stitchmas 2025 Advent Calendar Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 12 Days of Stitchmas Stitch Along Add-on Kit Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders 2025 Crafty Advent Calendar 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 | SC | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Molded Frame 3D Embossing Folder Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Glimmer Hot Foil Roll – Gold Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Brushed Black Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Brushed White Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Gold Assortment Treasured Cardstock Shop at: SSS | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Wild Berry ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Fawn ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Fern ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Rainforest ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Seaside ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Teal Topaz ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Tool ‘n One – White Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Spellbinders Fog ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Blush ColorWheel Cardstock Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Simon Says Stamp Midnight Green Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Capri Blue Color Essentials Gems Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Spellbinders Green Mix Color Essential Gems Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Bearly Art Mini Precision Craft Glue Shop at: SSS | SB USA | AMZ |
 White Foam Squares Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ |
 Glassboard Studio Glass Craft Mat – Code YANA15 Shop at: GBS |
