--- title: 2017 Aluminum Holiday Card description: Layers of decoration processes on aluminum result in beautiful keepsake with incredible movement and detail, all on a flat metal surface. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/images/2017-Holiday-Card-02.jpg --- https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/60349/images/2017-Holiday-Card-02.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/2017-aluminum-holiday-card#main-nav) [![Norcorp](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png?width=530&name=Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png "Norcorp")](https://www.norcorp.com/) - [Surfaces on Aluminum Design Blog](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog) - 2017 Aluminum Holiday Card # 2017 Aluminum Holiday Card [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/facebook_footer.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fdesign-aluminum-surfaces-blog%2F2017-aluminum-holiday-card) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/linkedin_footer.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fdesign-aluminum-surfaces-blog%2F2017-aluminum-holiday-card&title=&source=%2F&summary=) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/twitter_footer.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20this%20great%20blog%20post%20I%20just%20read&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fdesign-aluminum-surfaces-blog%2F2017-aluminum-holiday-card) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/googlefooter.png)](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fdesign-aluminum-surfaces-blog%2F2017-aluminum-holiday-card) [Previous← Classic Cool Aluminum Surfaces](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/classic-cool-aluminum-surfaces) [NextTransforming Your Wallet with Metal →](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/transforming-your-wallet-with-metal) [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/author/vicky-bowie) **Fri, Dec 1, 2017 ** Many of our patterns and finishes on aluminum are created with layers of decorative processes. A popular request is to make use of selective areas of mechanical finishes - stripes, spins, and brushes on the surface of the metal. The resulting decoration has movement and depth which can then be built upon with transparent tints of color and printed tones for detail. #### Layers of Decorative Processes on Aluminum Layering of processes is the foundation for this year's Holiday Card. This is a beautiful showing of the possibilities for adding areas of interest as well as visual depth and dimension without additional tooling investment. ![2017-Holiday-Card-Steps-Fan-3.jpg](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/2017-Holiday-Card-Steps-Fan-3.jpg?width=748&height=518&name=2017-Holiday-Card-Steps-Fan-3.jpg) #### Mechanical Finishes Create Movement Incorporating areas of spins and stripes creates an optical effect where light is reflected off the surface of the metal at various angles. The resulting movement is a way to catch attention without being too bold. The ornaments and images in the background of this year's card showcase these effects. #### Gradient Halftones Patterns can be printed so that they change scale or intensity as they are laid down across surfaces. Soft detail frames the edges of this year's card with fades and tones, adding further interest.  #### Transparent and Metallic Colors A tint of color applied to a selectively brushed background gives you a tone on tone effect as the color is printed on both bright and brushed aluminum. A transparent red is printed overall and appears as a two-tone color depending on which area of the card your eyes are focused on. Metallic colors rely on metal flakes added to color formulations to create options ranging from fine to coarse metallic effects. The graphics for the Holiday Card have a medium fleck to give a hint of a bead-blast look and feel to contrast with the high gloss background. #### How It's Made  Want to see more? Let this quick video walk you through some of the layers and processes used to create this year's card. Enjoy! #### Related Posts [Using Halftones with Mechanical Finishes to Create Visual Depth](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/bid/57301/3D-Aluminum-Finishes)[ Beadblast Inspiration for Aluminum Patterns ](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/beadblast-inspiration-for-aluminum-patterns)[Gradient Patterns on Aluminum Trim](https://www.norcorp.com/trim-blog/customization-with-gradient-pattern-structures-for-aluminum-trim) [Subtle Patterns on Aluminum Surfaces](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/subtle-patterns-on-aluminum-surfaces-show-dimesion) [10 Patterns that Push Boundaries on Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/10-patterns-on-aluminum-that-push-boundaries) [Popular Finishes and Structures from Pattern Library](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/endless-possiblities-with-patterns-on-aluminum)   Topics: [Mechanical Finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/mechanical-finishes), [Custom Patterns](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/custom-patterns), [Promotional Products](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/promotional-products)   ### Subscribe to Design Blog - [Topics](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/2017-aluminum-holiday-card#mia-topics) - [Popular](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/2017-aluminum-holiday-card#mia-popular) - [2021 (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/2021) - [3D (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/3d) - [Aluminum (88)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum) - [Aluminum In-mold (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum-in-mold) - [Aluminum Trim (87)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/aluminum-trim) - [Anodize (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/anodize) - [Appliance (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/appliance) - [Architectural (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/architectural) - [Art Deco (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/art-deco) - [Automotive (15)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/automotive) - [Black Finish (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/black-finish) - [Boats (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/boats) - [Brushed Aluminum (25)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/brushed-aluminum) - [Carbon Fiber (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/carbon-fiber) - [Ceiling Tile (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/ceiling-tile) - [Classic (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/classic) - [Coating (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/coating) - [Coined (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/coined) - [Color Development (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/color-development) - [Color Trend (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/color-trend) - [Copper Finish (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/copper-finish) - [Cosmetics (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/cosmetics) - [Custom Patterns (49)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/custom-patterns) - [Customization (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/customization) - [Customized Patterns on Aluminum (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/customized-patterns-on-aluminum) - [Decorated Metal Cards (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/decorated-metal-cards) - [Diamond Cut (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/diamond-cut) - [ebook (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/ebook) - [Faux Finishes (20)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/faux-finishes) - [Favorite Finish (19)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/favorite-finish) - [Fine Art (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/fine-art) - [geometric (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/geometric) - [Geometric Finish (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/geometric-finish) - [Gloss (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/gloss) - [Gold Finish (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/gold-finish) - [gray (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/gray) - [Holiday Card (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/holiday-card) - [IDSA (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/idsa) - [Inlay (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/inlay) - [Large Format (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/large-format) - [linear (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/linear) - [Linear Finish (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/linear-finish) - [Lithography (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/lithography) - [Match Box Cover (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/match-box-cover) - [Materials and Processes (29)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/materials-and-processes) - [Mechanical Finishes (37)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/mechanical-finishes) - [Metallic (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/metallic) - [Micro Finish (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/micro-finish) - [Modern (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/modern) - [Mood Board (30)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/mood-board) - [Nameplate (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/nameplate) - [NeoCon (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/neocon) - [Organic Finish (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/organic-finish) - [Organic Finishes (13)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/organic-finishes) - [Patina Finish (12)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/patina-finish) - [Pattern on Pattern (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/pattern-on-pattern) - [Powerful (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/powerful) - [Process Color (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/process-color) - [Promotional Products (13)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/promotional-products) - [Recycled Aluminum (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/recycled-aluminum) - [Resources (12)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/resources) - [Selective Patterns (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/selective-patterns) - [Silver Finish (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/silver-finish) - [Simplicity (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/simplicity) - [Stainless Steel (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/stainless-steel) - [Surface Collection (32)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/surface-collection) - [Surfaces (87)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/surfaces) - [Technical (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/technical) - [Texture (15)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/texture) - [Top 10 (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/top-10) - [Top 3 (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/top-3) - [Watermark (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/watermark) - [White Finish (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/white-finish) - [Woodgrain (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/woodgrain) - [Worn (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/worn) - [Woven Finish (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/topic/woven-finish) [see all](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/2017-aluminum-holiday-card#) ### Resources ### Design ### About © 2026 NBHX TRIM GROUP - Northern Engraving | 803 South Black River St. | Sparta, WI 54656-0377 | Phone +1 608 269 6911