Have you ever struggled with coming up with a card design? Well, have no fear! This simple formula will have you popping out great card designs easy as 1-2-3!
Here is the formula you can think of when designing your cards:
- 1 Strip
- 2 Card Base Layers
- 3 Images/Elements
Here’s how it works:
Number 1 – Strip
Your “strip” can be a line created in any way you like, any length and any width. Some examples are:
- Cardstock
- Designer Series Paper
- Something Stamped
- Something Inked
- Ribbon or twine
Number 2 – Base Layers
Your two card base layers include:
- Cardstock 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″, scored at 4-1/4″
- Cardstock or DSP 5-1/4″ x 4″
Number 3 – Images
Examples of your focal point images are endless! You can include three different images, three of the same (same color or different colors), or two images and your sentiment. Here are some ways you can do them:
- Stamp directly on card layer
- Stamp on smaller pieces of cardstock and arranged on card base layer
- Die cut or fussy cut stamped images or from DSP
- Sentiment
- Shapes of colored or stamped cardstock or DSP
See It In Action
Now, see how some of these suggestions work together! Can you find the 1-2-3 elements on each of the cards below? I have some details below each photo describing products and/or techniques used. All cards feature the Seaside Notions stamp set, which will be retiring May 4, 2021, along with some other products mentioned below.
These cards, done in Very Vanilla and Crumb Cake, are a simple way to start. The top two show the 1 strip element done with the sand stamped in a line. The three images were simply stamped and matted in Soft Suede on the first one and die cut with the Stitched Shapes Dies on the second one. Linen Thread was added as well.
The bottom card has the three images showing through die cut circles in the Crumb Cake layer. Stamped in black, they tie in nicely with the black cardstock strip. The sentiment is punched with the Double Oval Punch.
Similarly, these cards in Basic White and Coastal Cabana show various ways to stamp and arrange the three images, stamped in Bermuda Bay ink.
Notice how the strip part of the formula is different on each card. You see a stamped strip of cardstock, a ribbon and a thin strip going partly across the card. The Stitched Shapes Dies were used on the top cards. Look how nice the white layer on the card base looks embossed with the Seabed Embossing Folder! (Retiring May 2021)
These cards, stepped up a bit include strips created from Rainbow Glimmer Paper, cardstock inked with Blending Brushes. Colors are Balmy Blue, Bermuda Bay and Pretty Peacock (retiring). The black cardstock was heat embossed in white and cut with the Triple Banner Punch.
Focal points on the top two cards are fussy cut and heat embossed. Opal embellishments were added for a little sparkle. On the bottom card, the three stamped cardstock panels are the focal points.
These strips were done with the same three colored inks as mentioned above. The top two were masked with torn paper. The bottom one was inked on the card base and then the Pretty Peacock second layer was torn to reveal the blended inks.
Images were either stamped directly or fussy cut. White baker’s twine added as an embellishment.
Lastly, these boast Whale of a Time Designer Series Paper as a layer and a strip. Images were die cut or fussy cut. Cardstock colors include Basic White and Shaded Spruce on the left, and Balmy Blue, Granny Apple Green and Black on the right. Stitched Shapes dies and Stitched So Sweetly dies were used.
So now you are ready to make your own card designs easy as 1-2-3!
Watch the YouTube tutorial below more instruction on some of the techniques used on these cards.
very helpful info. Can g the caps off. Ipad problems.