Layering allows you to easily add depth and dimension in your card making. You can use embellishments like buttons, ribbon, pearls or other fun products. You can also create some accents (different shapes) by using your punches or die cuts. By choosing different papers, accents, and/or embellishments you can certainly add a variety of color and texture to your cards with layering. So today I have 5 different card ideas which feature some simple layering tips for card makers.
Simple Layering Tips
Create a Matte: One of my favorite ways to layer, is to create a “matte.” Mattes allow you to add two different colors around the edges of your card front or around a focal point on the card. I typically use a 1/4″ matte when layering but you can vary the size of the matte depending on the look you are going for. For example, the first card features a 5 x 3-3/4 inch piece of white cardstock matted with a 5-1/4 x 4 inch piece of Balmy Blue card stock. This is a great way to accent the colors you are using on the card.
Create a Grouping or Collage: You can also layer together different shapes, accents and/or embellishments in a group to create a “collage” or the focal point for your card. Notice how the second card features a group of different stamped and die cut images layered together to form a “collage” or grouping on the front of the card.
Texture and Color Layering Tips
Add Texture: You can also add texture to your layers in a variety of ways. Tear the edges of your cardstock, emboss one of the layers or use die cut pieces to add textured layers. Of course you can also combine the use texture with the concept of creating a grouping to add layers to your cards. Each of these cards feature a variety of texture with the die cut pieces.
Add Color: Use solid colors that coordinate with the patterned papers that you want to use on your card. Don’t be afraid to mix and match some patterns together. Use large and small patterns together for a fun look! The second card features some blue wood grain and some brown polka dot patterned paper in the background. It really helps accent the colors of the stamped images.
Window Card
Create a Window: The last way you can add layers is simply to create a window on your card. The circular shaped die, from the Birds and Branches set, makes a gorgeous window on the front of the card. This enables you to add layers to the inside of the card as well as on the front of the card.
You can use any die cut shape to create a window on the front of your card. Then simply add layers to the inside and the outside of the card. The effect is striking! Plus it’s so easy to die cut a window on any card front. For more simple window card ideas, check out these adorable cards HERE.
Supply List
These card ideas feature the Birds and Branches Bundle, from Stampin’ Up! This is one of those sets that caught my eye right away. The stamp set has a variety of detailed two-step stamps. Two-step stamping is a great way to “color” the images without all the fuss. And the die set, well, these card ideas should give you a good idea of all of the gorgeous die cuts you can create.
The Birds and Branches Bundle is also this month’s featured card making tutorial. Yes, each month I feature a new stamp set or bundle and a free tutorial with variety of card ideas. Simply shop with this month’s host code and receive the free printable tutorial featuring 6 cards created with the Birds & Branches Bundle. So besides the 5 ideas I shared here today, the tutorial features 6 additional ideas! The July 2020 host code is K9DW7KEQ and is valid through July 25, 2020. Shop with the host code at https://lynndunn.stampinup.net
I hope you enjoyed the card ideas shared here today! Have a creative day my friends! ~ Lynn
Supply List
Do you do card kits? I need the cutting done and measuring.I love your bugs,bees and bird cards.Please let me know .Thank you
Hi Maureen, Thank you for your inquiry. I do put together card kits. However, at this point I do not have kits available for the cards you mentioned above.