Coming up with card designs can be a bit challenging at times. But it doesn’t have to be! So today I have simple card designing technique to share which is often referred to as the Step It Up technique. Stepping up your cards is a great way to get the most of your favorite card designs. The concept for stepping up cards is simple. Start with a basic card design and then build upon that design by adding layers or accents to change the look. And today, I have 3 more Darling Donkeys card ideas to share that feature this card designing technique.
Step It Up Technique
There are so many different ways to step up your card designs. Earlier this week, I showcased the Step It Up technique with the same stamp set, the Darling Donkeys, that I am using today. You can check out the adorable card ideas HERE. The key to stepping up your cards is to start with a basic card design and then build upon that design by adding embellishments, layers or accents to change the look.
The first card features the “basic” card design that I am using to create the other two cards. It’s a very simple yet adorable little card idea. The key element, which I carry through as the theme for all three cards, is the focal point. The darling donkey image is exactly the same on each of the cards. So you can see the second card features the same focal point, the same colors and the same patterned paper. The only differences between the two cards are the number of layers and texture. The easiest way to step up a card design is to add some texture (embossing) and additional layers.
Pop Up Card Design
The third way to step up your card design is to transition it to a fun fold card. Recently, I shared a z fold card idea as it’s one of my favorite fun fold card designs to use. This time I decided to step up the card design by creating a fun pop up section with the focal point. So although the card design has changed a bit, this final card showcases how to carry over the color scheme and focal point to create a whole new look!
This was such a super fun card to make and it’s easy too! I simply cut a piece of Pool Party cardstock as a matte for my darling donkey focal point. Since the image is stamped on a 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inch white square, I created a 3 x 3 inch matte for it from some pool party cardstock. However, I didn’t stop there. I turned the matte into an accordion fold pop out section for the card. Be sure to watch the video to see the creation of this pop section!
Tutorial and Supplies
Now you have three different card designs that you can really use with any supplies you have on hand. For a complete list of supplies and all of the step by step instructions for creating these cards, feel free to download the printable tutorial.
The cards feature the Darling Donkeys stamp set from Stampin’ Up! This is a NEW stamp set which will be available beginning January 5, 2021. It’s part of the Sale-A-bration offering which means you can get it FREE with a $50 purchase. Learn more about Sale-A-Bration and see all of the fun new products coming out by requesting a catalog HERE.
I hope you enjoyed these cards ideas and my little sneak peek into the fun new products coming out in January! Have a fun and creative day! ~ Lynn
what pattern paper was used for these donkey cards?
I used one of the patterned papers from the Artistry Blooms DSP pack. You can find a complete list of supplies by downloading the free printable tutorial.