Learn how to take a basic card design and step it up to create even more cards. It’s a design technique and a great way to give your cards a whole new look. The cards feature the Bouquet of Thanks stamp set from Stampin’ Up! However, keep in mind you can use any stamp set you have on hand with these card layouts and technique.
Bouquet of Thanks Design
First let’s talk about the basic card design which was the inspiration for the additional card layouts. Start with a 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inch piece of Crumb Cake cardstock, score the 8-1/2 inch side at 4-1/4 inches to create the base of the card. Cut a 3-3/4 x 5 inch piece of Crumb Cake cardstock. Stamp the Bouquet of Thanks image in the center of the cardstock using Early Espresso ink. Color in the image with your favorite coloring tools and adhere it to the card front with a few dimensionals. For the finishing touch, embellish with a few pearls.
It’s a very simple yet beautiful card design. The coloring on the first card features Rich Razzleberry and Old Olive watercolor pencils. The second card features the use of the white watercolor pencil. Both are beautiful but my favorite is the neutral style with pops of white. Which one is your favorite?
Stepped Up Design
Now that we have a basic design to work with, we are ready to step it up! The concept of stepping up your cards involves starting with a basic idea and then stepping it up by adding additional layers, texture, or other elements to the basic design. Typically, I start with a very simple card design for this technique but you don’t have to. This technique will work with any card design.
For these cards, I decided to add a bit of texture in the background by embossing the 3-3/4 x 5 inch Crumb Cake cardstock layer. Next, I stamped the image on a separate piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and colored it in the same way I did with the basic design. However, for this design I roughed up the edges of the cardstock with a bit of paper tearing and ink sponging. Before adding the image to the card, I wrapped a bit of linen thread around the card front. So the stepped up components of this card include texture, linen thread and a bit of paper tearing. Simple and stunning!
Alternate Design
Another way to step up your card designs involves adding a layer of patterned paper along with the texture. For these card ideas, I embossed the card front instead of a separate piece of Crumb Cake cardstock. Next, cut a 2 x 5 inch piece of patterned paper and adhere it to the left side of the card front. It adds a nice pop of color to the card. Stamp the image on a slightly smaller piece of cardstock (3-1/4 x 4-1/4 inches) and adhere to the card front with dimensionals.
For the finishing touch, embellish with some pearls and twine. It’s a super simple way to completely change the look of the card without changing the focal point.
Tutorial & Supplies
Now you have some simple yet beautiful card layouts you can use with any supplies you have on hand. For a complete list of supplies and all the step-by-step instructions for creating these cards, feel free to download the printable tutorial.
I hope you are inspired to take some of your favorite card designs and step them up to create even more cards! Be sure to watch the video to see the creation of these cards in action. Have a fun and creative day my friends! ~ Lynn
The Bouquet of Thanks are beautiful. Thank you very much Lynn for sharing your beautiful card.
Thank you. Have fun with these card designs.