Let’s continue to talk about different ways to take a basic card design and step it up to create even more cards. It’s one of my favorite design techniques and a great way to give your cards a whole new look. The cards feature products from the Hues of Happiness from Stampin’ Up! However, keep in mind you can use any stamp set you have on hand with these card layouts and technique.
Hues of Happiness Design
First let’s talk about the basic card design which was the inspiration for the additional card layouts. The card design starts with stamping a background on the card front. Use the same color ink and the cardstock to create a subtle look. You can use any images to stamp a background for your card.
Next, cut a 2-1/2 x 4-1/4 inch piece of white cardstock. Stamp a greeting on the bottom and add a floral arrangement to the top. The flowers and leaves were cut from the Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper using the coordinating dies from the bundle. Cut a 1-1/2 x 2-3/4 inch piece of cardstock and tuck it under the rectangular shape before adhering to the card front. That’s it! It’s a simple yet stunning design.
Stepped Up Card Designs
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. The next two cards feature a very simple way to step up your design. Simply add a bit of ribbon and some texture. As you can see, this design is very similar to the first one. The only difference is the addition of ribbon and a die cut edge on the element on the left side of the card.
Another way to step up your card designs involves adding a bit more texture. The last two designs feature the addition of die cut texture to the 2-1/2 x 4-1/4 inch piece of white cardstock and the accent piece. I also added a few more florals to the focal point. The greeting/sentiment is now on the inside of the card instead of the outside.
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. For more design ideas, check out the Bouquet of Thanks stepped up card designs HERE.
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