I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes something a simple card versus a stepped up card. I spent some time on Instagram looking at cards for other designers to see what little things they do to make their cards spectacular.
I thought I’d share some of those tips with you today.
I’ve made two cards to show you the difference.
While this is not the stepped up card, I don’t consider this to be a beginner card. There are already some features of this card that make it stepped up already.
This card has 3 layers: the card front layer, a black mat, and the card base. I still consider it a single layer card because my focal image, sentiment and background stamp are all stamped directly on to the card front panel.
This card also uses a masking technique to get that striped background stamped around the image. Additionally, I used layered stencils to add color to the image.
It’s a pretty card. But…it needs more texture and dimension.
Card 2 fixes that!
I fussy cut out the image and popped it up on foam tape so I have dimension on my card now! I also heat embossed the sentiment in white on black cardstock and then fussy cut that out. The sentiment is also popped up on some foam tape for yet more dimension.
The background is created with the same stamp and the same colors except I spritzed it with water after inking it and then stamped it on to watercolor paper. I love the faux watercolor look. It adds texture to this card!
Simple changes make such a difference!
Card Recipes:
Card base: top folding 4-1/4 x 11″, score and fold at 5-1/2″
Eclipse Black mat cut at 4-1/8 x 5-3/8″
Card Front panel cut at 4 x 5-1/4″
Ink Colors: Distress Oxide in brushed corduroy, ground espresso, crushed olive, peeled paint, forest moss, faded jeans, prize ribbon, chipped sapphire Color Hive inks for the background: English Mustard, Red Leicester, Grand Canyon
Stamps and Stencil: You’re Berry Sweet, Retro Builder Base stamp, Berries Stencil
Crown Jewel Gems: Limewired
Video:
Supply List:
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Leave me a comment and let me know which card you prefer. Thank you for dropping in today! Be well!
