When you think of card layers (or mats) does your mind automatically go to 5 1/4” x 4”, and then right to 5” x 3 3/4”? Those layers are classic, and that 1/8” border always looks great! Definitely a go to look! But, sometimes we get in a rut. One way to escape that card making rut is to consider the layers we routinely use. Why limit ourselves to just a couple of layer sizes? There are so many other options available! For today’s cards I have used two layers of cardstock. The first layer is 5” x 3 3/4”. We use this size layer a lot, but not usually as the first layer. The top layer is 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”. This serves as the focal panel. I stamped repeated images on the focal panel to create a background, but this layer could also be embossed with an embossing folder to add interest. Patterned paper could also be used for this layer. I completed the card front by adding a die cut focal image and greeting. The inside panel measures 4 1/2” x 3 1/4” to complement the layering on the card front. Let’s take a look at the sample cards:
VIDEO
WHAT YOU NEED
* Cardstock - card base - A-2 size; cut cardstock at 8 1/w” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”; cardstock for layers - one at 5” x 3 3/4” and one at 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”; cardstock for inside panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”; cardstock for focal image and greeting.
*Stamps, ink, adhesives, embellishments, and other items needed to complete your card.
WHAT TO DO
* Cut and score card base, cut layers, and inside panel.
* Prepare focal panel - stamp pattern on it (optional), stamp and color focal image and punch, die cut or fussy cut it. Stamp and prepare greeting, stamp inside panel.
* Assemble card. Place focal image on left side near the bottom. Place greeting on card along top.
* Add embellishments.
CARD LAYOUT # 2618
FLIPPIN’ AWESOME
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
MERMAZING
(Stamp and die - Trinity Stamps; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
VIDEO CARD
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
CARD LAYER MEASUREMENTS
I made this “layering tool” using cardstock and a binder clip. I started by cutting a piece of cardstock at 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” - the measurements for the front of an A-2 sized card. For the next layer I subtracted 1/4” from the length and 1/4” from width, and did the same for each consecutive size. I wrote the measurements on each piece. I wrote the measurements in landscape orientation, because there was more space to write. Of course the layer measurements are the same for either landscape or portrait cards. I lined the pieces up along the lower left edge and clipped them together with a binder clip. The clip not only holds the layers together, it also allows the tool to sit up, making it easy to store on a desk or a shelf. Below you will find the measurements for each layering piece.
piece.
LAYERS FOR A-2 CARDS
TODAY’S CARDS
Isn’t it amazing what a small change in layer size can do for your cards? I challenge you to shake up the layers you use on your cards. It is an easy way to add a little variety and step out of a card making rut. Why not give it a try? That’s all for today. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .
Today’s cards are all about putting the focal image front and center. The layout is similar to last week’s, but the middle panel has been replaced with stacked images. The creative part of this card is selecting images to stack! The card goes together quickly, so it is perfect when you need a card in a hurry, or just want a quick crafting fix! Let’s take a look at the sample cards:
VIDEO
WHAT YOU NEED
* Card Base - A2 size- cut cardstock at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”.
* Mat Layer - cardstock or patterned paper cut at 5 1/4” x 4”.
* Inside panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”.
* Cardstock - for images and greeting. Use 3-5 images or more based on size.
* Arrange images in a vertical line down the center of the front of the card.
* Add greeting.
CARD LAYOUT #2617
TODAY’S CARDS
Woodland Birthday
(Ink, cardstock, embellishments -Stampin’ Up!; All other supplies - Catherine Pooler)
BIRTHDAY SCOOPS
(Patterned Paper - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
CHECKS & DAISIES
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
THREE GOATS BIRTHDAY
(Enamel dots - Altenew; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
NOTABLE BUTTERFLIES
(All supplies -Stampin’ Up!)
VIDEO CARD
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
TODAY’S CARDS
Quick and easy, but full of interest this card design is perfect for any occasion. Look through your stamps. I am certain you will find images to stack and create cards that will be the center of attention!
Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time. . .
Have you ever needed a card in a hurry? Have you wanted to create a card that was quick, but still had a little flair? Have you ever wanted a card layout that is simple, but could be jazzed up a bit if you had time? Well, if you have ever wanted any of those things, today’s card layout just might be for you! The layout features a full length (5 1/2”) middle panel thus the “Middle Ground” title for this post. The basic layout can be completed in 5 minutes. If you have 10 minutes you can step it up a bit. Twenty minutes, add a bit of texture with an embossing folder. Thirty minutes, well you can really add some pizzazz! Let’s take a look at the sample cards:
VIDEO
WHAT YOU NEED
* Card Base - A-2 size - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 4 1/4” or 11” x 4 1/4” scored a 5 1/2”
* Mat - cardstock or patterned paper cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
* Middle Panel - cardstock or patterned paper cut at 5 1/2” x 2 1/2”
* Inside Panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
* Other Cardstock - for focal images, greeting, etc
* Fold card base and go over fold with bone folder.
* Stamp sentiment on inside panel. Adhere panel to card inside
* Stamp and prepare focal image and / or greeting; punch or die cut images / greeting if needed.
* Adhere mat to front of card, centered left to right and top to bottom.
* Adhere middle panel centered left to right on mat. The middle panel will span the entire length of the portrait style card and the entire width of the landscape version. There should be 3/4” border of the mat on each side of the middle panel. + See note below.
* Add focal image and / or greeting.
* Finish the card by adding a few embellishments.
+NOTE - An easy way to line up the middle panel is to cut a piece of cardstock at 3/4” x 5 1/2” ish. This can be used as a guide to lineup the middle panel.
Line up this piece along the left side of the 5 1/4” x 4” mat. Use a piece of low tack tape to hold this
piece in place.
Place adhesive on the back of the middle panel. Line up the middle panel right up against guide. Remember the middle panel will be even with the top and bottom of the card base. Once you have the middle panel in place, lift up the guide and you will have a 3/4” border of the mat on both sides of the middle panel.
CARD LAYOUT #2616
MIDDLE GROUND
CARDS IN A HURRY TIPS
* Use a simple and familiar layout.
* Use patterned paper as a mat. It is an easy way to add color, images, patterns, etc.
* Use two-step stamps - ink one stamp and stamp the outline, the second stamp fills in the color.
* Use dimensionals (foam tape) to pop up something. (For this card layout the middle panel can be popped up to add a touch of dimension).
* Add a few sequins, dots, gems, etc for a quick and easy way to step up a quick and easy card.
THIS WEEKS CARDS
I created six cards to share this week. I timed how long it took to make each one from start to finish. This includes the time for selecting cardstock, papers, stamps, etc. It includes time spent cutting, scoring, stamping, coloring, die cutting, assembling, and adding embellishments.
FIVE MINUTE CARD
This card was so fast and easy! I completed it in just under 5 minutes. This is the landscape version of the layout. It is a very basic card - the base, a patterned paper mat, and a greeting stamped directly onto the middle panel. I dressed it up with 3 sparkly dots. I think a larger sentiment would have looked better, but I am okay with it. I did stamp a sentiment inside on a white panel.
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
TEN MINUTE CARD
This card took ten minutes to complete. I just happened to have a piece of white cardstock that measured 2” x 5 1/2”, so I stamped the images on it, used four alcohol markers - no shading just put down some color, then adhered it centered on the middle panel. The middle panel is on foam tape. The patterned paper adds the look of texture. I stamped the greeting on the patterned paper, layered it on a scrap piece of white cardstock and die cut the sentiment then adhered it to the card. Popped on some black faceted gems, popped in the inside panel and called it good.
(Stamped images and dies - Hero Arts; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
TWENTY MINUTE CARD
I spent just under twenty minutes creating this card. I embossed the patterned paper I used for the mat. I stamped the balloons and colored them with alcohol markers. If you want a quick and easy image to color choose balloons! They have no tiny details and you don’t have to do any shading. If you do choose to add a bit of shading, it is super fast and easy. Die cutting the 4 balloons took a little time, but it was work it. I embossed the mat, and die cut the balloons and greeting at the same time. I used dimensionals to pop up the balloons and the greeting. I added the embellishments, and stamped the inside panel and adhered it.
(Patterned Paper - Scrapbook.com; Balloons stamp / die - Colorado Craft Company; Sentiment - Waffle Flower; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
THIRTY MINUTE CARDS
For the next three cards I used embossing folders, alcohol markers, and dies. The two alien cards took a bit under thirty minutes each. The lilac card took right at 30 minutes.
(Stamps and dies - Trinity Stamps; Patterned Paper - Scrapbook.com; All other - Stampin’ Up!)
(Stamps and dies - Trinity Stamps; Patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
(Stamps and dies - Hero Arts; Greeting - Waffle Flower; Patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
VIDEO CARDS
DAISY BLUES
(Embossing folder - Sizzix; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
THANKFUL BERRIES
(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)
TODAY’S CARDS
Whether you take five minutes or thirty minutes to create a card, this Middle Ground layout will work every time! Keep it simple, or really jazz it up - it’s your call! I hope you give this layout a try. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .
