STEPPING UP YOUR CARDS - LITTLE THINGS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Hi Stampers!

Do you ever feel you are in a card making rut? Do your cards just need something a bit different, but not too different? Have you considered doing something to “step up” your cards, but just don’t know where to start? This just might be the post for you!

Today I thought we would talk about little things that add a lot to a card, but are still quick and easy. These things add that extra something and really step up your card! Today’s card layout features a gate fold card. A fun fold steps up a card, and a quick and easy fun fold lets card makers relax and enjoy creating! So that’s what we are doing -  stepping up our cards using those quick and easy little things that make a big difference! Let’s take a peek at the sample cards:

 

VIDEO

CARD LAYOUT #2612

WHAT YOU NEED

* Cardstock - for card base, for greeting and mat, and for back side of focal image, and white or light colored for inside (see layout for measurements).

* Patterned paper- for front panels and inside (see layout for measurements).

* Die cut image(s)

* Stamps, inks, markers, embellishments, adhesive, etc. 

WHAT TO DO

* Score and fold card base,  go over fold with bone folder. 

* Adhere patterned paper panels to front of card and mat to inside of card.

* Stamp, color, die cut focal image and stamp and mat greeting.

* Adhere cardstock cut out to back side of focal image. Adhere focal image to card by placing adhesive on the back of one side of the focal image. I prefer the left side, but either side will do.

* Adhere greeting. Placement will depend on die cut image size and shape. 

* Stamp inside panel and adhere to inside of card centered on mat.

* Add embellishments

TWELVE EASY WAYS TO STEP UP A CARD

1. If the back of any die cut or punched image will show, die cut or punch a second image from cardstock the same color as the card base; adhere the cut out to the backside of the image.

2. Add a little shine or sparkle with a glitter brush, glitter gems, metallic or glimmer cardstock, etc. 

3. Add a patterned paper mat (5 1/4”x 4”) to the card inside and top with a piece of white or light colored cardstock (5” x 3 3/4”) for stamping and signing. 

4. Stamp small image(s) on inside panel.

5. Stamp inside sentiment at bottom of panel.

6. On back of card toward bottom stamp a brief sentiment or small image, or adhere a small die cut.

7. Angle focal image and / or sentiment panel.

8. When coloring images, use different shades of a color to add highlights and shadows. It adds depth and interest to your images.

9. Add shading to your focal images. It is easy. Pick one side of the image to add shadow (deeper color) then blend it into the lighter shade of color. 

10. Add hand written / drawn images or lettering to image or focal panel.

11. Stamp the greeting in an unexpected or bright color.

12. Make the card a fun fold!

BUTTERFLY SPARKLE

To step up this card I angled the butterfly, then added glimmer to the butterfly with a glimmer pen, and used some glitter gems. 

INSIDE

For the inside I used a mat of patterned paper. Remember you can punch or die cut images or shapes from the center area of the mat. The holes will be covered over by a panel of cardstock. I stamped my sentiment and then stamped and colored the butterflies. Those small images add a lot to the card.

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

FEEL BETTER BASKET

I stepped up this card a bit by using some shading on the focal image. I stamped the greeting the same color as the flowers, and added embellishments. 

INSIDE

I used the patterned paper as a mat, then stamped the inside sentiment at the bottom of the panel and stamped some small flowers to step up the inside of the card. 

 (Stamps-basket and greeting- Hero Arts; Patterned Paper - Scrapbook.com; Inside greeting, cardstock, ink, Embellushments - Stampin’ Up!)

PEEP!

I angled the focal image and the greeting, then added sparkle gems for a little something extra. 

INSIDE

Once again I used patterned paper for a mat. It is such an easy way to add a little something extra. I adhered a die cut Peep and angled it.

BACK OF CARD

I adhered this tiny Peep image at the bottom of the back side of the card. It is a fun detail that adds a little zip to the card.

(Stamp and dies - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LILACS

I used several shades of purple to color the lilacs. This variation creates depth and dimension. I also used a bit of light aqua alcohol marker to add just a hint of color to the vase.

(Focal panel image - Hero Arts; Patterned Paper - Crafter’s Companion; All other - Stampin’ Up!)

HAPPY PRESENTS

I stepped up this card by using shading techniques on the gifts and the tag.  I also added the “HB2U” with a marker. 

(Stamp - Colorado Craft Company; Patterned Paper - Crafter’s Companion; All other - Stampin’Up!)

VIDEO CARDS

LIGHTHOUSE CARD

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LOBSTER CARD

(Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

TODAY’S CARDS

I like the way these cards turned out. I do think they demonstrate how simple little things can have a big impact on your cards. It’s amazing how something as simple as adding, of stamping  a few images inside of a card makes such a big difference! I hope you add a few extra touches to your next card.  

Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

Kim