Thursday, April 9, 2026

SHOW YOUR STRIPES IN STRIPS FOR AN INTERESTING CARD BACKGROUND

Hi Stampers!

Do you like options? I always enjoy options - especially when it comes to card making. For example I like card layouts that work well in either portrait or landscape orientation. I really like stamp sets that have both image outline stamps and stamps to fill in the color for those images. This means I can color in the images with markers or water colors, or just stamp the color! Today we are going to talk about a background technique that gives you options, and it all starts with stripes! I call this the STRIPES TO STRIPS TECHNIQUE.  Let’s take a peek at today’s cards:


VIDEO




CARD LAYOUT #2614


Remember, a card layout is a guide, but it is not set in stone. Change it to suit your focal image and / or greeting. Change the measurements of the focal panel and mat. Switch from a portrait orientation to landscape. Remember, you gave options!

WHAT YOU NEED
* Cardstock
   Card Base A-2 size; 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” OR 11” x 4 1/4” scored at 5 1/2”
   Mat - 5 1/4” x 4” or appropriate size for background piece
   Inside Panel - white or light colored cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
   Other - for focal image and / or greeting
* Striped Paper - Rectangle  5 1/2” x 4 1/4” minimum - 6” x 5” is what I use mostly.
   Patterned paper striped (vertical / horizontal or diagonal) 
   Created with cardstock and markers (alcohol, dye ink, etc.)
   Created with cardstock or watercolor paper and watercolors
* Paper trimmer
* Printer paper or scrap patterned paper (this will not be seen) 5 1/4” x 4” 
* Adhesive sheet or snail adhesive
* Embossing folder (small design) and die cut machine (optional, but highly recommended)
* Stamps, inks, dies, punches, and other items needed to complete the card

WHAT TO DO
* If creating the striped paper place your cardstock / watercolor paper in landscape orientation and use the markers / watercolors to create 4 1/4” stripes across the page using 2-3 colors (more if you like)
* Put the 4 1/4” side of the striped paper at the top of the paper trimmer at 4” and cut, move to 3 3/4” and cut. Continue moving 1/4” to the left and cutting the 1/4” strips. Be sure you are cutting across the stripes.
* Place adhesive sheet or other adhesive on the printer paper (cardstock or patterned paper) and begin placing the strips an across the paper until the panel is covered. Trim edges.
* Place this panel in an embossing folder and run through die cit machine.
* Adhere panel to the mat and adhere to card base. 
* Add greeting and focal image to card front.
* Stamp inside panel and adhere to inside of card.

STACKED BUTTERFLY BIRTHDAY


Striped Paper - Created with alcohol markers (orange, pink, and yellow)
Black mat- 4 1/4” x 3 1/2”
Background piece -4” x 3 1/4”

(Happy Birthday - scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

BIRTHDAY WALRUS


Striped paper - Created with watercolors (purple, pink, aqua)
Purple mat - 4 3/4” x 3 1/2”
Background piece - 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

A LITTLE BIRDIE BIRTHDAY


Striped paper - Striped patterned paper
White Mat - 5 1/4” x 4”
Background piece - 5” x 3 3/4”

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

SEAS THE BIRTHDAY


Striped paper - Diagonally striped patterned paper
White mat - 5 1/4” x 4”
Background piece - 5” x 4 1/4”

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARDS


I created these two cards using the strips I demonstrated in the video.

SAILING ADVENTURE


Striped paper - Created with alcohol markers
White mat - 4 1/4” x 3 3/4”
Background piece - 4” x 3 1/2”

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

BIRTHDAY BOY


Striped paper - Created with alcohol markers
Orange mat - 4 1/2” x 3 3/4”
Background piece - 4 1/4” x 3 1/2”

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

TODAY’S CARDS


I know this technique might not be for everyone. It does take a bit of patience and some extra time. I think the results are worth it. I found creating my own striped papers relaxing. Cutting the strips does not take long. It is repetitive, but I cut the strips for one card, put it together, then moved on to the next card. Why not give this background technique a try?

That’s all for today. I am so glad you stopped by. Until next time. . .
Stamp Happy!

Kim

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