THE LAYERED LOOK; ADD MORE VARIETY TO YOUR CARDS

Hi Stampers!

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 . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim