AN EASY GO TO CARD LAYOUT FOR ALL OCCASIONS

 Hi Stampers!

Today, I am sharing one of my go to card layouts. It is quick, easy, and versatile! This layout is also great for using up some paper scraps. Start with an A-2 card base, add a 5 1/4” x 4” mat, two different sizes of patterned paper,  a sentiment and / or a focal image, and finish it off with embellishments of choice! There are so many options for changing up this layout; use cardstock or patterned paper for the mat, run the mat through an embossing folder, or  leave out the mat! The pieces of patterned paper can be matted, embossed, stamped on, and more! As with all card layouts, this one works with whatever cardstock, papers, stamps, and embellishments you have on hand! Let’s take a look at the sample cards:

VIDEO

AN EASY GO TO CARD LAYOUT FOR ANY OCCASION

THE CARD LAYOUT

SUPPLIES NEEDED TO CREATE THE CARD

* Card Base - cardstock cut A-2 size - portrait orientation

* Mat - cardstock or patterned paper cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Strips - patterned paper, 2 pieces cut 1 at1 1/2” x 5” and 1 piece cut at 2” x 41/4”

* Stamps, inks, die cuts, Embellishments, and other items needed to finish the card.

NOTE - For placement of patterned papers, view the chart above and my sample cards

NOTE 2 - Many times, in place of dimensionals or foam tape I stack my die cuts (sentiments and / or images). I just cut out extras of the same shape and glue them together with the stamped image or sentiment die cuts on top. Then I adhere it to the card with either liquid glue or tape runner.

BIRTHDAY BLUES CARD

This card is a great representation of why I like this layout. Coordinate the patterned papers either by color or design, then coordinate an embossing folder design with one of the patterned papers. Add a greeting and embellishments, and the card is good to go!

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card Base - cardstock Pool Party (Stampin’ Up!)

* Layer - cardstock Lost Lagoon (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embossing Folder - Scripty (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Patterned Papers - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps - Simply Said (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento)

* Dies - Nested Essentials (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Gingham Black & White Ribbon, Classic Matte Dots (both Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Other - dimensionals

BIRTHDAY PLAIDS CARDS

This is a more masculine version of the card layout. I love the wood grain paper and the large die cut greeting!

SUPPLIES I USED 

* Card Base - cardstock - Basic Gray (Stampin’ Up!)

* Layer - Gray Granite (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embossing Folder - Forever Plaid (Stampin’ Up!)

* Pattern Papers - (Stampin’ Up! - Retired)

* Greeting - Basic Gray and Gray Granite cardstock; Die - Happy Birthday (Pink & Main)

* Embellishment - Classic Matte Dots (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

BEAUTIFUL BIRTHDAY CARD

I love the pops of green that break up the monochromatic colors of this card. Note the floral patterned paper and the design from the embossing folder are not identical, but similar enough they complement one another.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card Base - cardstock - Petal Pink (Stampin’ Up!)

*Layer - Cardstock - Calypso Coral (Stampin’ Up!)

*Embossing Folder - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Patterned Papers - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Greeting - cardstock - Basic White (Stampin’ Up!) Mint Macaron (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps - Flowering Cactus and dies (Stampin’ Up! - retired); Round We Go(Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Calypso Coral, Petal Pink (Stampin’ Up!) Mint Macaron (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Dies - Stylish Shapes Dies - (Stampin’ Up!)

* Other - dimensionals

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHICKS

This card was so much fun to create. Instead of using a cardstock mat layer, I used a third patterned paper design. The red dots really dress up the card.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card Base - cardstock - So Saffron (Stampin’ Up - retired)

* Layer and Patterned Paper - Down On the Farm (Doodlebug Designs Inc.)

* Stamps - Hey Chick, Hey Birthday Chick plus dies (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Dies - Layering Ovals Dies (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Greeting Cardstock - Basic White, Real Red (Stampin’ Up!)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Stampin’ Blends - Smoky Slate, Lemon Lolly, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Color Lifter (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Red Adhesive Dots (no clue - possibly Concord & Ninth - Poppy Enamel Dots)

* Other - dimensionals

BIRTHDAY GULL CARD

This card is another example of the patterned paper and embossing folder being designs being very similar. I matted the patterned papers either on coordinating cardstock I stamped the shell images on the brown patterned papers to create a bit more interest.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card Base - cardstock Pool Party

* Layer and Patterned Papers - (Stampin’ Up! - retired); Mats - Crumb Cake and Pool Party (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embossing Folder - Soft Waves (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamps - Friendly Seagulls (Stampin’ Up!); Big Day, Best Day (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Greeting - Cardstock - Very Vanilla (Stampin’ Up!); Paper - same as the strip

* Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Stampin’ Blends - Daffodil Delight, Smoky Slate, Color Lifter (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Rhinestones Basic Jewels (Stampin’ Up!) I colored then with alcohol markers

EASY LAYOUT CARDS

This layout is very easy to create, uses scrap papers, and is very versatile. I hope you give it a try, and it becomes one of your go to layouts too!

And here is my Christmas version:

HOLLY SEASON CARDS

As you might know by now, this year I will feature at least one Christmas card with each post. My goal is to have a nice stash of Christmas card come November! It is never too late (or early)to join me. Yes, once again there are two cards! They are opposites, and went together so quickly, because I cut all the pieces at the same time.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card Base - cardstock Poppy Parade, Soft Sea Foam, and Basic White (Stampin’ Up)

* Patterned Paper - Snow Pine Lodge (Simple Stories)

* Embossing Folder - Eyelet (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamps- Winter Woods, Itty Bitty Christmas, Sending Cheer (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Dies - Nested Essentials (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Garden Green (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishment - Red adhesive dots (Possibly Concord & Ninth - Poppy Enamel Dots)

And here is one more sample - a Valentine Card . . .

HAPPY HEART DAY CARD

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card Base - cardstock - Pink Pirouette (Stampin’ Up!- retired)

* Mat - cardstock -   Pool Party (Stampin’ Up! - retired) 

* Embossing Folder -  ? (Sizzix) I’ve had it for a very long time!

* Patterned Paper - Love Notes (Echo Park)

* Cardstock for Images - Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamps - Smitten & dies (Photoplay); Bee MyValentine (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Real Red (Stampin’ Up!); Stampin’ Blends - Pink Pirouette (retired), Real Red, Flirty Flamingp. Bubble Bath, Pool Party(Stampin’ Up!)

That is all for today. Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

LET’S CREATE PARTIAL FRONT CARDS - FIVE EASY TO MAKE DESIGNS

Hi Stampers!

Today I am sharing cards designed with partial fronts. These cards simply have a portion of the card front cut away. The cards are easy to create and offer something just a little different from the everyday card. Like the Center Flap Card featured in my last post, these five card designs lend themselves to showcasing patterned papers. Let’s take a peek at today’s samples:

VIDEO

CREATING PARTIAL FRONT CARDS

PARTIAL FRONT CARD PORTRAIT  SIDE FOLD 

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - Cardstock cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 4 1/4”

* Patterned paper - 1 piece cut at 5 1/4” x 4”, a coordinating piece cut at 4” x 2 3/4”

* Inside panel - cardstock white or light color, cut at 3 3/4” x 2 1/2”

* Focal image die cut or punched out

* Cardstock same color as card base for “stacking” the image - die cut / punch 3-4 blank images

* Ink, other coloring tools, embellishments, adhesive.

WHAT TO DO

* Place card base in trimmer with 8 1/2” side at top. 

* Slide cardstock over to 4 1/4”- cut down 2 1/2” (you will be cutting along the score line)

* Rotate the card base to the left. The 4 1/4” side will be at the top. Slide over to 2 1/2” and cut down to 4 1/4”. The top portion of the card front has been removed. 

* Adhere patterned papers inside panel, focal image, and embellishments

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Highland Heather and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Paper (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps & dies - Hand-penned Petals / Penned Flowers Dies (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps inside sentiment - Simply Said (Stampin’ Up!”)

* Embellishments - Tinsel Gems 3 Pack (Stampin’ Up!)

PARTIAL FRONT CARD - LANDSCAPE TOP FOLD

My last post and video were the first for 2025. I mentioned this year I am doing something new. In each post and video I will include at least one Christmas themed card. This serves several purposes.  It will give me a nice selection of Christmas cards come the end of November. For those of you who want to make a few cards a month as opposed to creating a lot of cards closer to Christmas this strategy will keep you on track, give you a bit of inspiration, and provide support as you will know we are working on this project together. Here is my Christmas card for this week. 

WHAT YOU NEED AND WHAT TO DO

* Follow the instructions for the previous card. This card is basically the previous card turned on its side.

* When cutting patterned paper be sure to orient directional patterns correctly.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Real Red, Crumb Cake, and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned papers inside panel- (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps and dies- image Snowman (Art Impressions), outside sentiment - Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower, inside sentiment - Beary Cute (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Real Red; Stampin’ Blends - Real Red, Smoky Slate, Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty In Pink. Pool Party (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Snow Swirl (Mix Upz - more buttons.com)

* Circle die - 2 1/2” diameter; Stylish Shapes (Stampin’ Up!)

PARTIAL FRONT CARD - LANDSCAPE SIDE FOLD

This card has a look similar to the previous card. The design is perfect for the times when you need a card in a hurry. 

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - cut cardstock at 11” x 4 1/4”  (Option - cut at 8 1/4” x 4 14”)

* Inside panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 3 3/4” x 2 1/4”

* Patterned paper - one cut at 4” x 2 1/2”

* Cardstock for sentiment and focal image

* Ink and other coloring tools, embellishments, adhesive

WHAT TO DO

* Put the 11” side of the card base at the top of the trimmer, score at 5 1/2” then move over to 8 1/4” and cut from top to bottom. (Option: if you cut your cardstock at 8 1/4” x 4 1/4” simply put the cardstock in the trimmer with the 8 1/4” side at the top. Score at 5 1/2”). Fold on score line.

* Adhere patterned papers. 

* Stamp sentiment and/ or images on inside panel and adhere to the left hand side of the inside of card.

* Prepare focal image and sentiment for card front. Adhere.

* Add embellishments.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Mint Macaron (retired). Very Vanilla (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned paper - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pecan Pie (Stampin’ Up!); Stampin’ Blends - Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Gray Granite, Mint Macaron (retired), and Just Jade (retired) (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamp and die - Birds (Crafter’s Companion)

* Other stamps - Sweet Songbirds and On the Ocean (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Die for sentiment - Perennial Postage Dies (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishment - Adhesive Backec Speckled Dots (Stampin’ Up!)

* Liquid adhesive

* To add dimension I adhered 3 blank die cuts to my focal image and the sentiment. Another option is to use dimensionals / foam tape.

PARTIAL FRONT CARD - PORTRAIT SIDE FOLD

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”  - put in trimmer with 8 1/2” side at the top. Slide over to 1 1/2”and cut off that portion. Move the cardstock over to 4 1/4” and score. The width of your card front will be 3”.

  - Alternative - cut cardstock at 7 1/4” x 5 1/2” score on 7 1/4” at 4 1/4”

* Other cardstock - white or light colored cut at 5 1/4” x 2 3/4” for inside panel, and scraps for stamping images.

* Patterned paper - 1 piece at 5 1/4” x 2 3/4” and 1 piece at 5 1/4” x 1”.

* Stamps, dies, inks, embellishments, adhesive.

WHAT TO DO

* Follow instructions for preparing the card base.

* Adhere the patterned papers.

* Stamp inside panel and adhere in place.

* Prepare your focal image (s) and adhere to card front.

* Add Embellishments

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Pretty In Pink, Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned papers- Happy Valentines! (Crafter’s Companion)

* Stamps & dies - Smitten (Photoplay)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Stampin’ Blends - Real Red, Pretty In Pink, Bubble Bath, Flirty Flamingo

* Embellishments - Resin Hearts (Stampin’ Up! -retired)

PARTIAL FRONT CARD - LANDSCAPE SIDE FOLD

WHAT YOU NEED

* Cardstock for card base cut at 11” x 4 1/4”

* Cardstock for inside panel - 5” x 2”

* Patterned Paper - one piece cut at 5 1/4” x 4” and one at 5 1/4” x 2”

* Stamps and dies, coloring tools, embellishments, adhesive

WHAT TO DO

* Score cardstock at 5 1/2” along 11” side

* Switch to cutting blade. At the 5 1/2” mark cut down to 2” mark.

* Place cardstock in trimmer with 4 1/4” side at top. Slide it over to 2” mark and cut down to 5 1/2”

* Adhere pattern papers to card base.

* Stamp sentiment on inside panel and adhere inside card toward bottom of card.

* Adhere die cut sentiment (or stamp sentiment on a mat and adhere) to top of card.

* Adhere focal image to card front.

* Place embellishments on card

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - cardstock Shaded Spruce; other - Granny Apple Green and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned papers - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps and dies - Rhino Ready (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Other stamps - Round We Go (Stampin’ Up!)

* Happy Birthday die - Let’s Celebrate - (Scrapbook.com)

* Embellishment - Adhesive backed Speckled Dots (Stampin’ Up!)

* Liquid Glue, Adhesive Sheets (for die cut sentiments)

* I used stacked die cuts to add dimension to the die cut sentiments and the focal image. Another option is dimensionals / foam tape.

PARTIAL FRONT CARDS

So, there you have it, five easy partial front cards. These designs surprise with a bit of a twist from the expected. When you want to create a card that is a little different without being complicated, try one of these designs. I guess in this case, less really is more! Thank you so much for checking in. 

Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

PULL & SLIDE VALENTINE CARD

 Hi, Stampers!

Valentine’s Day is coming up, so I thought I’d make a couple of fun cards to share. The cards were created using the SNAILED IT stamp set, the coordinating SNAIL DIES, and the cute RESIN HEART EMBELLISHMENTS! (Stampin’ Up!®️January - June 2021 Mini Catalog) I also used the HEARTFELT stamp set along wit the coordinating HEART PUNCH PACK. (Stampin’ Up! 2020-2021 Annual Catalog)

Here are the cards.

And, here are the stamp sets!

The cards are what I call mechanical cards, because they move. I call this card the PULL & SLIDE CARD! I have heard it referred to as a slider card and a pull tab card. 

Here is the cute snail card”closed.” The snail is popped up on dimensionals. The Happy Valentine’s heart is held in place with Stampin’ Seal. It is important whatever is placed on the right side of the card be kept as flat as possible to allow the slider part of the card to pass over it!

Here is the snail card “opened.” The blank space on the pull out panel  can be used to write a short  message.

Here is the Heartfelt card. The Happy Valentine’s heart is attached with dimensionals. The white hearts were cut with dies from the SNAIL DIES. The “Love You Lots” sentiment is embossed. The two largest hearts on the Happy Valentine’s Heart are the Resin Hearts.

Here is what the card looks like opened. Before sending this card I will use a white gel pen to write my name inside the heart on the left side of the card.

Instead of using cardstock for the card base you can use DSP (designer series paper). For this card I used the BERRY DELIGHTFUL DSP & the BERRY BLESSINGS stamp set (Sale-a-bration Brochure), and the SWEET STRAWBERRY stamp set (Stampin’ Up! January - June 2021 Mini Catalog).

Here is the care open.  When using DSP you want to pay attention to directional patterns.

As you can see there is not much room to right a message on the pulled out portion of the card. The solution- add a piece of  3 3/4” x 5” piece of Basic White cardstock to the back of the card as shown below.

SUPPLIES NEEDED TO MAKE THE BASIC CARD

Cardstock or DSP cut at 5 1/2” x 8 1/2” and Basic White or light colored cardstock cut at 3 3/4” x 4 3/4”.

Tear & Tape, Scotch tape, bone folder, 3” - 6” of ribbon, and 1 1/2” circle punch or other circle punch to punch out a notch on the cardstock. You will also need a paper hole punch or a stapler with staples to use for attaching the ribbon pull. You will also need a paper trimmer.

HOW TO MAKE THE BASIC PULL& SLIDE CARD

Score the cardstock along the 8 1/2” side at 4” and 8”. Turn the cardstock so the 8” score line is toward the left side of the trimmer at the 1 1/4” mark. Position the cutting blade at 3/4” and cut down to the 4 3/4” mark. Move the cardstock to the 3 3/4” mark and repeat the cutting process from 3/4” to 4 3/4”. You can fold the card stock along the score lines. See the photo above.

Now take the Basic White cardstock and place the 4 3/4” side along the top of the trimmer at the 2” mark. Cut until just passed the 3 1/2” mark. The cardstock will almost be cut into two pieces.

Next take the punch and line it up between the two cut lines on the card base. Punch a partial circle to form a notch.

You card base should resemble the photo above.

Line up the largest section of the Basic White cardstock with the notched end of the card base. Now move the Basic White cardstock to allow the narrowest end to thread through the cut lines of the cardbase. Use small pieces of tape to attach the bottom ends of the Basic White cardstock back together. 

Place Tear & Tape along the inside short end of the card base and along the 1/2” tab made by scoring at the card base at the 8” mark.

Remove the protective covering from the tape.

Fold the card stock over and press down to adhere.

Fold the remaining tab upward and seal.

Your card is ready to be embellished. To made it easier for the recipient to pull out the sliding mechanism attach the ribbon in one of two ways: 1. Use a hole punch to punch a hole in the center of the pull out mechanism about 1/4” - 1/2” from the end and thread the ribbon through (see the snail and the heart cards), or 2. staple the ribbon in place as I did on the berry card.

 

HOW YO MAKE A PULL & SLIDE CARD VIDEO

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoy making the PULL & SLIDE CARD. That is it for today. Until next time....

Stamp Happy!

Kim

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