Today’s project is deliberately SIMPLE because beautiful really doesn’t have to mean complicated! 💕
If you’re looking at this card and thinking, “Maybe I could do this…” then YES — you absolutely can.
This is a lovely project for anyone who is new to card making, but it’s certainly not just for beginners. If you’ve been crafting for years and have a growing collection of little patterned paper off-cuts that are far too pretty to throw away, this is a great #Scrapbusting project too!
Sometimes a simple layout is exactly what we need.
A Simple Card Layout You Can Use Again and Again
One of the things I love about this design is how easily you can change the whole look simply by swapping your patterned papers.
Christmas, birthdays, autumn, florals, masculine cards, thank-you cards — you could use the same measurements and layout over and over again.
And there’s no complicated cutting or fancy techniques involved.
Remember, there are no crafting police here! Use what you have, choose colours you love and enjoy the process.
Card Measurements
For my card, I started with a card base measuring:
- 5-3/4″ x 4″ when folded
I then cut three pieces of patterned paper measuring:
- 7/8″ x 5-1/8″
Each patterned paper strip was layered onto a piece of cardstock measuring:
- 1″ x 5-1/4″
That tiny cardstock border around each strip helps the patterned paper stand out and gives the finished card a lovely, neat appearance.
Putting the Card Together
Once my three patterned paper strips were layered onto their cardstock panels, I carefully adhered them onto another piece of cardstock measuring:
- 5-1/4″ x 3-1/2″
I love the clean panelled effect this creates.
The completed panel was then attached to the front of my card using Stampin’ Dimensionals (foam pads) to give it a little extra height.
Nothing complicated — but what a difference that little bit of dimension makes!
Adding the Sentiment
To finish the main design, I used a rounded rectangle piece and stamped my greeting onto it.
This is also a good example of why I think punches are such a useful addition to any crafter’s stash.
Whether you are completely new to card making or you’ve been crafting for years, punches make it so easy to create neat sentiment labels, shapes and little decorative elements without needing lots of equipment.
A tied bow and a few adhesive embellishments were all this card needed to finish it off.
And that’s it! 💕
Perfect for Using Up Patterned Paper Scraps
Please tell me I’m not the only crafter who looks at a tiny piece of gorgeous patterned paper and thinks…
“I can’t throw THAT away!” 😂
Those little pieces soon start to mount up, though, which is why projects like this are so useful.
Have a look through your scrap box and see which three pieces work nicely together. You might be surprised at how many cards you can create without cutting into a brand-new sheet of patterned paper.
It’s simple, economical and a lovely way to give those forgotten scraps a new lease of life.
Could This Be Your First Handmade Card?
If you’ve never made a card before, I hope projects like this show you that card making doesn’t need to be intimidating.
You don’t need to know lots of techniques.
You don’t need a craft room full of supplies.
And you definitely don’t need to be artistic!
Start with some cardstock, a few pieces of patterned paper and a greeting.
Beautiful doesn’t have to mean complicated.
If this project has made you think, “Maybe I could do this…”, save it and give it a try. 💕
You might just surprise yourself.
Got a question? Feel free to message or email me! 💕
There really is no such thing as a silly question, especially when you’re learning something completely new.
📩 Email me at Smithscraftycreations@gmail.com or send me a message through my social media pages.
I’m more than happy to help you get started, explain the basics or point you in the right direction.And your first handmade card could be the beginning of something rather lovely.
Happy crafting!
Tricia 💕
Smith’s Crafty Creations
Smith’s Crafty Creations
Creativity isn’t about perfection. It’s about relaxation, and making time for yourself.
#SmithsCraftyCreations #CouldCraftingBeYourNewThing #CardMakingForBeginners #PapercraftingForBeginners #NewHobby #CreativeHobbies #CardMakingUK #Papercrafting #TrySomethingNew #CreativeCommunity #StampinUp
🌸 Fancy Giving This Papercrafting a Try?
If you’re completely new to papercrafting, I’d love to help you get started. Follow my beginner series, join my crafty community, or get in touch and tell me “I’M NEW!”
💕 Follow the beginner series
👭 Join my crafty community
✂️ Find out about beginner classes
📧 Sign up to my newsletter
💕 Card Making for Beginners I need YOU
👭Card Making Basics
✂️How to Make Your First Handmade Card
Thank you everyone for checking out my blog post today.
