One layout - three different cards

Often, when I need to make several cards, I will develop one basic card layout and use it in multiple ways to create cards with unique messages and feelings. This is one layout that I like to use because it leaves lots of room for creativity and embellishments.

The sketch above shows the general layout and measurements.  Start with a 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" cardstock base.  Then, cut two mats - one a solid color sized 4" x 5 1/4" and one from patterned paper 3 3/4" x 5".  The focal point of the card consists of a mat 2 3/4" x 3 1/2" cut from the same color as the solid mat of the card and a smaller piece 2 1/2" x 3 1/4" cut from the same cardstock as the card base.

 Using this basic layout I created the birthday card to the left. I wanted the card to be a bit dramatic, so I used white cardstock for the base, black for the mat and a black and white geometric patterned paper for the front. I added a sentiment in the center of the focal piece and a flower embellishment at the top left.  I stamped some flowers at the bottom right using Stampin'Up! ® Petite Petals stamp set  (Item# 133155) with the  Watermelon Wonder (Item# 138323) ink pad.  I splattered some of the Watermelon Wonder ink on the card with the sentiment to add some color.

 For the second birthday card I wanted a more delicate and feminine design so I chose a flowered patterned paper from a retired Stampin'Up! paper stack, added a band of paper from scraps from the dark green mat cardstock around the middle.  I stamped a birthday sentiment in the upper right corner of the card focal point and stamped a flower from Stampin'Up! Nature's Perfection stamp set, added some color to the flowers and embellished with a few pearls to highlight the design.

For the third card I needed a Halloween theme.  I enlarged the focal point panels to accommodate the stamp set.  I sponged the stamped panel with some black ink along the edges to create a little more contrast against the orange mat. The bat theme is continued in the patterned paper that I used for the card front.  I also added a small embellishment " October 31" in the center of the card




Visit my  online store at JeanStampingTreasures.stampinup.net to purchase any of the Stampin' Up! products mentioned above or to find a huge variety of stamps, punches, papers and ink to use in creating your own treasures