"Never get so busy about making a living that you forget about having a life."

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Elevate Your Homemade Cards Using the Latest Colors and Layering Techniques


Scraps of In Colors Create an Exciting Layered Card

While in my studio at Tranquillity Cottage, most mornings are a chance to explore my creativity! Today, I was in the mood to use layering techniques. I selected Kay Kalthoff's May 2025 demonstrator team planner, "Impressions Abloom," designed by Rhonda Wade. Tearing strips of colorful Stampin' Up! cardstock in the stunning 2025-2027 In Colors is a simple yet effective technique for creating backgrounds. 

Do you enjoy layering techniques? The "Thanks for Being There" card begins with an embossed Mini Corrugated 3D layer to elevate the layout. Next comes the five torn strips and faux Secret Sea linen ribbon. Pair your cardstock with the charming flowers stamped from the Impressions Abloom set and pop up with Dimensionals for an eye-catching design. The final touch is to add bling with flat pearls. 

Thank you to Kay Kalthoff and Ronda Wade for the inspiration! 

Read more about card making ideas in today's blog post. Layered cards are an artistic way to showcase and add flair to memorable cards.

Take care,
Linda Ann


Questions? Click on the navy button for additional blog information and quick resource inks.
Some posts contain Amazon affiliate or Stamp-n-Storage associate links, where I earn a small commission from qualified purchases. It is important to me that I only recommend quality products that I use and enjoy! I am also an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Tips for Layering in Card Making

Base: 
  • Start with a card base using quality cardstock. Thick Basic White is a wise choice when using Stampin' Up! products. The colored card bases work well in cards, too. 
  • A2 is a common size in the USA. A few examples of A2 card bases are (height x width):
    • Portrait: 5.5" x 8.5" scored and folded at 4.25".
    • Landscape: 8.5" x 5.5" scored and folded at 4.25".
    • Tall: 11" x 4.25" scored and folded at 5.5". 
Mats:
  • Frame the layers by using mats in similar or varying shades. 
  • Mats created from Designer Series Paper will add a decorative touch to your cards. 
  • Die cutting the mats add interest, while embossing provides texture to the design. 
  • Tearing the edges of the mat creates dimension. 
  • Use inked Sponge Daubers to gently highlight or lowlight the edges of the mat to add definition. 
  • Consider tipping the mat for a non-linear creative touch. 
  • When measuring for a mat, one tip is to add an additional .25" to the height and width. Cardmakers use a variety of measurements but the additional one-fourth of an inch is easy to cut - and remember. 
Die Cuts and Punches:
  • The list of die cuts and punchs are endless! Consider using tags, flowers, labels, decorations, geometric shapes, and more to enhance the layers. 
  • Dimensionals will pop up the die cuts to make them stand out on the card. 
Embellishments:
  • Consider embellishments the jewelry to your card. They are the decorative touches that add sparkle or a personal touch to the layers. 
  • Some examples are:
    • Gems.
    • Brass butterflies, dragonflies, hearts and more.
    • Ribbon.
    • Twine.
    • Stella.

To learn more about creating the "Thanks for Being There" card, sign up for the  July 2025 Newletter in the pop up box or on the sheet at the end of the HOME post.


A Free Card Project Sheet will be included.

(Note: Your information will never be sold and you can unsubscribe whenever you desire.)

Sentiment from Impressions Abloom


Thank you for shopping and supporting my small online business! 

Adding a Border to the Inside of the Card




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Thursday, May 29, 2025

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Welcome to Linda Ann Hinde's Tranquillity Cottage blog home page. As an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and retired teacher, I am dedicated to sharing my love of card making, scrapbooking, and planning with people who enjoy paper crafting. There will be times when I share my quilting and sewing projects, too. Don't be surprised if a picture of a favorite recipe shows up in the newsfeed since my interests are many.


My goal is to write about tips, techniques, and organizational ideas. I post a dozen card designs with free recipes on the blog each month, in addition to monthly planner suggestions, scrapbook sketches, kits, and helpful product links for select companies.


To stay in contact with you, I email a monthly newsletter with a complimentary card design with a project sheet. You will find my disclosure information on each post. I hope you enjoy the journey! Please follow my blog to receive updates.


Take care,

Linda Ann




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Linda Ann Hinde
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator
Wisconsin, USA
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