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 August 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! 

Impressions Abloom Bundle (English) [165611]	Impressions Abloom Photopolymer Stamp Set (English) [165605]	Impressions Abloom Dies [165610]
Nested Essentials Dies [161597]	Mini Corrugated 3 D Embossing Folder [165559]	Basic Beige 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [164511]
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [166780]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [159229]	Darling Duckling 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [165622]
Strawberry Slush 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [165625]	Timid Tiger 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [165626]	Cloud Cover 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [165621]
Secret Sea 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [165624]	Floral Impressions Suite Collection (English) [165617]	Floral Impressions 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [165603]
Secret Sea Classic Stampin' Pad [165285]	Secret Sea Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [165281]	Secret Sea 3/8" (1 Cm) Faux Linen Ribbon [165273]
2025–2027 In Color™ Flat Pearls [165192]

Adding a Border to the Inside of the Card

Click on the yellow maple leaf for further disclosure details.

HOME

Expressing Appreciation with a Homemade Softly Sophisticated Thank You Card

Softly Sophisticated Thank You Card

Day One of the Sale-a-bration Countdown!

Dive into a world of creativity with the latest card making ideas featuring the Sale-a-bration free products! Inspired by Jaimie Babarczy, the Softly Sophisticated Thank You card showcases the exquisite Softly Sophisticated Bundle and the charming Softly Stippled Designer Series Paper, yours as a free gift with a 150 purchase before tax and shipping. 

Explore the art of simple blending techniques to create a vibrant embossed layer in Petal Pink and Wild Wheat hues. Adorned with stamped flowers on Tailor Made Tags die cuts and elegant gold birds, this design will impress and delight you. Elevate your card making game and let your imagination soar with these fabulous products!

Take care,

Linda Ann

Softly Sophisticated Bundle and Detailed Dogwood

Images Stampin’ Up!®

I am excited to announce the Sale-a-bration countdown! Until February 29th, or while supplies last, customers can enjoy complimentary products with a purchase of 50 or more from the Sale-a-bration Stampin' Up! Catalog. And the best part? 

I will be sharing homemade card inspirations using the free products, so you can get even more creative with your stamping. Take advantage of this special opportunity to enhance your card making experience with exclusive items. 

Don't wait - follow and like Tranquillity Cottage to receive notifications. 

Let the stamping magic begin!

Stamps	Sale-a-bration Softly Sophisticated
Dies	Tailor Made Tags
Punch	Heartfelt Hexagon
Cardstock (Height x Width)	Petal Pink – 5.5” x 8.5” scored and folded at 4.25” (card base), 2.5” x 3” (punched tag) Wild Wheat – 5.25” x 4” (mat) Basic White – 5” x 3.75” (embossed front layer), 4.5” x 2.5” (die cut tag), 5.25” x 4” (inside) Calypso Coral – Scrap (die cut circle on tag)
DSP	Sale-a-bration Softly Stippled – 4.5” x 2.5” (die cut tag), .75” x 4” (border inside)
Embossing	Sale-a-bration Softly Sophisticated
Ink	Calypso Coral Petal Pink Mossy Meadow
Embellishments	Dragonflies & Birds
Ribbon	Textured Wild Wheat

Softly Sophisticated Bundle (English) [162947]	Tailor Made Tags Dies [155563]	Heartfelt Hexagon Punch [162888]
Petal Pink 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [146985]	Wild Wheat 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [161725]	Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [159276]
Calypso Coral 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [122925]	Softly Stippled 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [162975]	Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Pad [147101]
Calypso Coral Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [122934]	Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Pad [147108]	Petal Pink Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [147169]
Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Pad [147111]	Mossy Meadow Classic Stampin' Ink Refill [133651]	Adhesive Backed Dragonflies & Birds [162743]
Wild Wheat 3/8" (1 Cm) Textured Ribbon [161628]	Tear & Tape Adhesive [154031]	Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653]
Mini Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [150673]	Cutting Plates [150815]	Mini Cutting Plates [151004]
Specialty Plate [154711]	Simply Scored [122334]	Paper Trimmer [152392]
Cutting Blades Multipack [152391]	Simply Shammy [147042]	Clear-Mount Stamp Cases [119105]
Grid Paper [130148]	Stampin' Dimensionals [104430]	Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755]
Stampin' Seal [152813]	Stampin' Seal Refill [152814]	Ink Pad & Marker Storage Trays [149168]
Storage Lid [149167]	Paper Snips [103579]	Bone Folder [102300]
Clear Block Bundle [118491]	Stampin' Scrub [126200]	Stampin' Mist [153648]
Take Your Pick [144107]	Take Your Pick Die Brush Tip [149655]	Take Your Pick Putty Refill [150006]
Take Your Pick Crafter Tips [161602]	Basic White Medium Envelopes [159236]

Click HERE for ordering information, discount links, and to learn more about gifts. 

Questions? Click HERE for links to most asked questions. 

Sale-a-bration is an excellent time to join the Tranquil Stampers! Click HERE for additional information. I would love to have you on my team as a Hobbyist or Independent Seller.

Click HERE for the Card Gallery.