How to Make Simple Cards With Patterned Paper

Hey crafty friend! Today let's look at THREE card ideas that all follow the same simple layout. If you're a new crafter, this is a great post for you - and if you've been making handmade cards for years, you might love this trip back to the basics. Today's cards are perfect for the upcoming fall and winter holidays, and an easy idea for mass-producing cards. (Plus, it's a perfect excuse to pull out some of your favorite patterned papers!) 

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Let's start with the fall thank you card first, as we talk about the how-to's. It's almost like following a recipe or a formula that makes it simple and fun to make cards with patterned papers: 

HOW TO:

To begin each of these cards, you'll want to collect up some patterned papers to mix and match. I like to use 12x12 for this, because I can get a LOT of cards from one sheet, but 6x6 works great too! Two-sided prints are perfect for this, because they're ready to go with coordinating prints on each side. 

• Cut a 4-inch strip of patterned paper.  Then cut two pieces from that strip: one 3-inch piece and one 2-inch piece. TIP:If you're making multiple cards, cut extra pieces at this point to mix and match. I make a pile of 2-inch pieces, and a pile of 3-inch pieces and then pair them together as I assemble the cards. 

• Next, trim a 4.25x1-inch strip of cardstock, in any coordinating color. (Again, cut multiples if you're mass producing cards.)

• Cut a card base (or a stack of card bases) and then adhere everything together - two patterned papers pieces (one 3-inch and one 2-inch) plus the cardstock strip where the patterned pieces meet.

• Last, stamp and fussy cut/die cut a sentiment and adhere.

This card is flat, and ready to pop in the mail without worrying about added bulk. It also doesn't need any embellishments or extras, as the printed papers are so strong and beautiful on their own. 

Now, let's look at a Christmas version of this same idea. The cards below follow the same exact layout. Two prints, a strip of cardstock, and a simple trimmed sentiment. For the card on the right, I added just a FEW really simple additions. Two die-cut holly leaves, some twine and a button add a little extra pizzaz to the same card. (I still super love the simplicity of the first card though - don't hesitate to leave it AS IS, especially if you need to make a bunch of them!)

Lastly, here's one more - this time for Halloween. Again, we've used the same layout. Two patterned paper pieces, but this time I added a strip of cardstock with the sentiment. And then I added a cute little skeleton accent. Easy peasy lemon squeezy! I find it weirdly calming to just cut up a whole bunch of patterned paper and make card bases. And then when I need to knock out a set of cards, they're ready to go. 

This is a great way to use up your stash of patterned paper. The possibilities are endless, and this same formula works no matter what type of card you're creating. Birthday, holiday, springtime, and more - just change up the patterns, and the sentiments and you have a go-to simple card making plan all year long.

I'm so glad you stopped by today - if you're a new card maker, YAY! And if you're a more seasoned card maker - double YAY! Let's connect again - I'd love for you to  subscribe so you don't miss a blog post! 

Are you just starting your card making hobby? Here are a few of my must-have card making supplies and tools.

My Favorite Card Making Tools and Supplies:

MISTI Stamping Tool

Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine

Magic Mat that fits Platinum 6

I love using the Magic Mat because it alleviates those pesky cutting lines on the underneath side of die cut shapes. You know, the ones from your best used cutting plates? 

Shop all the Magic Mat sizes here

Journey Days Stapler (it uses mini staples!! So cute!)