Stampin' with Eva: Six Easy Designer Series Paper Cards to Make

Monday, March 22, 2021

Six Easy Designer Series Paper Cards to Make

Not too long ago I stumbled across this idea online from Alison Okamitsu of nicepeoplestamp.com and I knew I wanted to give it a try. I bet you will too! It's so easy and a great way to use up full 4" x 12" strips of Designer Series Paper from your collection. (I have a collection, don't you too?)

For my set of 6 cards I am using Hydrangea Hill Designer Series Paper (DSP) from the Hydrangea Hill Suite in the January-June 2021 Mini Catalog. My greeting stamps were from a variety of stamp sets. The little hydrangea flower is from the Hydrangea Haven stamp set and stamped with Highland Heather ink.

Let's Get Started!

Step 1: Select 3 pieces of coordinating DSP that you like. Cut a 4" x 12" piece from each sheet, for a total of three strips.

Step 2: Using the Cutting Diagram below, you will cut each strip into two - 4" x 5-1/4" pieces and two 4" x 3/4" pieces.

The photo below shows an easy way to organize your cut pieces, so you know you haven't made any cutting mistakes. Do pay attention to the directionality of the DSP.

Step 3: You will cut each 4" x 5-1/4" piece precisely in half at 4" x 2-5/8".

Flip over the bottom piece from each larger piece so you can see both sides of your DSP.

Step 4: Then have fun starting to mix and match the lower pieces with the upper pieces until you have 6 different card fronts. Then take the 3/4" x 4" strips and experiment with them to see which side of the DSP looks best with your card front pieces.

Step 5: Once you have the card fronts the way you like them, it's now time to select the matching cardstock and quantities to cut your card bases. I chose one sheet of each cardstock of Old Olive, Seaside Spray, and Gorgeous Grape. Cut the bases 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" then score at 4-1/4".

Step 6: Adhere your DSP pieces to your card fronts. Make sure you have a 1/8" margin on the top and bottom and sides. If the DSP has to overlap a bit in the middle that's okay. Also you can decide if you want your 3/4" strip smack dab in the middle or you can adjust it up or down on how you want it to look.

At this point, you can also cut your inner card layer. I used Basic White and cut 6 pieces at 4" x 5-1/4". Then adhere those to the inside of each card.

Step 7: Finally select a circle punch or circle die that is at least 2" in diameter (it can be larger if you desire.) Punch/Cut six circles out of Basic White. Next go through your collection of stamp greetings and select some to fit the circles. I stamped my greetings in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, then accented with a small hydrangea stamp around the edge of the circles for a little pizzazz.

Here's the finished set in my photo booth. Then enjoy the individual photos with their matching envelope flaps. (You know the rule - NO naked envelopes!)