Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. This card takes a coordinated suite of paper and brings a floral and diagonal stripe together. You make sure you combine a a busy pattern with a not-so-busy pattern. Here, the color yellow ties the two prints together. The diagonal stripes complement the busy floral pattern.
Second generation stamping. You can use the same color and stamp it twice (without reinking) to get the effect of two different colors. Here, the sentiment is the first generation (darkest) and the leaves behind it are the second generation of the same color making it appear lighter. It offers a great effect while also tying the leave image into the designer background paper.
The power of odd numbers and triangles. I always work in uneven numbers as it is more pleasing to the eye. You would think even numbers would feel more balanced but it doesn’t. I always need to add just one more. I also use an imaginary triangle shape when laying down embellishments, like these rhinestones, because it keeps your eyes moving around the card. It doesn’t need to be a perfect triangle, in fact, I find the more unusual the triangular formation the more interesting the effect.
Don’t forget the inside. Sometimes I do a little and sometimes I do a lot on the inside. If you have extra paper that matches why not consider filling in more of the card and add interest to the white space. Here I also add some die cut leaves to coordinate with the stamped images on the front of the card.
What about the envelope? You don’t have to settle for just a plan boring envelope. You can stamp a coordinating image on the front or use some extra coordinating paper and cover the flap on the envelope. If you do add paper to the envelope make sure it is stuck in place firmly as it will often go through machines at the post office and you don’t want it to get stuck and damage the envelope and risk the card not being delivered.
I hope you enjoyed this card and maybe use some of my tips on your own cards. Happy crafting friends!
Supplies: (All supplies Stampin’ Up unless otherwise stated)
Stamps: So Sentimental, Forever Fern
Ink: Old Olive
Paper: Best Dressed DSP, Old Olive & Pear Pizzaz
Dies: Stitched So Sweetly, Forever Fern
Embellishments: Rhinestones
DESIGN: 20200628
