Does your stash of patterned paper look more like a scrapbook store explosion than a creative opportunity? Let’s fix that! Today I’m sharing 5 quick and easy card layouts for patterned paper that’ll help you actually use those gorgeous designs you’ve been saving for “just the right card.” (Spoiler: these are the right cards!)
If you’d like to grab your free PDF with the 5 layouts, pop on down the page – it’s there for you to download or save to your Pinterest board.
Let’s Talk About the Ribbon Stash
I’ll be honest. I’ve got loads—yes, LOADS—of patterned paper that could probably wallpaper my entire craft studio. And still, I keep buying more! It’s just too gorgeous to resist!
But does this happen to you? Sometimes those stunning prints can be too pretty or too busy, and I end up overthinking how to use them. Worse, I sorta hoard them and don’t use them up! 😬
That’s exactly why I created these 5 simple layouts. Each one is designed to show off bold patterns, florals or intricate designs without overwhelming your card. Whether you’re a brand-new card maker or a long-time stamper looking to simplify, these are the layouts you’ll come back to time and again.
5 Quick and Easy Card Layouts
You can see me walk through each design (plus extra tips!) in this week’s Ink Paper Play LIVE replay right here.
1. Torn Edge Layers
Soft edges create instant texture! Try tearing one side of your patterned paper for a casual, artsy look like the “Just for You” bird card. Layer it onto coordinating cardstock and give that a good ‘ole rip too! Try not to have it too matchy-matchy. Pair it with a bold sentiment and let the pattern do the talking.
2. Label Pop
Cut your paper into one large piece, the same as our regular cardstock mats at 4 ” x 5 1/4″, Glue it down then rely on a bold label shape—a hexagon or circle or anything else you like—to make your sentiment the focal point! The pears card shows how beautifully this trick works with rich colours and a pop of gold metallic accents.
3. Vellum Overlay Magic
Have another really busy print? Tone it down with a vellum band! It softens your background while giving your sentiment a perfect spotlight. You can see it on the Perennial Lavender “Birthday Wishes” card.
Tip: match the height of your strip to the sentiment you want to use and give it some glitz with some clear embossing powder. Keep your embellishments simple.
4. Framed Scenery
Let’s not mess with perfection! When your DSP already looks like a work of art (like on this Beautiful Gallery DSP), frame it with a simple and versatile patterned border and understated embellishments. The “Thinking of You” layout proves how less can truly be more.
This one is for the fellas.
5. Diagonal Strip Design
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Use a bold diagonal strip to break up the pattern. But the trick is to cut your patterned paper smaller first, then in half diagonally. The “It’s the Most Magical Time of the Year” card shows how one bright Granny Apple Green stripe adds a dynamic you can’t resist. It instantly pulls the design together.
Get my tips in the video for cutting this exactly in half.
See these sketches in action!
Get all the tips, and see alternative projects in the video!
How to Make This Idea Your Own
So which one of these layouts will you try first? Maybe all of them? Here’s how you can add even more versatility to them!
- Use what you have: Florals, plaids, and scraps of holiday paper—these sketches work year-round.
- Mix colour families: Pair colours you wouldn’t normally (try Night of Navy with LemonLime Twist or Soft Sea Foam with Early Espresso).
- Switch up your sentiments: Dig into your pre-stamped sentiment drawer for even quicker card making!
- Don’t forget the inside! Add a strip of matching DSP and a coordinating stamped image inside your card for a polished finish.
Once you’ve got these layouts, you’ll be able to create stacks of cards in minutes. You’ll always have the perfect card for birthdays, thank yous, or “just because” notes.
Grab your free PDF of all 5 card layouts—print it and keep it handy for your next crafting session!
And if you love this kind of bite-sized inspiration, come join me each week for Ink Paper Play LIVE—free creative sessions filled with tips, techniques and real-time cardmaking fun. Watch the full playlist here
Want to catch it live next time? Join Ink Paper & Play LIVE every Wednesday at noon MT for more bite-sized, creative fun. You can sign up to get notifications by clicking the box below.
Now’s the Time to Give One (or 5) a Try!
Grab that paper pile and start cutting—it’s time to make your favourites work for you!
These quick and easy card layouts for patterned paper are your secret weapon for turning pretty prints into beautiful cards. No more hoarding, no more hesitation! Just five foolproof sketches to make your stash shine!
