Have you ever wondered how to make handmade cards using patterned paper in an easy way? well today I am going share with you some tips and tricks to help you. Even better you will want to be using that patterned paper you have been hoarding all these years… Yes, I know you have a pile of patterned paper you are collecting and not using.. But believe me you want to use it and share it with your loved ones on each card you send. 

Making handmade cards using patterned paper 

Making handmade cards can be at times challenging, specially as coming up with ideas can be somewhat a problem. However using patterned paper can help you a lot in your crafting, mainly because majority of the times all paper packs coordinate one way or another. 

Stampin’ Up! for instance have patterned paper packs, also called designer series paper (DSP) which coordinate in colors and/or in design elements. For instance sometimes they coordinate the DSP with a suite of products, which is specially best to use when you are struggling with ideas. Mainly because everything coordinates beautifully. When you select a suite you most likely will be able to have a stamp set that coordinates, as well as embellishments, making the designing process much easier and more enjoyable.  You can see an example of this on this post, where I made cards using a suite of product, so the paper and the stamp set coordinate. 

On other instances you can just go and use as inspiration the designer series paper as inspiration, like I did on the cards you see below. I love doing this for papers where I might not have a whole suite of products available to me, or when I don’t want to invest on the coordinating stamp set.  (shocking! I know…😱 😉)

A few tips for designing with paper 

When I was designing these cards I wanted to use a stamp set I already have, rather than buying the coordinating stamp set. When you do that, there are a few of things to consider

• Are there images in the patterned paper  you can cut out to use as an embellishment
• Can you mix and match patterns on the paper pack that look appealing to you 
• Do you have a stamp set that can be easily incorporated. TIP – Sentiment stamps set are usually best as they coordinate with almost everything
• Pick easy sketches that can be used with the designer paper. TIP – the simpler the sketch is, the easier will be to incorporate the patterns

Thinking on these points will help you in the designing process, as you can see which sheets you want to use for your projects. By selecting these sheets, you will be able to come up with the color combo. 

The Color Combo, Sketch and other details 

Here you will see the color combo of each of the cards shown on this post for your reference, as well as the Sketch I used as inspiration and other details for the card. All cards were created using the Best Dressed designers series paper as well as the Abstract Impressions stamp set.

At the end you will also see the video tutorial, if interested in learning how I made each of the cards.   

Handmade Card #1

Color Combo: Purple Posy, Mint Macaroon, Whisper White  

For this card, I picked two paper patterns that would go best together, and then looked at sketches that I would like to try. For this particular card I did not have a stamp set that had the same type of flowers, but there were little roses on the patterned paper, so I decided to cut them out. These added a really nice embellishment without too much trouble. Also to add a little bit more, I added a piece of Mint Macaroon ribbon since I realized there was some Mint Macaroon leaves in the patterned paper. This was the  trigger for me to add Mint Macaroon to the color combo. 

Always look for the colors on the patterned paper, I feel like that always help me to get nice color combinations. this is easy, just look at the colors you have in the patterned and then bring the coordinated card stock to see if you like them together. 

To finish off this card, I added a little of Wink of Stella on the roses, this added a nice shimmer look without the mess glitter would generate 😁 so definitely a great idea if you like to have shimmery images. 

Handmade Card #2

Color Combo: Lovely Lipstick, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Whisper White

Same as with the previous card, I picked two sheets that coordinated well together. In this case I picked colors from the floral pattern to come up with the combo. I knew I wanted to show more of the floral patterned so that was my main element. The second pattern then became more of an embellishment to the card. 

As for the stamping, I made a similar look using the flowers and leaves images from the Abstract Impressions stamp set.  I used the same colors from the patterned I chose, this make it look very coordinated. To finalize this card I added a little bow using Old Olive linen thread. 

Handmade Card #3 

Color Combo: Petal Pink, Purple Posy, Pear Pizzas, Gold, Whisper White

For this final card, I did exactly the same as with the previous cards, I paired two designs that look nice together, and then looked for embellishments to compliment it. In this case I used the gold ribbon as it went really well with the yellows on the roses pattern. This pattern was actually the one that inspired me to pick the Abstract impressions stamp set! if you see it closely, there are some circle flowers that reminded me of the same image on the stamp set.   

Now did you notice the little white border I added to this card? this is from a new suite that will be available in April, so stay tuned my friend as there will be a release of new products on a few days 😁

The Video Tutorial 

As promised, here is the video tutorial to show you how to make handmade cards using patterned paper, on this video you will see step-by-step instructions on how to make the three cards shown above. 

Please note that because I show you how to make the three cards in this tutorial, the video is long. So make sure you watch it when you are winding up from your day 🙂

The supply list 

Below you will find the supply list for all the cards shown in this post, you can click to any of the images and it will take you to my online store where you can purchase any of these items.  When you purchase thru my online store you support my online business which helps me to keep bringing more card ideas for you!