How do you take a handcrafted card from #simplestamping or a beginner status and take up a notch to casual or intermediate, or even to advanced level? Well, this is what I’m here to tell you today! We’ll take the same basic card design from a beginner to casual and on to an advanced card in a few easy steps.
We’ll use the Tasteful Touches bundle from the NEW 2020-2021 Annual Catalog to illustrate a beginner level card, an intermediate or casual level card, and an advanced level card. The term casual refers to the stamper. We have Beginner Stampers who are just starting on their card making journey. These individuals are just building their supplies and may not have many embellishments, so simple stamping is best for them. Then, there are Casual Stampers. These people enjoy stamping when they are in a group setting, but rarely stamp at home. They have a small stash of supplies. Avid or Advanced Stampers love cardmaking and scrapbooking. They buy supplies whenever they see them and they stamp at home for relaxation when time allows.
Beginner Card
The beginner card I’ve prepared is very much stamps, ink, and paper. That’s all. Here you see a Whisper White Card Base, with a whisper white card front. I’ve used the Tasteful Touches Bundle (I can’t link to it until after June 3rd) to stamp the flower three times in Crumb Cake ink and the sentiment in Early Espresso Ink on the card front. It presents a very simple yet elegant card that anyone would love to receive.
Casual or Intermediate Card
This next card is the card the Casual Stamper or intermediate stamper would make. Notice the I have now made the card base from Crumb Cake Cardstock. Going up in complexity is all about adding layers and texture. The card front is exactly the same as in the beginner card. I’ve added a Soft Suede cardstock mat layer between the card base and the card front. The copper ribbon and bow adds just the right amount of texture to finish off the card.
Advanced Card
As I said in the previous paragraph, going up in complexity is all about adding layers. For the advanced card, I’ve kept the Crumb Cake card base, but I’ve added an Early Espresso mat layer between the Soft Suede mat and the card front. Also, I stamped the flowers onto a scrap piece of Crumb Cake cardstock and fussy cut them out. I used the die shapes in the Tasteful Touches Bundle to cut out the sentiment and a backing for the sentiment. In order to give more layers and texture, I added leaves under the flowers. I also, used Wink of Stella on the leaves and the centers of the flowers to add a bit of shine. Lastly, I used a few champagne rhinestones just to finish it off.
So, there you have it, I’ve just taken the same basic card from a beginner through the casual card and on to the advanced card just by adding layers and texture. You can do this, too! Please, be sure to sign up for my e-mail list to get lots of exclusive projects and tips delivered right to your inbox!