Card Insides

One of the things I have been working on improving is the inside of my cards.  Totally blank is ok if they will be used to write a personal message.  But, if I'm writing - it's usually a letter.  Too much to fit on the inside of my cards.  If I'm just signing my name and a sentance or two, it will fit, but the card seems lacking if there isn't any decoration on the inside.  I've decided to use the following guideline when designing my cards.  Treat it as a book. 

The cover is the main focal point.  The left inside will contain a verse and/or coordinating decoration.  The right inside will contain a panel for writing my message and signing my name.  Even if the card is a light enough color to write on, I like the panel.  It frames the message.  The back will contain the copyright and contact information. I decorate that too, although it's usually just one image that has been used somewhere else on the card.

Today's post contains several samples from yesterday's cards.

The first two show a couple of ways to add a verse. These are for "friend" cards.

I like to stamp on the writing panel using the one-off technique. You know, ink the stamp, stamp it on scrap paper and then stamp it on your card without reinking. Some folks call it "generation" stamping.

The next two are simple borders down the left edge.  As simple as this is, it does add a finishing touch to the inside.  It also leaves a little more room for writing or adding something at the last minute.

The last three show the use of cutouts from the Designer Series Paper (DSP).  Fun, fun, fun! I used these on the envelopes too, but I'll save that for another post.



Did you notice that some of the flowers are "off the edge?"  A great way to use scraps that don't have a complete image.

Scrapbooking Papers and Cards

I love paper.  All kinds.  I collected it as a kid.  It's one of my favorite tools for quick card making.  Last week I used a set of papers from Stampin' Up! called Greenhouse Gala.  They all coordinate with each other so matching is a no brainer.  Today I have several samples to show you in three different layouts.  I call them 2/3rds, Fill the Middle, and Left Side Panel.  I made up a bunch of these in the coordinating colors.  Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz and Pumpkin Pie.

These are great cards for scrapbookers (or anyone else) who love the idea of cards but don't want to invest in a lot of stamps.

Here are a couple of 2/3rds.  The paper covers 2/3rds of the card front...



The flower is cut out of a scrap from the DSP, glued to coordinating cardstock and embellished with glitter.  This technique works great with the larger patterns.  I love them but sometimes the pattern size is intimidating.

Here are a couple of Fill the Middle.

Here are a couple of Left Side Panel.

Tomorrow, I'll show you and discuss the insides.

Supplies

2/3, For You - Card Size = 6 1/4 x 4 1/2

Stamps:  SU Punch Bunch

Ink: SU Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie Markers

Paper: SU Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White cardstock; SU Greenhouse Gala DSP

Accessories/Tools:  SU Ticket Corner Punch, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, 1 3/8" & Scallop Circle Punches, Dimensionals

2/3, Springtime Smiles - Card Size = 6 1/4 x 4 1/2

Stamps:  SU Easter Blossoms

Ink:  SU Pumpkin Pie

Paper:  SU Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie cardstock; SU Greenhouse Gala DSP

Accessories/Tools:  SU Dimensionals, Ticket Corner Punch, Very Vanila Seam Binding, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter; Glue Pen

Fill the Middle, For You - Card Size = 6 1/4 x 4 1/2

Stamps: SU Punch Bunch

Ink: SU Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight, Pumpkin Pie Markers
Paper: SU Whisper White, Pumpkin Pie cardstock; SU Greenhouse Gala DSP
Accessories/Tools: SU Dimensionals, Ticket Corner Punch, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, 1 3/8" & Scallop Circle Punches, Scallop Trim Border Punch

Fill the Middle, Friend - Card Size = 6 1/4 x 4 1/2
Stamps:  SU Perfect Punches, Sweet Summer
Ink:  SU Pumpkin Pie, Pear Pizzazz; SU Pear Pizzazz Marker
Paper:  SU Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White cardstock; SU Greenhouse Gala DSP
Accessories/Tools:  SU Curly Label Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Scallop Trim Border Punch, Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Dimensionals

Left Side Panel, Thanks - Card Size = 6 1/4 x 4 1/2
Stamps:  SU Perfect Punches, Sweet Summer, In My Thoughts
Ink:  SU Daffodil Delight, Chocolate Chip; SU Chocolate Chip, Pear Pizzazz, Baja Breeze Markers
Paper:  SU Daffodil Delight, Whisper White, Baja Breeze cardstock; Greenhouse Gala DSP
Accessories/Tools:  SU Wide, Scallop & Small Oval Punches, Ticket Corner Punch, Baja Breeze Seam Binding, Dimensionals

Left Side Panel, For You - Card Size = 6 1/4 x 4 1/2
Stamps:  SU Punch Bunch
Ink:  SU Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie Markers
Paper:  SU Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White cardstock; SU Greenhouse Gala DSP
Accessories/Tools:  SU Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding, Dimensionals, 1 3/8" & Scallop Circle Punches, Scallop Edge Punch, Ticket Corner Punch; 2" Circle Punch

Note:  Some stamps and tools are used on the insides of these sampes.
SU = Stampin' Up!
DSP = Designer Series Paper