Spring into DIY Action: How to Make Handmade Cards that Beat the Winter ...

Ready for a pretty Spring card layout? Here's what you'll need:

But first, you can download the free project sheet for today's cards here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/qsmHu63/prettyspringcards2023

The measurements and instructions are also listed below including a full product list including my March Host Code!

Eden's Garden Stamp Set - Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Eden Dies - Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper - Images Copyright Stampin' Up!

Coordinating Stampin' Up! Colors for the Hues of Happiness Designer Series Paper

All 4 cards basically have the same layout. Some have more layers than others but the concept is the same.

CARD MEASUREMENTS

• Card Base: 5-1/2 x 8-1/2" score: 4-1/4" (Basic White Cardstock)
• Cardstock Layer 1: 3-1/2 x 5-1/2"
• DSP Layer 1: 3-1/4 x 5-1/4"
• Cardstock Layer 2: 2-1/4 x 3-1/2"
• Basic White Layer: 2 x 3-1/4"
• DSP Strip: 1 x 5-1/2"
• Optional Ribbon: Cut about 7"
• Two Brushed Brass Butterflies

INSTRUCTIONS

Stamp largest flower image in a light color ink (Pool Party, So Saffron, Fresh Freesia, for example) on either side of the Basic White panel to create a simple and pretty pattern. About half of the stamped image will be on either end of this piece. Stamp the desired sentiment in a darker color ink (Gorgeous Grape, Night of Navy, etc) in the center of the Basic White piece and set aside.

There is a die in the Eden Dies that is long with a floral decorative edge and stitching. Place your card base open on the Stampin' Cut and Emboss Machine plate. (Not folded) Place your die at the edge of the card base. Make sure it is straight and cut. I recommend running this through two or three times because there is a lot of detail and we want a clean cut.

To remove the die, gently start to push the cardstock away from the die on both sides and do this until it releases in the middle. This way you guarantee a perfect die cut decorative edge for your card!

Place the cardstock layer panel on the card front and it should line up with that stitched line. Your card front should measure to 3-1/2" once that edge has been die cut into the card front panel.

Place a little adhesive on either side of the back of your DSP panel so you can tuck those ribbon edges out of sight. Place it center if desired. Then place the entire DSP piece on dimensionals and add to the card front.

Glue that sentiment to the coordinating cardstock layer then place it on dimensionals and add center over the ribbon.

You will still have a DSP strip left. You will glue this piece inside the card along the bottom to help that beautiful die cut edge stand out when you close the card.

Finish with two Brushed Brass Butterflies. I placed one large and one small on opposite side of the sentiment.

For those of you who prefer patterns to florals... I think you'll like this combination. Daffodil Delight Cardstock but I went with So Saffron ink for a softer look with a nice pop of color from the Bordered Ribbon. The DSP has this almost cross stitch look in a variety of shades and I went with one of the brighter paint patterns that goes from yellow to orange to pink to melon mambo. I LOVE how it turned out. I did stick to the same floral stamp but you could switch that out if you wish to avoid florals entirely.

I had mentioned that when I was sick and curled up on my couch I was watching a Spring Fashion weekend on a home shopping channel and I just kept thinking how can I turn these outfits and Spring vibes into a card? And that's how I came to use Hues of Happiness because of those fabulous and cheerful spring colors and florals. I think this card most perfectly captures Spring Fashion but on a card, haha... Fresh Freesia ink for the flowers, Gorgeous Grape for the greeting. Pool Party Grosgrain ribbon here with a really bright floral arrangement DSP pattern on top and the bottom strip is from the paint pattern side mixing Pool Party with Granny Apple Green.

If you like brighter colors here's Melon Mambo as the accent color. I stamped the opposite corners and showed less of the image so my "Sending Hugs" greeting could stand out. I stamped that in Night of Navy. The ribbon here is Parakeet Party Metallic Ribbon and because it's so thin I wrapped it three times, so about 21" or so of ribbon for this look.

In this sample, I used Pool Party ink, cardstock, ribbon and DSP. I stamped the sentiment in Night of Navy ink.

There is no layer behind the sentiment on this card so it's optional.

I hope you enjoyed today's tutorial. I know so many people are recovering from colds and flu season. Many people have been dealing with unexpectedly high amounts of snowfall and many other things can sort of effect our ability to make cards and be creative, so I wanted to create a set of cards that was pretty and easy to duplicate but does not take much effort. I hope you find these easy to make. 

I will have a products list below with the March 2023 Host Code already linked for those of you shopping. When you spend $50 in the online store before tax using that Host Code in March you will receive a FREE embellishment from me as a thank you. 

SPECIAL PAPER PUMPKIN OFFER FOR MY CUSTOMERS: Purchase a 3 or 6 Month Prepaid Paper Pumpkin Subscription using this March 2023 Host Code in the online store will receive a FREE Past Paper Pumpkin kit from me. I have included those in the product list. The DEADLINE to subscribe to the March Paper Pumpkin Kit is 3/10/2023! Don't miss it because there is a FREE stamp set in the March kit in addition the one that comes with the kit. It's also the 10th Anniversary and I'll have fun alternate ideas for the March kit and the bonus stamp set! MUST USE HOST CODE to get Free Past Kit - no exceptions! Offer expires 3/31/2023

NOTE: If you purchase the prepaid code make sure it is activated by March 10th so you don't miss this special kit! Questions? Don't hesitate to contact me.