Ink to Paper :: Joy of Card Making :: Layouts

It's going to be another holiday inspiration-filled month at Ink to Paper!  Each week there's a new theme featuring a different project by a Design Team member.  This week, it's all about the Joy of Card Making, because that's what many of us enjoy creating most of all.

I have something a little different than I normally do today--I have a layout for you to draw from when you need a little inspiration in your holiday cardmaking.  It's easy to run out of ideas or find yourself blocked now and then, especially if you're like me and have a tendency to get overwhelmed at this time of year.  Sometimes all it takes to get un-blocked is a pattern or idea to re-create.  I hope you find mine useful!

A few helpful tips:
1. Use this layout with whichever card orientation you prefer--horizontal or vertical.  I've offered an example of each.

2. Fill the sentiment space with any kind of message--a few small words, a longer phrase, a simple stamped sentiment like 'Merry Christmas' or 'Season's Greetings', or insert a larger die cut like the To Die For: Christmas words.

3. You can use a literal frame around the outer edge of the card, such as the Border Bling dies, or simply choose to matte different sizes of cardstock panels instead. You might even try a stamped border. (Your border doesn't have to be stitched!)

4. Substitute the florals for snowflakes, presents, pinecones, bows, ornaments--any type of small die cut is a good fit for the space, but it's wise to offer variations in the sizes of the images you choose.

5. This layout works year-round, not just for the holidays. By simply swapping out your sentiment and images (try balloons, hearts, leaves, etc) you can turn to this sketch whenever you're in need of inspiration.

The 'be merry' card features images stamped and die cut from the Framing Florals: Christmas collection while the 'joyful' card features die cuts from Tag Creations: Modern Gift.  You can see that both cards follow the same sketch; the major difference is the card orientation, and it's okay to loosely follow the layout--as long as you're happy with the finished product, use it however it suits you!

Happy card making!

Supplies:
Stamps: Framing Florals: Christmas
Ink: Pure Poppy, Pale Peony, Pinefeather, Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, Melon Berry
Paper: Pure Poppy, Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, Limeade Ice, Classic Kraft, white, glitter cardstock
Dies: Framing Florals: Christmas, Tag Creations: Modern Gift, Border Basics: Rectangle Frame, Border Bling: Stitched Frame, To Die For Sentiments: Christmas
Other: red twine, enamel droplets