Update – This card won!!! Woohoo!!!! How fabulous is that??? Oh wow! I’m so honored to be chosen as the CAS Perfectionist for the Addicted to CAS Challenge #276 where the code word was “Friends”.
Here is what they said about this card: “CAS Perfectionist: Julie’s (sic) card is filled with texture from the leaves and flowers of the die-cut to that beautiful marbled circle. The yellow adds warmth and perfectly grounds that die-cut leaf.”
Thank you so much for the kind words about my card—creating with texture and warmth is my happy place! Looking forward to more crafty fun with this amazing community!
Today, I’m excited to share a super cute clean and simple (CAS) card created for three fun challenges—Addicted to CAS #276 with the Code Word “Friend,” NBUS #71, and Freshly Made Sketches #673. This design combines bold color, texture, and die-cut elements for a simple yet striking effect.
I started with a two-toned sheet of Crushed Curry cardstock along with a bit of Basic White. Using my Cut & Emboss Machine, I ran them through with the largest circle die from the Spotlight on Nature set and the large leafy element from Thoughtful Wishes. Then, for a bit of added texture, I scrunched the Crushed Curry die cut into a messy paper ball, opened it up, and repeated the process until I was satisfied with the creased and crushed effect. Using a fine sanding block, I lightly sanded over the surface, revealing the second tone of the cardstock underneath—such a cool distressed effect!
With the textured die cut ready, I adhered it to the right side of a Thick Basic White card base using strong Tear & Tape adhesive. The large Basic White leafy element was then glued into place, overlapping the left side of the die cut and extending down onto the card base, adding a soft, organic flow to the design.
For the sentiment, I stamped “Dearest Friend” in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on a scrap of Basic White cardstock and snipped it into a simple banner shape. Using dimensionals, I placed it at the bottom of the die cuts to give it a slight pop. A few Basic Rhinestone Jewels added the perfect touch of sparkle, completing the card front beautifully.
I’m so excited to enter some challenges with this card! I used the two-toned cardstock from a scrapbook packet that I had never used before, so I’m glad I can enter this card into the NBUS Challenge.
Inside, I layered an additional piece of Basic White, framed by another layer of the two-toned Crushed Curry cardstock for a polished finish. This card was such a joy to create—simple, elegant, and filled with texture and warmth, perfect for a dear friend.
I also filmed a video sharing the step-by-step process of making this card! If you’d like to see it come together in action, check out the video below:
I hope you’re inspiree to play with textures and layering in your own CAS cardmaking. Happy crafting!
Measurements (in inches):
- Card Base (Thick Basic White) – 8-1/2 x 5-1/2, scored at 4-1/4
- scrap Crushed Curry Two-Toned Cardstock, Basic White for die cuts and sentiment
- Inside Card: Crushed Curry Two-Toned Cardstock 3-7/8 x 5-1/8; Basic White 3-3/4 x 5
Supplies Used to Create This Card:
Great take on the sketch, Julia, and I love how you crushed the crushed curry for added texture and interest! Thank you for inspiring everyone to use their NBUS! Hugs, Darnell
Thank you so much, Darnell! I had so much fun playing along, and I love a good reason to finally use my NBUS! Crushed Curry was just asking to be crushed—glad you liked the texture! 😊 Thanks for all you do to encourage creativity in our community. Hugs right back! 💛
This is fantastic. Amazing how much that scrunching adds to the texture and pop of the card. So glad you joined us this week at FMS!
Thank you so much, Jen! I love adding a little extra texture to a clean design, and the scrunching technique was such a fun way to do it! I always enjoy playing along with FMS—thanks for the inspiration and for stopping by! 😊
I love the effect of the scrunching and crushing! What a fabulous card! Thanks for joining us at Freshly Made Sketches this week!
Thank you, Amy! I had so much fun experimenting with the scrunching technique—it adds such a cool effect! I always love playing along with Freshly Made Sketches. Thanks for the kind words and for a great sketch this week! 😊