Make These in Minutes
Sometimes the most delightful cards come from the simplest supplies. I love to create cards using only Stamps, Ink, and Paper—otherwise known as SIP cards. It’s easy to think we need every new tool, die, or embossing folder to create something special; these projects are a wonderful reminder that beautiful handmade cards can come together with just the basics. Using the adorable Cutest Crew stamp set, a few cardstock colors, VersaMark ink for subtle tone-on-tone backgrounds, and Memento Tuxedo Black ink for crisp images and sentiments, I created three sweet cards that are quick, easy, and ready to brighten someone’s day.
In today’s video, I share how these simple SIP cards come together. You’ll see how easy it is to create soft tone-on-tone backgrounds with VersaMark ink and how a small stamped strip can become the focal point of a card. These projects are perfect for when you want to make something adorable without pulling out every tool in your craft room.
The first card begins with a Basic White card base. A panel of Granny Apple Green cardstock was stamped all over with the bird feet image using VersaMark ink, creating a playful tone-on-tone background. The sentiment “Just a Little Hello” was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink in the lower right-hand corner before the panel was adhered to the card base. A strip featuring the birds from the Cutest Crew stamp set was stamped repeatedly onto Basic White cardstock, colored, and layered onto Daffodil Delight cardstock before being adhered to the card front. The result is a cheerful, colorful card that comes together in no time.
The second card features a warm neutral base made with Crumb Cake cardstock. The row of kittens image was stamped repeatedly at slight angles down the card front using VersaMark ink, creating another soft tone-on-tone background that adds subtle texture. The sentiment “So Glad We’re Friends” was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink near the lower right-hand corner. The kittens were stamped across a Basic White strip, quickly colored, and layered onto Azure Afternoon cardstock before being placed on the card front above the sentiment. This simple design creates an adorable focal point that feels playful and full of personality.
The final card returns to a Basic White card base with a bold Poppy Parade panel stamped with the flower cluster image using VersaMark ink for a subtle floral pattern. The “Happy Birthday” sentiment was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink in the lower right-hand corner. The puppies were stamped across a Basic White strip, colored, and layered onto Granny Apple Green cardstock before being added to the card front. The bright colors and sweet images make this card a perfect birthday greeting.
If you’d like to recreate these projects, here are the measurements used for the cards.
• Basic White card bases — 5-1/2 x 8-1/2, scored and folded at 4-1/4
• Crumb Cake card base — 4-1/4 x 11, scored and folded at 5-1/2
• Granny Apple Green panel — 4 x 5-1/4
• Poppy Parade panel — 4 x 5-1/4
• Basic White stamped strips — 1-1/2 x 4-1/4
• Daffodil Delight layer — 1-3/4 x 4-1/4
• Azure Afternoon layer — 1-3/4 x 4-1/4
• Granny Apple Green layer — 1-3/4 x 4-1/4
These three cards come together quickly and beautifully with just stamps, ink, and paper. The tone-on-tone backgrounds add interest while keeping the design simple, and the small stamped strips create a charming focal point without needing additional tools. SIP card making is truly amazing, and it’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the simplest projects are the most fun to create—and the most meaningful to send.
Supplies used: