If you love finding new ways to add texture and personality to your cards, these three projects are going to spark some ideas. Each one takes a slightly different approach—from embossed and sanded Designer Series Paper to a playful pegboard-inspired design—showing how you can use what you already have in fresh, creative ways. Whether you’re reaching for patterned paper, specialty paper, or your favorite dies, there’s something here that makes each card feel unique and fun to create.
In the first card, strips of Delicate Dreams Designer Series Paper are layered onto Basic White and then embossed with the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder. After a little sanding, the colors and patterns peek through in the most gorgeous distressed way. Pairing that textured panel with the Earthen Tones Metallic Specialty Paper and a softly heat-embossed sentiment creates a look that feels both rustic and elegant. The Linen Thread detail adds just the right amount of softness, and those little tricks—like covering the die-cut openings and anchoring the thread behind the panel—make this card as practical as it is pretty.
The bonus card takes that same embossing and sanding idea in a completely different direction using the Nature Walk Designer Series Paper. This one leans into a sweet garden theme with the Help Me Grow bundle, featuring a potted plant, a tiny trowel, and delicate little flowers. The layered Linen Thread behind the focal point adds texture without bulk, and the mix of earthy tones with touches of blue brings the whole design to life. It’s a reminder that one technique can give you endless looks depending on the paper and elements you choose.
For the card created during Paper Party Live, the inspiration came from something completely different—a pegboard you’d find in a garage or workshop. A Basic White panel is die cut with a multi-hole design to mimic that organized tool wall, then layered onto a Lost Lagoon card base. From there, the fun really begins. Using the Help Me Grow dies and stamps, the tools are brought to life with stamped handles in cheerful colors and metallic blades that catch the light beautifully.
The pruning shears even have a tiny brad to keep them interactive, and a bit of thread tied through the handle adds a playful touch. With Dimensionals giving each tool a little lift, it truly feels like they’re hanging right on that pegboard. It’s such a creative twist for a thank-you card and one that is sure to make someone smile. This design was CASEd from Su Mohr, a fellow Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.
I’ve included the full video for you below so you can see the first card come together step by step and pick up a few extra tips along the way.
For the 1st bonus card, I’ve got a blog post for you here that includes a shorts video.
If you’d like to recreate these designs, I’ve put together a full PDF Tutorial with all the measurements, supplies, and step-by-step instructions for all three cards. This tutorial is my thank-you gift to my qualifying customers who place a $50 order or more during the preceding month, as well as my team members. Those same folks also receive Make & Take kits with all the paper pieces and embellishments ready to go, making it easy to craft right along with me.
These cards were so much fun to create, and I love how each one shows a different personality using similar ideas. Whether you’re reaching for your favorite DSP, trying out embossing folders in a new way, or turning dies into something totally unexpected, there’s so much room to play. I can’t wait to see how you take these ideas and make them your own!
