If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a gorgeous stack of Designer Series Paper (DSP) sitting on your shelf — paper that’s just too pretty to cut. We all have those sheets that we love so much that we tuck them away for a “special” project that never quite happens. Well, today’s the day to pull them out and actually use them — and not just for one card, but for four beautiful, quick, and easy cards all at once!
Let’s take your 12” x 12” DSP and cut it in a way that makes four perfectly coordinated cards. It’s such a satisfying process, and it works for any paper collection you have. For my main set, I used the Gathering Together Specialty Designer Series Paper — the one with those stunning champagne foil highlights that shimmer when the light hits them. It’s elegant, seasonal, and simply lovely to work with.
I also created two completely different variations to show how versatile this layout is. The first one features the Nests of Winter DSP paired with Coastal Cabana and Basic Black cardstocks, along with a sentiment from the Sentimental Framing stamp set. The pop of black ink from the Memento Tuxedo Black brings such a crisp, modern look to the finished cards.
The final variation uses the peaceful, tranquil tones of Peaceful Garden DSP along with Cloud Cover and Misty Moonlight cardstocks. The sentiment is stamped in Misty Moonlight Ink, creating a serene and calming effect that’s perfect for thinking-of-you cards.
This is one of those layouts that’s simple enough to make those four cards in under half an hour but flexible enough to use again and again. Once you’ve cut your DSP into sections, the design almost builds itself. Mixing and matching the patterns feels a bit like putting together a puzzle — no two cards will look exactly alike, but they’ll all coordinate beautifully. And best of all, you’ll use those papers you’ve been saving for far too long!
You can watch the full tutorial right here and craft along with me:
If you’d like to keep the cutting measurements and instructions handy, I’ve created a free downloadable PDF tutorial for you to snag and print or save. It includes all the details, plus both of the additional variations I shared in the video, so you’ll have plenty of inspiration when you’re ready to dive into your own DSP stash.
Using up what we have feels good — it clears space for creativity and reminds us why we fell in love with these papers in the first place. I hope this project inspires you to grab those pretty sheets, cut them up, and turn them into cards ready to brighten someone’s day.
I’m entering the Gathering Together card into the As You See It challenge #358 where the theme is “My Favourite Autumn Things” and mine is the changing leaves – they’re so beautiful.
Which version is your favorite — the foiled Gathering Together paper, the crisp Nests of Winter combo, or the soft tones of Peaceful Garden? I’d love to know! Until next time, keep creating and keep sharing joy — one beautiful card at a time.
Supplies used (also listed in the tutorial):
For Gathering Together card:
For Nests of Winter card:
For Peaceful Garden card: