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Here is a simple card design that can be put together in minutes using pretty patterned paper, a dab of paint, and Q-tips. Craft stores usually have shelves full of pretty paper adorned with all sorts of patterns, colors, and textures. Most of the time they are in a 12" x 12" size which is ideal for scrapbooking, but here is a way you can use one sheet to create two different cards.
Getting Started: Supplies Needed
Many card making tutorials start with cardstock as a base, but that may not be practical for everyone especially if you aren't planning to invest in a large amount of supplies for this hobby (or if you're only making a few cards for a special occasion). Using patterned paper (or any paper sold by the sheet vs. in bulk) is an alternative and you can create some really pretty card bases.
A sheet of patterned paper may be too light or thin on its own as a card base so I like to use another piece of paper with it, usually the area that I would stamp or decorate with embellishments.
Craft stores sell pads of paper for all sorts of mediums (such as watercolors, tracing, drawing, etc.) and you can usually find them on sale. I found this pad of drawing paper on sale for $2 at my local craft store. It's great for this use and also suitable for drawing paper that my toddler can use since it's not expensive. This particular paper is also light enough to use as wrapping paper so it has a wide range of uses.
Supplies Needed:
- 12" x 12" sheet of patterned paper (or solid cardstock)
- lightweight white paper or cardstock
- scratch paper
- paint (I used Crayola kids' paint)
- scissors
- another piece of paper or cardstock in a different color (optional)
- Q-tips
- wax paper (optional)
- dry adhesive such as double-sided tape
Create the Card Base
Instructions:
1. Create the card base by cutting the 12" x 12" paper into two rectangles. The finished card size is going to be 6" x 6" square.
2. Fold the paper in half to create the card base and set aside.
Create the Card Base
3. Cut a piece of white paper into a 5" x 5" square and adhere it to the card base.
Another option is to cut a piece of cardstock or paper in another color into a 5.25" x 5.25" square and use this as a mat under the white paper (as demonstrated in the photo above).
This is one situation where I would highly recommend the use of a dry adhesive vs. a liquid glue. Liquid adhesives may create warping under thin paper or may not dry completely flat which could effect your work surface later on during the project.
Create a Heart Template
4. Cut a piece of scratch paper into a 5" x 5" square, then fold it in half. I like to start of with a piece of paper the same size as the white paper so I get an idea of how large the heart will be on the card later on.
Create a Heart Template
5. Use a pair of scissors and cut out a half heart shape starting on the folded edge of the paper. It may be helpful to draw an cutting guide with a pencil. Don't worry about erasing the pencil line since we will not be applying this piece to the card.
Another tool that may be helpful is a heart shaped cookie cutter or a printout of a computer image to cut around.
Place the Heart Template on Top of the Card Base
6. Place the heart template on top of the card base so that it is centered in the white cardstock. I used a piece of washi tape to pin it down but you can also just hold it down with your fingers as you paint.
Set Up the Paint
7. Tear a small piece of wax paper to use as a paint surface. I like to use wax paper because the paint doesn't stick to it and it makes for a super easy clean up when I'm done. Pour a little dab of paint on the wax paper.
8. Use a Q-tip and apply paint around the edge of the heart template. I spaced them out so that they weren't touching, and found that it helps to get more paint after each dab to apply a good amount of paint to the paper.
Apply Dabs of Paint Around the Heart Template
9. Continue applying dabs of paint around the heart template and begin applying some further away from the edge of the template.
To create the lighter shades of paint, I found it helpful to dab into a previously made dot of paint and then dab it on a different part of the paper.
Different Heart Shapes and Different Paint Colors
10. Carefully peel the heart template off the card base and allow it to dry. Don't let the template sit on the card base for very long because as it dries it becomes a little more difficult to remove!
Different Heart Shapes and Different Paint Colors
11. I learned after making the first card that I wanted more of the painted area to show up on the card so for this second one I made the heart a little bit smaller, and made the dip at the top of the heart a little deeper. I also tried using metallic gold acrylic paint for a different effect.
Create the Inside of the Card
I really like how the metallic gold paint shimmers. The nice thing about applying thin layers of paint is that it dries very quickly.
One tip: avoid applying a large glob of paint on the heart template edge. It can seep under the template and get into the large white space on the inside of the heart. If this happens you can simply cover it up with an embellishment such as ribbon, a tag, or a piece of paper with a stamped sentiment.
A lot of patterned paper comes with another pattern on the opposite side. When I use them to create card bases I like to adhere a piece of white paper on the inside so that I can write the message where it will be legible.
To do this, cut a piece of white paper into a 5.5" x 5.5" square and adhere it with dry adhesive.
Creating cards of this size also creates an opportunity to make a custom envelope to match it.
This is another great use of pretty patterned paper, especially when you find it difficult to choose between different patterns!
This technique can also be applied to different template shapes to suit a variety of occasions. Try a star for birthday or congratulatory cards, a circle, or layer different sized squares.
Note: the USPS charges extra for mailing square shaped cards. Be sure to check with your post office before dropping your letter in the mail.
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