What does Stepping Up Mean for Card Makers? This essentially means to “Step It Up” from Simple to more complex. Instead of your card just being stamped directly on your Card Base you add to more to it. Check below for some ideas on how to “Step Up” your Cards and paper crafting projects.
LAYERS:
One way is to add another layer of cardstock or patterned paper below your Card Front or main stamped layer.
Standard Card Fronts come in any size you want. My favorite Card Front sizes are 4″ x 5-1/4″ and 3-3/4″ x 5″. You can use either cardstock or patterned paper at 4-1/8″ x 5-3/8″ for a thin border around your 4″ x 5-1/4″ Card Front. Use a 4″ x 5-1/4″ or 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ patterned paper or cardstock under your 3-3/4″ x 5″ Card Front.
PUNCHES & DIE CUTS:
Some Punches and Dies come in Bundles with coordinating stamp sets. You save 10% when you buy the two together in a Bundle. Each Bundle usually only lasts for one catalog. If they are carried over to the next catalog they will only be available separately.
Use a Punch or Die to stamp your Words on cardstock. Attach to your card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
Punch or Die Cut several or lots of the same shape from either cardstock or patterned paper. Make a pattern of them on your card base or a layer of cardstock or patterned paper.
Punch or Die cut some small stamped images and place them under your Word Label or behind other images.
Layer Die Cuts or Punches such as Flowers to add more dimension to your card.
RIBBONS AND TRIM:
Add Ribbon. You can tie a Bow or a Knot. A flat ribbon is also nice and does not add bulk.Punchy
Use some Baker’s Twine or Linen Thread to wrap around an image or punch or die cut shape. You can also tie a bow and attach it with a Glue Dot.
COLORING:
Stamp an Outline image. You can “Step Up” your card by coloring your image with either Watercolor Pencils, Stampin’ Write Markers, or Stampin’ Blends Alcohol Markers.
Add color to your Background. You can use Water Painters for a Watercolor look. Use a Blending Brush for a soft, pastel look. Sponge Daubers give a darker color with less effort.
EMBOSSING FOLDERS:
Use any Embossing Folder to add texture to your card.
You can stamp your card front then emboss with a subtle Embossing Folder.
Or Emboss one of your layers that go behind your Card Front.
Embossing a strip of cardstock 1-1/2 to 2″ wide the length of your card can add interest and variety to your card.
Use a 1/2″ to 3/4″ piece of Embossed cardstock in place of a flat ribbon on your card.
So… What does Stepping Up Mean for Card Makers? It means you can get Creative!
