Use your patterned paper scraps to create these terrific card panels.
These cards came together quite quickly, here’s how I did it.
Preparation and Supplies:
Select some coordinating patterned papers. It does not take much. In the Just a note sample I used Mediterranean Summer from Paper Rose. Big Hugs and the Floral Center one, used Life in Bloom by Simple Stories. You also need a paper trimmer or dies that cut strips in various sizes. Several companies make them such as Taylored Expressions, Paper Rose, Hero Arts and Pinkfresh Studio. Any company would work, I own the Pinkfresh Studio ones and used them. Dies are not necessary to make these but they are convenient. You will also need to select some sentiments or whatever you want to fill the center with. You can use a large sentiment die like the ones I used here from Concord and 9th. It would look nice with a stamped image or sentiment in the center or a diecut or some ephemera that coordinates with the paper collection. I also added thin 1/8″ pearlescent paper between my bigger strips and while it is not necessary, I really think it added a lot of impact. You will also need some white cardstock for a card base and your card panel. I used Hammermill paper available at the store.
Cutting:
You need to cut strips 1/2″ wide from various patterned papers. If you are choosing, also cut your 1/8″ strips.
I cut a card panel slightly smaller than my A2 card base to give a slight border around the edge but it is up to you if you want your panel the full width or not. The steps will not change. I also cut a 2″ square from coordinating solid paper to use for the center.
Assembly:
I used my centering ruler to find the center of the card panel both horizontally and vertically and made a light line across the panel in both directions to know where to lay my square. I turned the square on a diagonal and lined up the corners with the marks I made and adhered it to my card panel. Next, I started on the bottom left corner and placed my 1/2″ strip from the edge of the square down. Then I moved to the right of the square and lined the strip up against both the strip I had just placed and the edge of the square running up the card. I continued working my way around the edge of the square and outward with each strip until the panel was complete. If adding the 1/8″ strips as I did in the samples, you would now go and add them on top of each seam between the patterned papers. Add whatever elements you chose for the centers of the card and attach the card panel to the base.
If you like this card you may be interested in a couple of products from Taylored Expressions available on our website. These packs come with 20 preprinted papers cut to A2 card size with the strips on them in 5 patterns. There are two different packs for a total of 10 different designs. You can just add a sticky sheet of adhesive and line your strips up on the adhesive with the preprinted pattern. This is another terrific way to use up scraps and create some stunning cards with no measuring or fuss.
