Hello, crafty friends! Today, I’m sharing a fun way to stretch your supplies by creating two different cards using just one stamp set and one layout. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a creative rut, wondering how to make the most of your favorite stamps, this technique is a game-changer.
For today’s cards, I’m featuring the Swissie Love Stamp Set from C. C. Designs. This adorable set includes two sweet Swissie girls, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion where you want to spread a little love. I’ve paired them with a simple but versatile layout that allows you to get two distinct designs from the same elements. Let’s dive in!
One Stamp Set One Layout Two Cards:
Maximizing a Stamp Set with a Simple Layout
I love finding ways to get more from my stamps, and one of my favorite tricks is to use the same layout across multiple cards. It not only saves time but also keeps designs cohesive if you’re making a set. The key is switching up small details—like ink blending, orientation, or background colors—to make each card feel unique.
For these cards, I started by stamping both of the Swissie girls onto Neenah Solar White 80 lb Cardstock in Versafine Onyx Black Ink. Since I knew I wanted crisp, bold outlines, I heat embossed them with Clear Super Fine Embossing Powder. This step is totally optional, but here’s a pro tip: heat embossing your images before coloring makes the lines slightly raised, helping to contain any ink or marker bleeding. It’s especially helpful if you’re working with water-based mediums.
Creating Soft, Blended Backgrounds
Ink blending is one of those techniques that never gets old. It adds effortless depth to a design and instantly elevates a card. For these backgrounds, I wanted something colorful but not overpowering, so I used a blend of pink, orange, yellow, blue, and purple inks.
I cut two inside panels from the Nested Stitched Stamps Dies (from SBC) and lightly blended the inks across them. I focused the color at the bottom of each panel and let it fade out towards the top, creating a soft ombré effect. Where the colors naturally overlapped, I blended them together for a seamless transition.
To tie everything together, I repeated this same ink blending technique on two 3 ¾” x 5” panels, but only blended halfway up the cardstock. This subtle shift in background placement adds variation while keeping the overall design cohesive.
Flipping the Layout for a Fresh Look
Once the ink blending was done, I turned my attention to the card bases. I used Neenah Ultra Thick Cardstock to create two A2 card bases—one as a top-folding card and the other as a side-folding card flipped horizontally. I love this approach because just changing the orientation of a design can make it feel completely new.
For extra contrast, I added a purple card front to one and a pink card front to the other. These small pops of color helped ground the design and prevent the white layers from blending together.
Then came the fun part: layering everything together! I attached the larger ink-blended panels first, then centered the stitched postage frame die cuts onto each card. The inside blended panels were popped up with foam adhesive to create dimension.
Finishing Touches with Die-Cut Sentiments & Sparkle
Rather than stamping sentiments directly onto the card bases, I opted for a little extra detail. I die-cut two pink hearts using the Nested Heart Dies (from SBC) and stamped my sentiments inside them. A quick coat of clear embossing powder and heat setting gave them the same polished look as the images.
After fussy cutting the Swissie girls, I adhered them with a mix of liquid glue and foam adhesive, letting them slightly overlap the postage frames. I love how this adds movement and creates a layered, dimensional effect.
To finish off the cards, I reached for Silver Sparkle Rhinestones (from Trinity Stamps). Just a few scattered around the design brought in the perfect touch of shimmer without overwhelming the layout.
Pro tip: If you ever feel like your card needs "just a little something," rhinestones or enamel dots are a great way to add finishing touches without cluttering the design.
Final Thoughts: Stretching Your Supplies
One of the best parts of card making is finding ways to maximize the products you love. Using a single stamp set and one simple layout, I was able to create two completely different cards just by changing the orientation, colors, and small design elements.
If you’re looking for a way to speed up your card making while keeping your designs fresh, give this technique a try! Whether you mix up your ink blending, swap out the sentiment placement, or add different embellishments, you’ll be amazed at how much variety you can achieve with just a few changes.
Want to see these cards come together in real time? Check out the full video tutorial, where I walk you through each step and share even more tips along the way. And if you try this idea, I’d love to see what you create! Be sure to tag me so I can check out your gorgeous designs.
One Stamp Set One Layout Two Cards Video Tutorial:
If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking here!
(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!
Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins
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