10 Ways to Create a Beautiful Card Panel

Whether a first-time card-maker or a seasoned crafter, it's sometimes helpful to look at your crafty stash with a new set of glasses (rose-colored or otherwise)!  I hope that these ideas will spark your creativity!

1.  Stamp/Paint/Gel Print

One of the most common ways to create a card panel is with ink or paint.  Creating backgrounds can be as simple as repeat stamping of an image over the entire panel.  This has become much easier with the use of stamping platforms, since you can easily re-stamp an image if it wasn't great the first time.  Likewise, a stamp-positioning tool may be used if a large image is to be stamped on the card panel.  (Once stamped, it may be colored, heat embossed, foiled, etc.)

Using a gel plate with inks (or paints) is another way to quickly make backgrounds that can be cut into card panels.  Not only can you produce many prints in a short time, but it also allows the artist to come out (even in those of us who are NOT artists!)

2.  Patterned Paper

Most paper-crafters LOVE beautiful patterned paper and have some (ok...LOTS) of it in the crafty stash!  This is by far the simplest and quickest way to decorate a card panel (or directly onto the card base)!  It may be cut the full size of the card base (or card front), cut into strips, shapes, or used to make embellishments (ie die cuts).   Pre-printed card bases are also available, usually as part of subscription kits.

3.  Stencils

Stencils provide a great way to add focal points or full backgrounds!  They can be one hue, cover the color spectrum, or anywhere in between!  When used with pastes, they can also provide eye-catching dimension to your cards!

4.  Scraps

There are now MANY videos about using your scraps!  There are recommendations about how to cut them down/store them, how to use them, and even how to share them as "Random Acts of Kindness" (or RAKs)!  Using scraps is a great and easy way to decorate a card panel!  Scraps torn or cut into strips is probably the most common way, but they can also be cut into various shapes (circles, triangles, squares, etc) and used to make gorgeous backgrounds!  Also, they are great to die cut sentiments and embellishments from too!

5.  Stickers/Rub-ons/Washi Tape

Stickers were a huge part of my scrapbooking days!  Almost every page I ever created used stickers, whether alphabet stickers or cute images.  As a card-maker, you can use stickers too...or even make your own!  Stickers are a great way to decorate the card panel, provide a focal point, add a sentiment, or simply add that finishing touch.  Rub-ons have made a comeback and are included here as it's the same concept.  Simply "rub" on the image (or phrase)...which will provide a simple and quick finishing touch to the card panel.  Of course, these can be used inside the card as well.  Washi tape can be used in a variety of ways and is inexpensive too.

6.  Glitter/Foil and double-sided adhesive

Although there have been some strong opinions (and heated discussions) about glitter, this is a super fun and easy way to use what you already have and decorate your card panel!  Glue works to hold glitter, but double-sided adhesive makes application more fun and less messy.  Double-sided adhesive is available in various sizes from super-thin to full-sheets.  There are many techniques for using these adhesives, but we will focus on glitter and foil!  

Adhesive strips may placed in an intentional or random pattern on the card panel; then, once the adhesive is exposed, the glitter or foil may be pressed into the adhesive for a sparkly effect!  Have fun with this quick and simple way to decorate your card panel (or card front)!

7.  Pictures from Old Calendars/Magazines (especially Crafty ones!)

Remember back when you were a young child...cutting pictures from magazines was likely a common theme in many arts and crafts projects.  It's sometimes fun to relive our youth and incorporate this same idea in our card projects!  Likewise, images can come from other sources too, such as calendars or even junk mail!  Typically, the paper is good quality and cuts well; the images can be used for backgrounds or focal points.  Channel your inner child and unleash the creative possibilities!  (Don't forget the inside of security envelopes that may otherwise end up in the trash...these are great for backgrounds too.)

8.  Decorative boxes (i.e. Kleenex boxes or herbal tea boxes)

Admittedly, I buy (and use) a TON of Kleenex (or other brands of tissue)!  And, as a crafter, I also have a difficult time throwing an empty box in the trash!  They are so decorative and pretty!  So, cut the empty boxes up and use in your projects!  They're great for providing sturdiness when mailing your cards that have beads and gems (protects them from being crushed by the mail machines).  They're also lovely as part of your card panel/card front background or focal point.  The inside of the herbal tea boxes that I regularly buy is stunning; it looks like kraft cardstock with vines and leaves printed.  These are a great little addition to cards!  Other packaging can be "up-cycled" as well, using punches, dies, or scissors.

9.  Wrapping paper

Have you ever received a gift and the wrapping paper was so pretty that you didn't want to crumple it up and throw it away?  Same here....  So, cut one or more pieces from the undamaged paper and use it for your card panel!  It's perfect for a "thank you" card to the gift-giver (wink & smile)!  Gift wrapping paper is usually readily available in the home, so what a great way to make a quick and beautiful card front...no coloring required!

10.  Tissue paper

Instead of gift wrapping, many prefer to place the gift in a bag and add decorative tissue paper.  Don't throw out the used (or new) tissue paper...use it on your card!  Simply cover your card panel with double-sided adhesive (cut to size) then press the tissue paper into the adhesive.  I recommend crumpling the tissue paper first so that it is intentionally textured since it will likely not be completely smooth (unless it's a new piece).  Once the tissue paper is adhered to the card panel, it may be die cut, dry embossed, or used as-is for a stunning card!

If you've found these ideas helpful or if you have ideas of your own to share/add...please leave a comment below!

And remember...take it ONE __ at a time!