Welcome back to the craft room and today’s One Card Design, Endless Creative Looks post. Have you ever seen the same card design over and over again and just had to recreate it? That’s exactly what happened to me.
This beautiful design kept popping up in my Pinterest feed for weeks, and I finally gave in. Not only did I want to make it, but I also wanted to experiment and see how different materials could completely change the look. Come along with me as I try a few different options.
Materials Breakdown
Before we jump into the project, let’s talk about what we’re using. As always, my main cardstock panels are cut from 110lb Recollections cardstock from Michaels. I’m using white for the card base and sentiment panel, and black for the mats.
The focal image for all of today’s cards is cut using the branch die from the Tim Holtz Vault Wildflowers die set. It’s the perfect size for this design—no trimming needed.
I also dug into my scrap pile for the focal images. I started with an olive green Kraft-Core cardstock from Tim Holtz and Core’dinations. Next is a rose gold sheet from the Kraft Stock Metallic collection. The third is a yellow gold metallic cardstock (from either Michaels or Hobby Lobby). And finally, I tried a scrap piece of HTVRont holographic HTV.
For a couple of the cards, I’ll also be using one of 5″ x 7″ embossing folders from the Cuttlebug Oriental Weave collection.
One Card Design Step-by-Step
Cutting the Cardstock
Let’s start by cutting all of our layers. In the photo below:
- #1 Card base: 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
- #2 Black mat: approx. 3 7/8″ x 5 1/8″
- #3 Sentiment layer: 3 3/4″ x 5″
- #4 Focal image mat: 1 3/4″ x 4 3/4″
Using the Tim Holtz guillotine trimmer, it can be tricky to get an exact 1/8″ cut every time, so I get as close as possible.
Die Cutting the Leafy Branch
Using my Sizzix die cutting machine, I cut the first branch from the Kraft-Core cardstock. At first, I wasn’t sure it cut all the way through, but it released cleanly and easily from the surrounding paper.
Embossing the Focal Image Mat
To use the Cuttlebug embossing folder in the Sizzix Die Cutting Machine is really very simple. I am using the base plate, shim #1, my well loved Scrapbook.com Magic Mat, the embossing folder and cardstock, and an additional cutting plate. This isn’t a super thick sandwich to run through the machine, but it can still feel like running into a speed bump. To make it easier to run through, I am going to angle the embossing folder slightly so it goes in from corner to corner.
Unfortunately, this embossing folder has never given a perfectly even impression. The center area always needs extra pressure, no matter what material I use. Because of that, I place smaller pieces off to the side of the folder instead of in the center, and I still add an extra shim to my sandwich.
Even with those adjustments, the texture is beautiful—I love the subtle, all-over pattern it creates.
Stamping the Sentiment
I used the same sentiment for all of today’s cards: “thinking of you” from the Hero Arts Color Layering Dragonfly stamp set. For a deep, waterproof black, I stamped it with Distress Archival Ink in Black Soot.
Because the sentiment shares space with the black embossed panel, placement can be tricky. To help with this, I place both the sentiment layer and the embossed panel into my Mini MISTI. This makes it easy to line everything up before stamping.
Adding Texture to the Sentiment Layer
To add a bit more texture, I used my Master’s Touch metallic watercolors for splatter. I wanted the splatter to complement each branch material.
My favorite way to do this is with a Royal & Langnickel Soft Grip Golden Taklon fan brush (size 4). It gives a nice, delicate spray.
After setting up my splatter box, I added water to what I thought was gold paint. While editing the video, I realized my pans were flipped—and I was actually using copper. Whoops!
To splatter, I hold the brush in my left hand over the panel and gently tap it with my right finger, moving across the surface. This creates a soft spray of color.
While the panel dried, I gathered my card pieces. Even with precautions, I still got splatter on my black cardstock. It just proves that paint has a mind of its own!
Assembling the Card
To assemble, I used Bearly Art Precision Glue.
First, I adhered the black mat to the card base. Then I glued the embossed panel onto the sentiment layer. Because of the texture, I used a generous amount of glue.
Next, I added adhesive to the back of the die-cut branch and carefully placed it using my Singer reverse tweezers.
Comparing the Final One Card Designs
Card 1: Cardstock Version
I love how this card turned out. Even with all the texture, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. The Kraft-Core cardstock adds just the right amount of subtle detail alongside the embossed layer.
Even though I used copper instead of gold, I really love the combination with the olive green. Maybe it was meant to be!
Card 2: Rose Gold Version
This version feels a bit more elevated thanks to the rose gold metallic paper. I love the brushed look of this cardstock.
I also embossed the focal mat again here, which adds even more texture.
For splatter, I used the bronze paint—and it pairs perfectly with the rose gold.
Card 3: Gold Version
For this card, I skipped embossing the focal mat—and I love the cleaner look. The smooth black cardstock and mirror gold really stand out.
Instead of gold paint, I used yellow metallic splatter. It ended up being the most reflective of the bunch—maybe the others just needed bigger splatters!
What Didn’t Work (HTV Attempt)
You might be wondering what happened to the holographic HTV. Unfortunately… this one was a total fail.
I’ve had success using paper punches with HTV after removing the carrier sheet, so I assumed a thin metal die would work just as well. It didn’t.
For my first attempt, I ran it through my Sizzix Big Shot multiple times with two shims. It made a great impression, but only cut through in a few spots. Next, I flipped the HTV over and tried cutting from the back. While a bit more did cut through, this die is just too delicate to force it apart cleanly.
In the end, it simply wouldn’t cut well enough to use—so sadly, this one didn’t make the cut. I was really disappointed, because that holographic finish would have been stunning on the black cardstock.
Bonus Card: Green Polka Dots
Since I had leftover cardstock from the HTV attempt, I made a bonus card just for the blog!
I used a green polka dot paper from the Lost & Found Two pad by My Mind’s Eye and switched to the Tim Holtz Wildflower Stems 2 die.
This time I skipped embossing. I love the contrast between the tiny polka dots and the soft metallic splatter. And although it’s labeled white paint… it definitely looks silver to me!
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for joining me for today’s One Card Design, Endless Creative Looks post. I love how each version turned out.
Simply changing the focal material makes such a difference. Even with the same black and white base, the textures and finishes give each card its own personality. And that little bit of metallic splatter really pulls everything together.
I’m still a little disappointed the holographic HTV didn’t work—it would have looked amazing on the black cardstock! But it does make me curious…
Have you ever had a material that just refused to cooperate no matter what you tried?
And I’d love to know—which card is your favorite?
Let me know in the comments. Until then, have a fantastic week, and I’ll see you back in the craft room soon!
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