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DIY Cards: Creative Ideas and Trends

ByHannah
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From basic tips to trending techniques, this guide for DIY cards from the expert paper crafters at Stampin’ Up will inspire you for future card designs for any occasion.

There are plenty of creative ideas that will take your handmade cards to the next level and make them look well-thought-out, polished, and—dare we say—professional! We’ve pulled together some of our latest DIY card samples to get your creative juices flowing! Let’s check out some of our classic and trendy paper crafting topics and tools.

Stamping

Stamping can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, and we love that about it! It’s a truly versatile technique that can create anything from a basic greeting stamped on plain paper to multiple stamps layered with several colors and patterns. 

Stamping can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be, and we love that about it! It’s a truly versatile technique that can create anything from a basic greeting stamped on plain paper to multiple stamps layered with several colors and patterns.

When doing this, stamp sets specifically designed for this purpose will help ensure well-aligned layers. But one great tip if you don’t have that kind of stamp set? Use the same coordinating cardstock and ink color to get a tone-on-tone look.

Use the same coordinating cardstock and ink color to get a tone-on-tone look.

Embossing

Heat embossing is a more advanced version of stamping. It requires a special and stickier type of ink called VersaMark®, which you then pour embossing powder over before carefully heating to melt and cure into a dimensional image. Embossing is also a great idea for adding metallic flair to your design or making sure an image you want to show up in white pops off a darker-colored paper.

Heat embossing is a more advanced version of stamping. It requires a special and stickier type of ink called VersaMark®, which you then pour embossing powder over before carefully heating to melt and cure into a dimensional image.
You can also use our embossing paste to add dimension to your project. For the project below, we used the Shimmer Paste, a die-cut mask, and a Palette Knife to create this pattern across the cardstock.

You can also use our embossing paste to add dimension to your project. For the project below, we used the Shimmer Paste, a die-cut mask, and a Palette Knife to create this pattern across the cardstock. Once the cardstock dried, we added the additional stamped elements and embellishments! Want to see how we made this card and other embossing techniques? Check out this post on Instagram!

You can also use our embossing paste to add dimension to your project. For this project, we used the Shimmer Paste, a decorative mask, and a Palette Knife to create this pattern across the cardstock.

Embellishments

Adding embellishments as you make your own cards is another part of the process that takes personalization to a whole new level. This accessorization is, as we’ve mentioned before, like putting sprinkles on your cake! For instance, where one person may put jewels, you may put flower cutouts. Where one prefers a bold ribbon tied in a bow, another prefers a loose knot of baker’s twine. Perhaps instead of suggested ephemera, you’d like to place a series of brads instead. We suggest plenty of playing around at this stage until you find a combination of “sprinkles” you really love—and think your card’s recipient will, too.

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Adding embellishments as you make your own cards is another part of the process that takes personalization to a whole new level.
Adding embellishments as you make your own cards is another part of the process that takes personalization to a whole new level. This accessorization is, as we’ve mentioned before, like putting sprinkles on your cake!

Latest Trends in DIY Cards

Staying on top of cardmaking trends can keep your handmade card designs fresh for any message of celebration, condolence, or connection you want to send. Right now, we’re loving the addition of sophisticated metallics—think gold, silver, and bronze—in the form of heat embossing, specialty papers and added embellishments to really elevate a card’s style.

Staying on top of cardmaking trends can keep your handmade card designs fresh for any message of celebration, condolence, or connection you want to send
Heat embossing, specialty papers and added embellishments to really elevate a card’s style
Adding embellishments to DIY paper crafts is still a trend worth exploring.
Layering while adding embellishments to your DIY card is a popular way to make your card stand out.

Another fun trend is a return to bright, cheery hues like the ones you’ll find in our Brights collection. They work great for happy messaging in a variety of themes fit for kids, teens, and adults!

This Hello Friend DIY Card is very popular.
Another fun trend is a return to bright, cheery hues like the ones you’ll find in our Brights collection.

Stay on Top of Handmade Card Trends

Don’t worry, staying on top of trends in handmade cards is as simple as following the experts (on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube) or doing a quick check on the Stampin’ Up! site for what’s new in cardmaking and paper crafting. But one of our best tips for making the most of a handmade card? Do a 5-minute brainstorm about the person you intend to give it to. What are they going through? What do they love? What will help them know you care? When in doubt, always err on the side of total personalization—chances are you’re both going to love what you come up with!

Staying on top of trends in handmade cards is as simple as following the experts

Best Idea Ever? Connect with a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator!

Our community is full of friendly people who know the ins and outs of DIY cards and can help you find the right products and teach you all the coolest techniques in paper crafting. Connect with a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator today!