Basic dies and punches are great to have in your stash, but they often go under used. Here's three ideas for using them as the building blocks on your cards. These easy handmade card ideas using basic shape dies will become your card making go-tos. 

Easy Handmade Card Ideas Using Basic Dies

1. Layer a sentiment on basic shapes

This "Hello" card is a great card to mass produce and can change with any sentiment. You can keep all the shapes the same size or vary them in size and type. Don't forget you can stack up several pieces of diecut cardstock to create dimension that will survive the mail unscathed. Kate used two each of the shapes and three each of the "Hellos" for dimension. Just glue them together before adhering to the card.

Hello card Supplies: Bazzill Smoothies in Watermelon Sensation, Marmalade Blast, Grapefruit Bliss, Tropical Breeze, Lime Crush

Stitched Rectangles and Squares dies from Stampin Up!, Hello from my Favorite Things

Step up the "Hello" card and make it a birthday card by changing out the sentiment and the paper to some glitter cardstock and a foil background.

Celebrate Card Supplies: Glitter Silk Cardstock in King's Crown and Silver Mist,  Black Foil from Grafix, Black Embossed Squares Foil

Hero Arts Infinity Squares dies

2. Layer Multiple Sizes of the Same Shape

Here's another card that's great to have in your stash and also can be changed up with different colors and shapes. Use several sizes of the same shape to make gradient embellishments.

Rainbow Circle Card Supplies: Bazzill Card Shoppe in Candy Hearts, Lollipop, Wax Lips, Citrus Slice, Circus Peanuts, Candy Corn , Sour Lemon, Marshmallow Chick, Gold Coins, Apple Crush, Caramel Apple, Gumdrop, Robins Egg, Candy Necklace, Jawbreaker, Sour Grape, Gummy Bear, Jelly Bean

Hero Arts Infinity Dies

3. Use Basic Shapes to Make a Background

Lastly, you can use your basic shapes to create a background. Kate used four shades of blue to create this gradient background.

Sunflower Card Supplies: Bazzill Card Shoppe in Icy Mint, Gumball, Candy Buttons, Whirlypop (Used scraps from Bazzill Card Shoppe for flowers)

Square Punch/dies Daisy dies from Hero Arts 

These easy card ideas are also great ways to use up cardstock scraps!

-Kate