Simple Ways to Dress Up Cardstock For Handmade Cards

Fall is such a wonderful season for crafting, and it’s the perfect time to pull out some warm, cozy colors from the Encore Cardstock collection. Today, Design Team Member Miss Carrie is going to show you how easy it is to take a simple cardstock die cut and give it a little extra charm using a few favorite techniques. With just stencils, inks, texture paste, and spatters, a basic sunflower card turns into something full of detail and personality. Here's some simple ways to dress up cardstock on your handmade cards.

Doesn’t this card give you all the fall feels? The texture is amazing and it’s so simple to do.

Before we get started, let’s take a look at the supplies you will need. For this project, a card panel was cut from Brownie cardstock with a 3" x 3" window in the center. Behind that window sits a soft square of Blue Sky cardstock. The focal point is a cheerful sunflower cut from Brownie, Golden Amber, and Tea Green cardstock. This flower could easily be swapped out for another die or shape in your collection, making this card design work for any season.

Idea #1: Using Stencils For Your Cardstock Backgrounds

Let’s start with one of the easiest ways to dress up die cuts. Stencils and ink are versatile products that most paper crafters own. With these basic items, you can transform your cardstock into something amazing.

With some repositionable tape, a stencil was secured over the Brownie panel and white pigment ink was gently pounced on top. This created a soft, chalkboard-style effect that almost looks like vintage wallpaper. Pigment ink is a bit thicker than dye ink, so it does take some extra drying time. A quick blast from a heat tool works perfectly if you’re eager to move on.

Idea #2: Using Texture Paste On Cardstock With Stencils

Texture paste is another fun way to add character. In this card, a honeycomb stencil was paired with matte opaque paste for a subtle touch. You could also try transparent paste for tone-on-tone, glitter paste for sparkle, or even a metallic glaze for a bold finish.

The great thing about Encore cardstock is that it holds up beautifully to light mixed media, as long as you don’t oversaturate it with too much wet medium. If you’re planning to use heavier layers, priming with gesso is a good idea.

Idea #3: Add Dimension To Cardstock With Ink

Once the background was finished, it was time to bring the sunflower to life. The petals, cut from Golden Amber cardstock, were shaded with inks along the edges and centers. This small step added so much depth and dimension. Using multiple ink colors gives the flower a layered look without needing multiple cardstock colors. 

Idea #4: Adding Ink Spatters To Cardstock

Spatters are also a great option. A flick of acrylic paint, ink, or watercolor adds just the right amount of interest without overpowering the design. It’s such a simple trick but makes a big difference.

After all the pieces were ready, the card came together beautifully. The stenciled Brownie panel was layered on the card base, the Blue Sky square peeked through the window, and the sunflower was placed front and center with a bit of twine for a finishing touch. A stamped or die cut sentiment could be added to match any occasion, making this card design versatile for fall or any other time of year.

With Encore cardstock and a few mixed media techniques, it’s easy to transform a basic design into something special with these simple ways to dress up cardstock. Stenciling, shading, paste, and spatters may seem like small steps, but together they bring die cuts to life and give handmade cards that extra “wow” factor.

SUPPLIES:

• Encore Cardstock - Brownie, Blue Sky, Golden Amber, Tea Green
• Large flower die or cutting machine (sunflower design used here)
• White pigment ink & pouncing tool
• Stencils (floral, honeycomb, or your favorite pattern)
• Texture paste (opaque, transparent, glitter, or glaze)
• Inks for shading
• Optional: acrylic paint, ink, or watercolor for spatters
• Card base and adhesive
• Twine or ribbon for embellishment

-Miss Carrie
@misscarriescreations

Check out this fun die cut card idea using basic shapes!