Easy Card Layout using Pretty Paper and the Radiant Sunflowers Bundle

If you have pretty paper you love but aren’t quite sure what to do with it, today’s easy Card Layout using the Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper and the Radiant Sunflowers Bundle by Stampin’ Up!® is one to save. Instead of covering the whole card front with Designer Series Paper, this layout uses a few strips to add plenty of pattern and color while still leaving lots of breathing room.

And the best part? This isn’t really a “sunflower card layout.” Change the paper and greeting, and you could use the same basic design for birthdays, thank-you cards, Christmas cards, or almost anything else you need.

The Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper was an easy choice for this card because the patterns coordinate without looking exactly alike. The paper includes bright sunflower designs along with warmer neutral patterns, which makes mixing and matching especially fun.

I used narrow strips of different patterns and varied their lengths rather than lining everything up perfectly. That gives the card some movement without adding a lot of extra work. It’s also a handy way to use smaller pieces of Designer Series Paper. You don’t need a big sheet of any one pattern to make the layout work.

Lemon Lolly, Cajun Craze, and Secret Sea give this card a really interesting balance.

Lemon Lolly keeps the card bright and cheerful, while Cajun Craze brings in the warm, earthy feeling found in the Sunflower Fields paper. Then Secret Sea adds the deep contrast the other two colors need. Without that darker color, the combination could feel a little too soft. Together, you get a palette that works beautifully for late summer and can easily carry you right into fall.

It’s also a good reminder that you don’t have to pull every color from a piece of patterned paper. A few well-chosen colors can help all those patterns feel like they belong together.

How To Make This Card

You’ll find the full supply list and step-by-step instructions below.

This card doesn’t need a lot of embellishment because there’s already plenty happening with the patterned paper. A little Neutral Jute adds texture, while the Radiant Gems bring in just a bit of sparkle. I also colored over the little butterfly with Wink of Stella for one more subtle touch of shimmer. Those small details are enough. They add interest without making an easy card layout suddenly feel complicated.

This is the kind of card layout I love because once you understand the basic idea, you can use it with supplies you already own. Pick a few coordinating paper scraps or strips. Add a larger greeting to give the design a focal point. Then bring in a stamped image or two if the card needs a little something extra.

You don’t have to reinvent cardmaking every time you sit down to create. Sometimes having one reliable layout in your back pocket is exactly what you need to get started. And once you’ve made it, don’t let it sit in a basket waiting for the “right” occasion. This one already says “Hello, Friend.” I bet there’s someone who would love finding it in her mailbox just because you were thinking about her.

If you’d like to make this version, grab the free tutorial for the measurements and supplies so you can spend your time creating instead of figuring out all the cutting. Happy Stamping!

Supplies Used:

If you enjoy simple, cozy cardmaking like this, you’d love the creative support we share inside the Creative Living Room. If you have questions about today’s tutorial, please email me for detailed steps. Inspire your craft with more ideas—join me over on Pinterest!