Card, Design Team, Hand Stitching, Mixed Media, Paper Flowers, Stamps, Stencils

Create Valentine Cards with Paper Strips

My son recently asked me if I had some paper scraps he could use and, if you are a creator, you know the answer. I have so many leftover bits I have saved that I will never use. Can you relate? Today, I am going to show you how to use up that collection of paper strips and share a few ways you can amp up those pattern papers with stencils, paste, and dies.

two valentine cards created with pattern paper strips from the Not 2 Shabby Better Together box of the month
SUPPLIES | Glassboard (Save 20% with Carrie20), Sewing Machine, Better Together Box of the Month, Kraft Paper, Scallop Border Die, Dots Stencil, Texture Paste, Small Magnetic Board, Stamping Platform, Foam Dots, Bearly Art Glue, Tape Runner

To make these card designs, I used strips of pattern paper from the Somebunny Loves Me paper pad that comes in the Not2Shabby Box of the Month. If you missed my previous post using this collection, you can view it here.

bunny valentine card with hugs & kisses sentiment - two valentine cards created with pattern paper strips from the Not 2 Shabby Better Together box of the month

As I was cutting the paper strips, I paid careful attention to the patterns.  The papers with simple patterns like hearts, are easy to cut down, but the bunnies and trees required a little bit of forethought. On this card, I wanted the bunnies to show so I cut that pattern carefully to avoid the accidental decapitation of cottontails. The tree layer was cut so that the branches would be evenly spaced.

I took advantage of the cloud pattern on the larger strip and used that white area to stamp my sentiment. Again, I had to plan ahead for this, but it was easy to do, and looks like it is part of the pattern in the background.

bunny valentine card with hugs & kisses sentiment - two valentine cards created with pattern paper strips from the Not 2 Shabby Better Together box of the month

To amp up this card, I used a border die and added some stitching in between each pattern. Using the scallop border softened the horizontal lines and add some delicateness to the card. The stitching gave it a little bit of texture.

The second valentine is also a simple layout created with paper strips. This one has a more romantic feel with ribbon, florals, and polka dots.

polka dot texture paste valentine card with floral die cut - bunny valentine card with hugs & kisses sentiment - two valentine cards created with pattern paper strips from the Not 2 Shabby Better Together box of the month

To amp up this card, I used a stencil to add some texture paste dots onto one of the paper strips. Using a stencil over your pattern paper is a great way to add to a design.

I also added some texture with ribbon and stitching. Both help to break up the patterns and soften the transition between the paper strips.

polka dot texture paste valentine card with floral die cut - bunny valentine card with hugs & kisses sentiment - two valentine cards created with pattern paper strips from the Not 2 Shabby Better Together box of the month

I kept the sentiment simple by using a stamped phrase from the collection that is layered over one of the floral die cuts. I debated using another bunny, but I like the way the florals look with the polka dots.

In my video, I share the measurements for each of these paper strips and show you how these cards came together.

Both of these card designs are super simple and easy to make using pattern paper strips.  I chose patterns from the Somebunny Love You collection, but you can use any paper or ephemera for your creations.

I hope that all of these projects inspired you today.  If you have any questions about the project or supplies listed above, feel free to leave me a comment. 

I hope this inspired you to try something new. If you have any questions about this project or the supplies listed above, feel free to leave me a comment.

Hey friends! I wanted to let you in on the products I use in my videos. Just so you know, I’m not getting paid to promote any of them, but I do have some affiliate links available if you want to check them out. If you end up buying something through those links, it would mean a lot to me and my business. And don’t worry, you won’t be charged any extra. Thanks for your support! Learn more


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