words that matter | INSPIRE + Artsy Abstract #2 with STAMPgirl Maria

Sometimes the best cards really can be that simple: sentiment stamp + card front = handmade card.

Today, STAMPgirl Maria pairs Simple Expressions: INSPIRE with the bold, colorful Artsy Abstract #2 Card Fronts to show just how quickly that formula can turn into finished cards. In fact, one of these should have taken her just 4 minutes -- but a mid-card design change turned it into 8 :o)

But once you know where you're going with your design, these projects are a great example of just how quickly Simple Expressions and our ready-to-use paper goods can turn into finished cards.

Card 1: Four-Minute Simplicity

For her first card, Maria let the card front do nearly all the work. She stamped INSPIRE someone today onto a simple die-cut label, placed it over the colorful design, and called it done. This is exactly what Simple Expressions was designed to do: give you a strong sentiment that works naturally with our paper goods without requiring layers of additional supplies. And yes, Maria says this one really could have been a four-minute card...had she not changed her mind about the card base halfway through!

Card 2: Make the Sentiment Part of the Pattern

For the second card, Maria took a completely different approach. Instead of using INSPIRE once as a focal sentiment, she repeatedly stamped the solid word across the card front, alternating the direction to create another graphic layer within the existing design. An offcut black frame gives the repeated words structure and helps define the composition. It's a simple idea, but it completely changes the role of the sentiment. Instead of sitting on the design, the word becomes part of the design itself.

Card 3: Add Your Own Marks

For the final card, Maria again kept things wonderfully simple. She stamped INSPIRE someone today directly onto the card front and added a few white gel pen marks to some of the existing shapes. A black mat gives all those bright colors a crisp frame. Those tiny additions are enough to personalize the printed card front without covering up the artwork that made it appealing in the first place.

Creative Takeaway

Maria's three cards are a great reminder that quick doesn't have to mean repetitive. Use the sentiment as your focal point. Repeat it to create a pattern. Add a few hand-drawn details. Use a leftover die-cut or frame from another project. Small choices can give the same stamp-and-paper-goods combination completely different personalities.

And Maria did the math for us: at roughly four minutes per card and eight card fronts in a pack, you could theoretically turn an entire pack into eight handmade cards in about 30 minutes. Not too shabby :o)

Discover What's Possible

Simple Expressions stamps were designed to make creating easier: meaningful words, versatile sentiments, and plenty of ways to combine them with the paper goods already in your stash.

Pair INSPIRE -- or any Simple Expressions set -- with Card Fronts, ATCs, Collage Sheets, Pocket Backdrops, or Ephemera Cut-Out Sheets and see how much you can create without making the process complicated.

Until next time, keep creating with words that matter.