Paper Goods Showcase | Artsy Abstract #2 + Color Me Spring with Stephanie

I love when a paper goods piece gives you a starting point rather than dictating exactly where a card has to go. STAMPgirl Stephanie's two projects are a great example of that. She used two very different paper goods packs, Artsy Abstract #2 Card Fronts and Color Me Spring ATC, and combined them with Found Fragments and other STAMPlorations products to create two colorful, mixed-media-inspired cards.

What really caught my eye is how the same Found Fragments collection works with both designs. The result is two cards that feel like they belong together while still having completely different personalities.

Build a Birthday Card Around a Colorful Focal Point

For her first card, Stephanie used an Artsy Abstract #2 Card Front as the foundation for a bright birthday design. She layered a colorful floral piece over the abstract background and added the Found Fragments 1, 2, and 3 to bring even more of that mixed-media feel to the design. The HAPPY BIRTHDAY stamping in the upper right adds another layer of pattern, while the sentiment from A Snarky Birthday to You brings in the perfect bit of attitude: “at least you're not as OLD as you will be next year.”

I also love that Stephanie carried the STAMPlorations branding into the back of the card with Makers Mark #1. It's a small detail, but it gives the finished card that extra handmade touch.

Let the Background Become Part of the Artwork

Stephanie took a different direction with her second card, using a Color Me Spring ATC as the focal point. The butterfly artwork brings plenty of color and detail on its own, but she surrounded it with more layers of pattern and texture using Found Fragments 1, 2, and 3. She added the star stamp from A Snarky Birthday to You and numbers from the retired Mixed Media Elements stamp set, letting those little stamped details become part of the background rather than simply adding a separate embellishment. The Inspirational #1 clear stickers sentiment completes the card with a message about learning to dance in the rain. I especially like how the large butterfly remains the focal point even with all the other visual elements happening around it.

Two Paper Goods Packs, Endless Possibilities

These two cards show just how differently paper goods can be used when you treat them as part of the design rather than the entire design. The Artsy Abstract #2 Card Front creates a colorful foundation for a playful birthday card, while the Color Me Spring ATC becomes the centerpiece of a more inspirational design.

And because Stephanie used Found Fragments on both cards, you can really see how a consistent supporting element can tie very different paper goods pieces together. Add a few stamps, a sentiment, and whatever else catches your eye, and suddenly you have a card that feels completely your own.

Creative Takeaway

Don't be afraid to layer different kinds of paper goods and stamped elements together. A card doesn't have to have one obvious background and one obvious focal point. Pattern, texture, artwork, numbers, and little stamped marks can all become part of the same visual story. Start with the paper goods piece that catches your eye, then look through your stash for elements that repeat its colors, shapes, or overall feel. You may be surprised by how well seemingly unrelated pieces work together.

Keep Creating with Paper Goods

Stephanie's projects are a wonderful reminder of why I love having different types of paper goods in the STAMPlorations lineup. Card fronts, ATCs, ephemera, and other paper goods can all become starting points for something much more personal when you mix them with stamps, stencils, dies, and pieces from your existing stash.

If you want more paper goods to play with, check out our Paper Goods VIP Subscription. You choose the paper goods you want every four weeks, so you can pick the designs that fit your creative style and keep discovering new combinations.

Until next time, keep creating with paper goods!