Katrina's Kreative Heart: card ideas

July 9, 2025

Elevate Your Cards with Simple Texture Techniques

If you’ve ever looked at a handmade card and thought, “Why does this look so polished?”, chances are the answer is texture. Adding texture is one of the simplest ways to take your cardmaking from flat to fabulous—and you don’t need fancy tools to do it. Here are some easy techniques that add tactile interest and depth to your projects.

💨 1. Embossing Folders: Instant Dimension

Embossing folders are one of the fastest ways to create an eye-catching background. Whether it’s bricks, florals, or subtle polka dots, that raised texture brings your cardstock to life. For extra drama, lightly sponge ink over the raised areas to make them pop.

Tip: White-on-white embossed panels add elegant, understated texture perfect for wedding or sympathy cards.

✂️ 2. Layered Die Cuts

Using multiple layers of die cuts (especially with sentiments or shapes) adds both visual interest and a subtle 3D effect. Simply stack two or three die cuts together with liquid glue.

Bonus: Try one layer in vellum or foil for added contrast!

🎨 3. Ink Blending & Splattering

Blend ink on your card base using blending brushes or sponges to create a smooth gradient. Add splatters with water or diluted ink to give your background more texture without adding bulk.

Pro Tip: Metallic watercolor splatters are gorgeous for holiday cards or evening-themed designs.

💌 4. Tearing & Crumpling

Sometimes, imperfection adds charm. Try tearing the edge of your patterned paper or gently crumpling a paper layer, then smoothing it out for a vintage, distressed look.

Great for: Junk journal-inspired layouts or shabby chic designs.

🎀 5. Ribbon, Twine, and Embellishments

Even a simple strand of twine or a stitched ribbon can elevate a design. These tactile elements give your cards warmth and character—and they’re a great way to use up those little leftovers in your stash.

Final Thoughts

Adding texture doesn’t have to mean adding bulk—or stress. Start with one technique, experiment with combinations, and watch your cards come to life in a whole new way.

What’s your favorite way to add texture to a card? I’d love to hear it—drop a comment or tag me in your next post!

Happy crafting,
Katrina 💖
Katrina’s Kreative Heart

August 19, 2017

Painted Harvest - A Sneak Peak into the 2017 Holiday Catalog

Hi there and happy Saturday! I have to tell you, I am so in love with this 2017 Holiday catalog! Once again, the Stampin' Up! designers have gone and done it again! They have out done themselves; just when you think it's impossible they pull it off! And this Painted Harvest stamp set and Painted Autumn Designer Series paper is just the tip of the iceberg. If you would like to see a sampling and you missed my Facebook live, then head on over and check it out...so much awesomeness to see over there on that video and while you're there, please take a second to like my page. I would really appreciate it a great deal.

Anyway, here is today's card I made using the Painted Harvest stamp set. This is just an awesome set with a really pretty watercolor effect when you do the layering 2-step stamping.

Instructions:

Begin with a standard card base 8.5" x 5.5" of Very Vanilla scored and folded at 4.25". Cut a piece of the DSP 2" x 5.5" and adhere to the left side of the card front. Stamp the first layer of the sunflower in Peekaboo Peach ink and the second more detailed stamp in Tangerine Tango. Cut this layer with the largest square in the Stitched Shapes Framelits collection. Layer this onto a piece of Early Espresso cut with the 2nd largest scalloped square in the Layering Squares Framelits collection and adhere to the card front. Stamp the sentiment onto a scrap piece of Tangerine Tango with Early Espresso ink and cut this out with the 2nd to the smallest oval in the Stitched Shapes Framelits collection and adhere it to the bottom right of the card front using Stampin' Dimensionals.

I hope you enjoyed today's card and it gets you thinking about what you can do with this set when you can get your hands on it. The holiday catalog items will be available for customers beginning September 1st. Please let me know your thoughts on the card in the comments below and don't forget, if you earned any coupons in July, you need to use them up this month and if you place an order, be sure to use the August hostess code found on the right hand side of the screen. And, we also have a really awesome deal on Paper Pumpkin this month, it you have never tried it, now is the time, if you sign up before September 10th, you will receive the September kit for 50% off! I guess that covers it for now. Have a great weekend!
And I wish you all Happy Stamping!