There is something so satisfying about finally gluing all the little elements down after a creative session like this. The desk looks like a paper tornado swept through it, tiny flowers are stuck to your sleeves, and somewhere under a pile of scraps is the glue lid you just had a second ago. Crafting chaos at its finest.
For this ATC set I combined elements from Die Cutting Essentials Issue 79 and Simply Cards & Papercraft Issue 219, mixing soft layered backgrounds with bold black geometric frames for contrast. I really enjoyed the balance between the delicate florals and the sharper modern frame shapes. It gives the cards a slightly contemporary feel while still keeping that warm mixed media softness I love.
The backgrounds were created using Distress Inks blended onto smooth cardstock before adding texture with a black script stamp. I kept the stamping fairly loose and imperfect because I wanted the backgrounds to feel aged and artistic rather than overly polished. The soft peachy tones mixed with the darker script create that lovely worn-paper look that almost reminds me of old journal pages found in an attic somewhere beneath a pile of forgotten letters and dried flowers.
The flowers and leaves were stamped from the included free stamp sets and coloured before being carefully fussy cut by hand. The bright oranges and pinks against the muted background make the florals feel alive and cheerful without becoming overpowering. Tiny pops of green foliage help pull everything together and add movement across the cards.
For the sentiments, I used a sentiment strip pack from AliExpress. I will add the link below for anyone interested because these little phrase strips are incredibly useful for ATCs, journaling, tags, and collage projects. I especially liked the gentle uplifting feel of the sentiments in this set:
- collect beautiful moments
- choose to see the good
- remember to play
Small reminders tucked into tiny artworks. Like paper fortune cookies for the soul.
- Die Cutting Essentials #79
- Simply Cards & Papercraft #219
- Distress Inks
- Black script stamp
- Black cardstock for frames
- White decorative die cuts
- Free floral stamp sets
- Alcohol markers for colouring (Spectrum Noir)
- Sentiment strips from AliExpress (406pcs Phrase Word Stickers from Aliexpress)
- Detail scissors for fussy cutting
- Glue adhesive of choice (B6000 Super Glue from AliExpress)
This set felt very relaxed and therapeutic to make. No pressure for perfection, just layering pieces until the composition felt balanced and pleasing to the eye. Sometimes those are the most enjoyable projects of all. Tiny pockets of creativity stitched together with ink, glue, and a little patience. ✂️🖤
Disclaimer:
All products featured on this blog are purchased by me unless otherwise stated. I am not sponsored by any company, brand, or seller mentioned in my posts, and I do not receive commission, rewards, or any financial benefit if you choose to purchase through the links I share.
I simply enjoy sharing the products, tools, and crafty finds that I personally use and love in my own projects.
