KISS with Michelle - Layered Shape Cards

Hi everyone and welcome to KISS! No, not the band nor the action of but KISS - Keep It Simple Saturdays with me, Michelle!

These columns will still focus on keeping the design and techniques simple. It could be as basic as being monochromatic or using everyday shapes but I will show you how to build upon those basic principals.

My goal has always been to inspire and help you create beautiful, simple yet quick projects you'd be proud to give. It's kinda like my former Cricut Tuesdays column but without the Cricut this time. And as always I will try to give as many tips and tricks as I can so you can re-create these projects at home. So let's get started...

I created these two cards for friends of ours who just found out they are expecting their 2nd child and for my MIL who will be attending a baby shower this weekend (the mom is having a girl).

The principals of these cards are simple... Repetition of basic shapes, layered. The tools and materials you will need for this project are:

• Basic die cut shapes of your choice such as circles, squares, etc...
• 1 piece of 12x12 cardstock as your card base.
• Patterned papers and/or cardstock of your choice.
• Adhesive
• Sentiments, greetings and/or images for the front of your card in your choice of stamps, die-cuts and/or a combination of both.

Here are the instructions to re-create these cards:

1. Trim your 12 x12 piece of cardstock to 10 x 10 square. Cut in half. Then score each card in half again. Finished size: 5" square.

Tip: You will get 2 - 5 x 10 cards from 1 piece of 12x12 cardstock.

2. Cut 4 pieces of a chosen shape:

• for my circles the background piece is 2-1/2", inner circle is 2"
• for the squares the background piece is 2-1/4", inner square is 2-1/8"

Tip: It is best suggested to use a coordinated pack of papers from one manufacturer to speed up the creative process as well to ensure a perfect match.

3. Layer all the shapes together and adhere them to the cardfront ensuring equal spacing around the card.

Tip: Do not worry about the middle of the card as this will be covered up. It is suggested that you ensure equal spacing around the border of the cardfront instead.

4. Whatever shape you chose as your card background , choose the opposite shape for the middle of your card to serve as your focal point . This will serve two purposes: 1) Your mat for your sentiment, greeting and/or image and 2) An interesting juxtaposition adding interest to the card.

Tip: For the middle focal area of the card, repeat one of sets of papers/cardstock used in your card background. This will give a sense of continuity to your whole project.

5. Cut. layer and adhere together the pieces for middle of the card ensuring each layer is slightly smaller than its base. For example, the square base is measured at 2-3/4" square, the next layer was cut smaller and so on...

6. Stamp and/or or die-cut your images, sentiments/greeting as desired and arrange them in the most appealing way to you.

7. Embellish and/or use additional punches as desired.

8. Adhere the finished mat (aka. your focal point) to cardfront middle using adhesive dimensionals.

As simple as that, you are done! Try using other shapes such as stars or flowers. This concept will work with any bold chunky shape you can die-cut or stamp! Next week I will show you how to create a coordinating envelope using the Scor-Pal. It is so easy-peasy, I promise you. So until next time... Happy Crafting!

KISSes and Hugs ~ Michelle