Looking for a fast, beginner-friendly card idea that still looks polished and pretty? ‍♀️ Last week’s Friday Live was all about quick and easy cardmaking—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to create something beautiful.

The best part? This layout is ideal for using up your Designer Series Paper scraps, especially those pretty leftover strips you’ve been saving for “someday.”

Watch the full video replay here

✂️ What I Used (and see the full supply list below)

• Wildflower Birthday Designer Series Paper
• Simply Said Stamp Set
• Pretty in Pink Ink
• Basic White Cardstock
• Layering scraps + punch-outs
• Strawberry Slush & Pretty in Pink Gems
• Optional: Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Gold Foil Ephemera

Why You’ll Love This Card Layout

This design is:

• Beginner-friendly (but still satisfying for seasoned stampers!)
• Great for DSP scraps—you’ll need just (3–4) 1″ x 3½” strips
• Easily adapted for any occasion—birthday, thank you, thinking of you
• Stepped up with a simple extra white layer and minimal embellishments
• A wonderful option when you’re making multiple cards at once

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Cut Your Card Base: 5½” x 8½” and score at 4¼”
2. Add a White Panel: 5¼” x 4″ (this extra layer makes it pop!)
3. Cut Your DSP Strips: 3½” x 1″ — you’ll need 3 or 4 depending on your version
4. Stamp Your Greeting First: I used Just a Note from the Simply Said stamp set in Pretty in Pink ink
5. Adhere Your DSP Strips: Start with the outside pieces, then center the middle one(s)
6. Embellish with Ephemera or Punch-Outs: I used florals, foil accents, and Stampin’ Dimensionals to add variety
7. Finish with Gems: I used Strawberry Slush and Pretty in Pink gems for a soft, sparkly touch

Alternate Versions You’ll See in the Video

• A floral version with punch-out bouquets from the Wildflower Birthday DSP
• A birthday version with cake motifs and coordinating Birthday Wishes sentiment
• A rainbow-inspired layout using Floral Impressions DSP, where each strip shows off a different colour band
• A stepped-up version using a circle punch for the greeting—quick, clean, and professional

Why This Card Design Works

It’s a layout you can come back to again and again. Whether you’re batch-making cards for your stash, sending a quick “thinking of you” note, or using up scraps from a paper pack you adore, this is one of those go-to designs that does it all.

And as I mentioned in the video… I may hoard Designer Series Paper just a little. You too?

Want to Win One of These Cards?

Like, comment, or share this post or the YouTube replay for a chance to win! (Open to Canadian crafters who are not current Stampin’ Up! demonstrators.)

Try This Next:

If you missed last week’s more intricate card with gold foil and fancy folds, you can check it out here for contrast!

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