Let's Learn How To STEP-IT-UP!

 Today we are going to have a chat about how to step up your cards a level.  

Let's face it, there are many types of cards, and each card has its own beauty and features.  

But what if you want to step your cards up a bit? Do you need some ideas on how to do that? 

Well today, I am here to show you how simple changes can kick your card up a notch!  

For today's cards, I am using the Beautifully Happy Sale-A-Bration sale which is only available as a Sale-A-Bration freebie choice until February 28th. 

Here is my first card... I am calling this one a basic simple card:

This card is very simple....just a half sheet of card stock folded in half with the image and greeting stamped in Memento Black ink.  

For this card, I colored the images with Watercolor pencils instead of using the two-step (fill-in) stamps. Simple, pretty, quick and easy!

Here is my second step-up card.  

I stamped the images in Memento Black ink on a white panel and colored the images with Stampin Blends Alcohol Markers- just simple fill it in coloring.  

Then I used the "dottage" stamp and Crumb Cake ink to add some detail. 

 I attached this panel to a standard card base with dimensionals to give it some dimension. I added a Linen Thread bow. 

These simple changes just kick it up a notch!

Here is my third step-up card.  

I stamped the images with Memento Black ink on a white panel with Memento Black ink. Then I stamped the flowers again on scrap white.  

I colored the images with Stampin' Blend alcohol markers- this time trying to add some dimension with the markers. Then I used the "dottage" stamp with Memento Black ink.  

I fussy cut the flowers and added them over the stamped image with dimensionals. Then I added ribbon to the card panel and a bow.  

I added the white panel to a Basic Black mat layer before adding it to a colored card base that coordinates with the flower color. The addition of multiple layers adds contrast and depth. 

The greeting was stamped on white and then matted with another tag to add more interest and dimension.

So as you can see simple changes using the same stamp can drastically change the look you want for your card.  

Here is my fourth card-stepped up a bit more by adding multiple colors to the images, coloring the background instead of leaving it white, using dies to add interest to the multiple layers, and the addition of brass butterfly embellishments. 

So as you can see simple changes using the same stamp can drastically change the look you want for your card.  

What is your favorite type of stamping?  

-clean, simple, and basic like sample 1? 

-stepped up a bit like sample 2? 

- really stepped up like sample 3? 

- or putting a lot more time and effort like sample 4?  

Another tip for stepping up your cards is to forget about basic....use a technique, add some embossing, make a fun fold, or make a shaker card.  All these will add a wow factor to your cards.  

Basically, your card is what you make it. 

 I know I make a variety of styles....some days I opt for clean and simple....other days over the top.....whatever type of card you make there is only one rule....HAVE FUN!