Online card challenges are a wonderful way to venture outside your crafty comfort zone, try new techniques, and stretch your creativity. This week’s handmade card was inspired by Craft Roulette Episode 335, and it challenged me to look at a familiar design in a whole new way.
I created a sunflower-themed gatefold card featuring an Artist Trading Card (ATC) focal point, coordinating patterned paper, alcohol marker coloring, and dimensional embellishments.
Step 1: Find the Inspiration
My inspiration came from a beautiful card created by Terre of Indiana. Her card featured an Artist Trading Card with sunflowers, and since sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers, I immediately connected with her design. I thought…. I have a Pajama Crafter Stamps set for that!
I loved the idea of incorporating an ATC into my card, but I wanted to put my own spin on it. The result was a fun gatefold card with an ATC focal panel and belly band closure.
Step 2: Choose Your Cardstock and Patterned Paper
Once I decided on sunflowers, I knew I had patterned paper in my stash that would be perfect for the design. I used the patterned paper to help determine my coordinating cardstock colors and markers.
Card Base
To create the card base, I cut a piece of white cardstock in half, giving me a piece measuring 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″.
To create the gatefold: Score the cardstock at 2 1/8″. Flip the cardstock and score again at 2 1/8″. Burnish both folds well to create crisp gatefold panels.
For the patterned paper, I cut two pieces measuring 1 7/8″ x 5 1/4″ for the front gatefold panels. I also cut a coordinating accent strip measuring 1/2″ x 5 1/4″.
Belly Band
The belly band measures 1 1/2″ x 8 1/2″.
Score the belly band at 2 3/8″, then flip it and score again at 2 3/8″.
The belly band slides over the finished card and keeps the gatefold closed while also providing the perfect place to showcase the ATC focal point.
Step 3: Create the ATC Focal Panel
For the focal point, I cut a piece of cardstock to the standard ATC size of 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
I stamped the flower image from the Where Hope Blooms Stamp Set multiple times. I always like to stamp more images than I think I’ll need—having extras is definitely better than wishing I had stamped one more!
Next came the coloring. I’m still a beginner when it comes to alcohol marker coloring, so I kept things simple by using two shades of each color. Using just two colors from each family is also great if you are working on building your marker stash and don’t have a the full assortment. I used OLO markers in:
- Y1.4 and Y2.3
- OR3.4 and OR7.4
- YG1.4 and YG2.2
The combination of yellows and oranges helped transform the stamped flowers into cheerful sunflowers, while the greens added color to the leaves.
After coloring, I carefully fussy cut the flowers and arranged them on the ATC panel.
For the sentiment, I stamped a greeting from the Birds Of A Feather Stamp Set directly onto the panel.
Step 4: Assemble the Gatefold Card
Now it was time to put everything together!
I adhered the patterned paper to the front gatefold panels, making sure everything was lined up evenly.
To help tie the patterned paper and ATC focal point together, I added coordinating twine along the bottom of the ATC panel. I love how small details like twine can help bring multiple elements of a card together.
I added a piece of vellum behind the ATC panel and then attached the focal piece to the belly band. The belly band slides over the finished card, keeping the gatefold closed while creating a beautiful focal point on the front of the card.
Finally, I added a few New Penny Rhinestones for a little extra sparkle and shine. The warm coppery tones were the perfect finishing touch for this sunflower-inspired design.
Pajama Crafter Stamps Supplies Used
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- Where Hope Blooms Stamp Set
- Birds Of A Feather Stamp Set
- New Penny Rhinestone Mix
- Pajama Crafters’ Wand
Craft Challenges Are a Great Way to Stretch Your Creativity
One of my favorite things about participating in online card challenges is that they encourage me to create something I might not have made otherwise.
Starting with someone else’s inspiration doesn’t mean your finished card has to look the same. Take the elements that speak to you, add your own style, and see where your creativity takes you!
This sunflower gatefold card was a fun opportunity to experiment with an ATC focal point, patterned paper, alcohol marker coloring, and a unique card fold—all while stepping outside my usual creative routine.
I can’t wait to see what you are creating! Please be sure to share your Pajama Crafter Stamps projects on socials and tag us so we can be inspired by you.
Stay sparkly, Sandi (IG: sandi_powers_creates)
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