Color Inspiration for Handmade Cards
April 21, 2025
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Color Inspiration for Handmade Cards
Handmade cards are more than just paper and ink; they’re an opportunity to create something truly personal. But every card-making enthusiast knows the biggest challenge isn’t the design or the embellishments—it’s finding the right colors that bring your cards to life. That’s why I’m excited to introduce two amazing new products from Spellbinders that will revolutionize your crafting game! One with color inspiration, the other with unique designs to use.
This blog dives into the latest releases, the DIY Color Deck, which makes finding color inspiration a breeze. And the My Life in Pictures Die Set is a versatile, fun, unique die set that allows you to use it in many ways to make beautiful, unique cards. Plus, we’ll walk you through creating a “Smile” card using one of the cards from the Color Deck as a guide—with a video tutorial and the supply list included! By the end, you’ll be ready to bring vibrant hues and polished designs to your crafting table.
Discover Spellbinders’ New Color Inspiration Tools
The DIY Color Deck
The DIY Color Deck is a must-have tool for paper craft hobbyists. It features a curated collection of vibrant color palettes, all designed to help you choose complementary shades with zero guesswork. No more staring at your cardstock stash wondering if two colors match! Each card in the deck provides a ready-to-use color scheme, complete with coordinating swatches for endless inspiration.
The best part? You can use the Color Deck for more than just cards. Whether you’re designing scrapbook pages, photo albums, or party decorations, these palettes ensure your projects pop with style and sophistication.
My Life in Pictures Die Set
Pair the Color Deck with Spellbinders’ My Life in Pictures Die Set, a versatile collection of dies that bring a cohesive, storytelling element to your projects. The die set includes fun items that go well with any project. Not only does it have a film strip and its square but also icon designs of the star, heart, pennant, its topper, and smile sentiment with its shadow outline, allowing you to craft picture-perfect designs effortlessly.
Together, these products simplify the creative process, leaving you with more time to focus on what you love most—crafting.
A Smile Card With Color Inspiration by the DIY Color Deck
One of the standout cards in the DIY Color Deck features a cheerful mix of saffron – a golden yellow, poppy – a bright red, rainforest – a peaceful green, blank, and terra cotta – a deep orange. These colors exude warmth, positivity, and energy, making them the perfect inspiration for a stunning Smile card. With this card, we’ll demonstrate how you can take a simple palette and transform it into a show-stopping greeting.
Here’s what we’ll create together!
Step 1. Gather Your Supplies
Below is everything you’ll need to replicate this
design:
- DIY Color Deck (Spellbinders)
- My Life in Pictures Die Set (Spellbinders)
- Cardstock (colors matching the palette)
- Adhesive foam squares
- Die-cutting machine
- Paper trimmer
- Tape runner
Step 2. Create Your Base
Start by trimming a white cardstock base to your desired card size. We recommend an A2 sized card (4.25 x 5.5 inches) to accommodate the framed elements. Fold the base in half and set it aside. Read How To Make A Card Base for help.
Step 3. Layer It Up
Create a color background by trimming a piece of terra cotta cardstock to A2 size and attaching it to the card base with a tape runner. Using the My Life in Pictures Die Set, cut the frame from classic white cardstock. Layer it onto your base, leaving a slight border along the left edge. Next, cut the smaller shapes, the star, heart, and banner, using saffron, poppy, and rainforest cardstock to add depth and variety.
Play with placement before adhering the pieces to find the layout that best suits your style!
Step 4. Add the Headline
Using the same die set, cut out the “Smile” sentiment in raven cardstock. Attach it over the frame using adhesive foam squares for a 3D effect. The simple, clean font ensures the sentiment draws attention without overshadowing the rest of the design.
Step 5. Embellish and Finish
I didn’t include any embellishments on my card but you could apply small sequins or rhinestones in coordinating colors for a final touch of sparkle. Arrange them along the edges of the frames or banners to subtly tie the design together.
Pro Tip! Don’t hesitate to refer back to the DIY Color Deck throughout the process. It’s a fantastic guide to ensure your colors stay balanced and complementary.
Want to see the whole process in action? Watch the full video tutorial below!
Smile Card Color Inspiration Supply List
Here’s your complete shopping checklist for this project.
Get Crafting Today!
The joy of handmade cards isn’t just in gifting them, but also in the process of creating them. Thanks to Spellbinders’ DIY Color Deck and My Life in Pictures Die Set, designing beautiful, eye-catching cards is easier than ever.
Feeling inspired to try a new palette or challenge yourself with a creative project? Browse the DIY Color Deck, bring your designs to life, and don’t forget to share your creations with the community. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s no limit to what you can create with the right inspiration!
Start your crafting adventure today with Spellbinders and take your card-making to the next level.
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ABOUT AUTHOR
Teri Duncan
Teri has over 30 years of experience as a cardmaker. Her work has appeared in Spellbinders Paper Arts’ blog as well as with some of their products and on Altenew’s blog. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, stained glass, and teaching. She and her husband live in Crystal River, Florida with their three dogs and a cat.
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