Scenic DSP panel cards are a lovely way to use patterned paper without covering up the beautiful design. For this week’s Live, I used the Scenic Coast Designer Series Paper to create simple cards that allow the peaceful coastal scenery to remain the main feature.
Why Scenic DSP Panel Cards Work So Well
The Scenic Coast Designer Series Paper comes in 6″ × 6″ sheets featuring coastal scenes in a range of colours. Some designs have warmer pink and orange tones, while others include soft blues and purples. The paper also has a subtle shimmer, which looks particularly lovely when it catches the light.
For these cards, I cut the scenery into five narrow panels and arranged them across a Basic White layer. The lower edges were cut at different angles to add interest while still allowing the original picture to flow across the card.
You can create two note cards from the section cut from one sheet of paper, with another piece left over for a future project. The Stampin’ Up! Note Cards & Envelopes work especially well because the card bases and matching envelopes are already prepared.
Choosing Images to Complement the Scenery
The part of the scene you are using can help you decide what to stamp. Birds work well across an area of open sky, while a small boat can be added to the water or near the horizon.
I tried stamping both before and after cutting the panels. Although either method works, I preferred cutting the panels first because I could see exactly where the birds or boats would sit without accidentally cutting through them.
One useful tip is to number the panels on the back before moving them. This makes it much easier to keep the picture in the correct order and remember which way up each panel goes.
As the Scenic Coast paper has a shimmery finish in some areas, you may need to use a permanent ink such as StazOn when stamping directly onto it. If you use a hybrid ink, allow it plenty of time to dry before handling the paper.
Scenic DSP Panel Card Measurements
Here are the measurements I used for the note card version:
- Note card: 5″ × 3½” (12.7 × 8.9 cm)
- Secret Sea cardstock layer: 4⅞” × 3⅜” (12.3 × 8.5 cm)
- Basic White cardstock layer: 4⅝” × 3⅛” (11.8 × 8 cm)
- Scenic Coast Designer Series Paper: 3¾” × 3″ for each card
- Cut the Designer Series Paper into five panels measuring ¾” wide
The Basic White layer is ¼” smaller than the Secret Sea layer in both directions, creating an even ⅛” border around it.
I cut the 6″ length of Designer Series Paper in half at 3″, giving me two scenic pieces for two note cards. Before cutting the individual panels, check which part of the scene you want to feature and where you would like to position your sentiment.
Simple Finishing Touches
I layered the completed panels onto coordinating cardstock to give the scenery a defined border. Basic Black provides a strong contrast, while Balmy Blue or Secret Sea creates a softer look that draws out the colours within the paper. You could also select another colour from the scene to create a different effect.
A narrow sentiment keeps the design balanced without hiding too much of the picture. You can leave the card quite simple or add a few coordinating Sunset Sparkles for a little extra detail.
During the Live, I also shared several other cards made with the Scenic Coast paper and the coordinating Scenic Adventure stamps and dies. These included stamped cards, cards with layered die-cut scenery and a fun-fold design. It was a good reminder that one pack of paper can be used in many different ways.
The idea was inspired by a card my team leader, Jacque Williams, shared with us during a recent demonstrator crafting event in Christchurch. Her card included die-cut images, but I adapted the design to use stamping so we could make it at Coffee & Cards.
Here is the card she designed and we made from the kit she prepared for us.
Watch the Scenic DSP Panel Card Video
Watch the video below to see how I chose the section of scenery, cut and arranged the panels, added the stamped images and kept everything in the correct order. I also share a few mistakes to avoid and more ideas for using the Scenic Coast collection.
You can view the products I used for these cards below:
If you enjoy card ideas that allow patterned paper to provide most of the colour and detail, you may also like my post about three easy cards that let your Designer Series Paper do the work.
Scenic DSP panel cards are a simple but effective way to turn beautiful patterned paper into striking handmade cards. Take another look through your paper collection and see which scenic or continuous designs might work with this layout. If you try this technique, I would love to see what you create—and let me know in the comments whether you prefer the cards with birds, boats or both.