Hang in There – A Cheerful Encouragement Card!

Welcome class!

Today, I’ve got a fabulous card tutorial for you featuring bold colors, modern florals, and a powerful message of encouragement. I used the Simon Says Stamp Mod Plants and XL Stacked Greetings stamp sets to create this uplifting design, and I can't wait to show you how it all came together! I made this card to give to workers at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks which we are visiting this week.  Things are a bit overwhelming at the Moab parks due to budget and staffing cuts.  My husband and I treasure our national parks and the time we get to spend hiking in them, and wanted the workers to know that we hope they can find strength during these trying times.

 

 So here's the lesson plan:

Step 1: Create the Background Panel

First, I grabbed a cream-colored cardstock panel and stamped that gorgeous Mod Plants pattern using assorted earth toned Pawsitively Saturated Inks.

I love how this background has a warm, modern botanical feel—the perfect blend of bold and subtle tones! The Paprika and Honey inks add such a nice contrast, while the Clay ink softens the whole look.

💡 Pro Tip: Stamping in a random arrangement gives a more organic feel. I rotated the stamp as I went to keep the pattern interesting!

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Step 2: Cut & Layer the Panels

Once the background was fully stamped, I die-cut it with a stitched rectangle die to give it that subtle dotted border (such a lovely touch!). If you don’t have a die like this, no worries—a regular paper trimmer works just fine.

Next, I adhered the background panel to a kraft card base for a nice earthy contrast. I also considered layering it over a burnt orange panel for extra depth, but I ended up keeping it simple with just the kraft.

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Step 3: Stamp & Prep the Sentiment

Now, let’s talk about that bold sentiment!

I stamped the "Hang in there. Things are tough, but so are you." sentiment from the XL Stacked Greetings set onto a piece of kraft cardstock using Nutmeg ink (a deep brown).

I just love how clean and crisp this sentiment looks—big, bold, and straight to the point!

To give it some dimension, I trimmed the sentiment down into a rectangle and popped it up on the card with foam tape.

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Step 4: Add Twine for a Finishing Touch

To soften the look and add a touch of texture, I wrapped some natural jute twine around the sentiment panel and tied a simple bow. This little detail really helps bring everything together and adds a touch of handmade charm!

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Step 5: Assemble & Admire!

Time for the final steps:

1. Adhere the sentiment panel (with foam tape) onto the center of the card.

2. Step back and admire your gorgeous, modern encouragement card!

💡 Bonus Tip: If you want to add even more texture, consider using embossing powder for the sentiment or distressing the edges of the cardstock for a rustic feel.

I absolutely love how this card turned out—modern, warm, and filled with positivity! The Mod Plants background is so versatile, and paired with the XL Stacked Greetings, it makes for a bold yet heartfelt design.

Products used:

• Simon Says Stamp Mod Plants stamps
• Simon Says Stamp XL Stacked Greetings stamps
• Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Inks
• Waffle Flower A2 Piercing Layers dies

Class dismissed!