Soft Pastel Cardmaking Inspiration with Flowers for the Soul | Kathleen Schmelz

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with a soft, pastel-infused card full of delicate layers and floral elegance? Today, I (Kathleen) am excited to share a project that brings together subtle ink blending, intricate die cuts, and a touch of shimmer to create a beautifully dimensional design.

Whether you're new to layering stencils & techniques, or a seasoned cardmaker, this step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process of crafting a card that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive in and bring this spring-inspired creation to life! 🌸✨

*Disclaimer: All products used are linked below as clickable images. If a product isn’t listed, it’s been discontinued.

Let's see how this card came together:

1. Prepare the Base: Cut an A2 side-folding card base from white cardstock.

2. Card Front: Ink the Leafy Lattice press plate lightly with Peach Fuzz & Cherry Blossom ink, and press it onto the white card base using the BetterPress system. 

3. Leafy Lattice die cut:

   1. Lightly ink up the Leafy Lattice press plate again, this time with Mint & Ocean Breeze, and press it onto a separate piece of white cardstock. Die cut with the coordinating die.

   2. Adhere the largest lattice die cut piece to the card base in the same spot as the peach/cherry blossom pressed version.

   3. Ink blend the white die cut center piece with Peach Fuzz & Cherry Blossom.

   4. Adhere it to the center of the card using foam adhesive.

4. Flowers for the Soul:

   1. Stamp the upper floral stamp (the one with the large bouquet) using Rocky Slope ink twice on two separate pieces of white cardstock.

   2. Use the coordinating layering stencils to color in the stamped images with the following colors, then die cut using the coordinating dies:

      1. 1. Stencil 1: Mint & Aquamarine

         2. Stencil 2: Fresh Pear

         3. Stencil 3: Peach Fuzz & Cherry Blossom

         4. Stencil 4: Lemon Whip

         5. Stencil 5: Apricot & Peony

         6. Stencil 6: Sweet Mustard

   3. Adhere the two largest floral die cuts with foam adhesive on the left and right side of the card & cut off the excess. Tuck some of the smaller die cuts behind the large clusters.
5. Sentiment: Hot foil the "Take time for yourself" sentiment using the Steeped in Kindness press plates & Moondust glimmer foil onto white cardstock, die cut and adhere it to the card.
6. Finishing Touches: Embellish to your liking. I added Gold Metallic Pearls to some flower centers.

Enjoy your beautifully layered and dimensional card! 💖🌸✨

I hope this tutorial has inspired you to create your own soft and elegant spring-themed card! The combination of delicate ink blending, layered die cuts, and subtle embellishments adds so much depth and charm to any design.

If you give this technique a try, we’d love to see your creations—be sure to tag us on social media so we can admire your beautiful work. Thanks for stopping by, and happy crafting! 🌸✨