Step It Up – that is part of my Card Design Process. I start with an idea – usually simple – and then start to add bits to it. Additional layers, some embellishments, and finally, a cool technique. Here is today’s example. I started with this card. 
I used the new Friendship Preserves stamp set from the Holiday Mini. While the stamp, by itself, is great, I cut it out by running the card stock through the Big Shot with the Window Frames Collection Framelits. I also used one of the images from the French Foliage stamp set on the background. Colors are Cherry Cobbler, Wild Wasabi and Summer Starfruit. I think this card looks absolutely fine, just the way it is. However, I decided to step it up a notch. Here is what I came up with. 
I used exactly the same stamp sets, but added some critical items. The main image is now colored with Stampin’ Write Markers, so that it is 2-toned. And I used multiple stamped images on the background. This is definitely more interesting than the first card design! However, I did a few more things to step up the card design. I added more layers and introduced some Basic Black. Using just a little black can make your card design pop! I added a little Basic Black 1/8″ Taffeta Ribbon and lots of Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on the “THANKS” (although, I’m sad to say that you can’t see it on the photo). There is one more cool thing that I did to step up the card design. I pierced a line of tiny holes around the inside edge of the Wild Wasabi mat and the small Cherry Cobbler shape at the bottom. This was done easily with the Festive Paper Piercing Pack from the Holiday mini. I think this adds such a nice touch. But it gets even better. You can purchase the stamp set, the Framelits Dies and the Paper Piercing Pack in a bundle and save15%. Why would you buy them any other way? In fact, there are some other similar bundles in the Holiday Mini. So now we can step up our card design, while saving money! Give it a try!
