Kelly Lunceford marks a meaningful milestone with this elegant graduation card, combining scholarly details, soft florals, and shimmering accents in a design full of celebration and heart. 🎓✨ Framed with the foiled Fresh Greens Hot Foil Plate and layered with elements from the Framed in Success dies, the composition draws together stacked books, a graduation cap, diploma scroll, and a beautifully ink blended anemone for a focal point rich with symbolism.
From the glittering Class of 2026 banner to the gold embossed details and layered frame, each element feels thoughtfully chosen to honor both achievement and the exciting journey ahead.
STEP 1: Foil the gold design on an A2 sized panel of True Black cardstock. Trim it down and attach it to an A2 Vintage Cream card base using foam squares.
STEP 2: Cut the frame from Ocean Tides cardstock and attach it to the black panel using foam squares.
STEP 3: Stamp the sentiment in Black and sent it inside the frame using liquid glue. Cut the books from white card stock and blend ink over the top. Stamp the book titles in gold pigment ink and attach them to the frame with small strips of foam tape.
STEP 4: Cut and color the flowers and leaves. Cut the scroll and graduation cap and assemble them with liquid glue. Arrange them around the frame using foam squares.
STEP 5: Cut a banner from Sweet Blush cardstock and emboss the “class of”sentiment using gold powder. Cut the numbers from champagne glitter cardstock and glue them onto the banner. Attach it to the card front using foam squares.
STEP 6: Add a trio of stars and glitter to the flower and leaves.
This project is a beautiful reminder that milestone cards can be both meaningful and keepsake worthy when thoughtful details tell a story. ✨ From the scholarly motifs and dimensional layers to the soft florals and gleaming gold accents, Kelly’s design offers wonderful inspiration for celebrating graduates in a personal way. Whether you’re creating for a commencement, academic achievement, or another new chapter, let this card inspire your own layered storytelling.
Be sure to tag Papertrey Ink on Instagram when you share your version — we’d love to see how you put your own creative spin on celebrating success.
Patti Hojnacki says
Love this card! It will be perfect inspiration for some graduation cards I need to make soon
Darcee Ruble says
This card is incredibly lovely. The depth you created really add so much interest.
Bo Gilmore says
Kelly, this card is absolutely stunning. I love cards using black card stock and the flowers just pop off the card.
Leslie Longoria says
This card looks stylish and I like the theme and colors. Classy card!
Carmela Douglas Hubler says
Beautiful card and love the design!!
Cindy Franklin says
This is gorgeous, so beautifully designed