This card takes a different route, letting patterned paper lead the design instead of just supporting it. Melissa Phillips arranges colorful banner strips across the card front, creating a playful base that feels both structured and organic at the same time. The soft stenciled background adds just enough movement, while the Build-A-Bouquet florals bring everything together in a natural, effortless way. It’s a thoughtful mix of color, layering, and texture without feeling overworked.
Melissa shares, “I’m trying something a bit out of the box, for me. I wanted to use patterned paper in a unique way and pull in flowers at the same time. I love the results and how my sentiment ties everything together. Will you give it a try?”
STEP 1: Cut white cardstock base using the In the Pocket die. Cut several strips of paper in a rainbow of colors. I used 6 separate colors.
STEP 2: Cut each strip of paper into a banner using the Hold That Thought die.
STEP 3: Center the Watercolor Wonderful stencils, one at a time, over the center of you card and add ink to add soft splashes of color over your card.
STEP 4: Adhere strips of paper unevenly just above the center of your card. Die cut and add color to your flowers and leaves. Add them across the tops of your strips.
STEP 5: Stamp sentiment across top of card. Add pink string tied in a double bow, Crystal Stickles Glitter, and adhesive gems to finish.
What makes this project stand out is how easily it rethinks familiar supplies. Patterned paper becomes the focal point, the stenciling stays soft and supportive, and the florals are used with intention rather than excess. It’s a good reminder that small shifts in how you layer elements can completely change the outcome of a card.
If you give this approach a try, tag Papertrey Ink on Instagram—we’re always interested to see how you interpret these ideas in your own way!
Connie Hollenbeck says
Awesome Melissa! I must try this out! Thanks
gail b minder says
Melissa,
The die background you used is a stitched die. The die in the “in the pocket is a pierced die. I can’t get a straight answer for this question. Please clarify.
Rebecca Stevenson says
Lovely card! I am going to try it out.
Suzy Vendola says
This card has so many beautiful elements and such loving encouragement for this unsettling environment in which we live.