Today’s cards focus on the Spotlighting Card Technique. The Spotlighting Technique is an easy way to draw attention to a focal point. You create a focal point by coloring a portion of the stamped image that stands out over the background. Now, if you don’t want to stamp your images, you might try using Designer Series Paper. Which is exactly what I did for the cards I am making today.
I chose the Abigail Rose Designer Series Paper for my background. The large floral outlines in black and Crumb Cake on a Very Vanilla background made it easy to spotlight an image. The spotlighted image really “popped” with the neutral colors of the paper and the bold colors used with Stampin’ Blends. The examples below and in the video easily show how you can make a simple card or “step it up.”
Watch the video below to see three examples of how to use the “Spotlighting Card Technique” with Designer Series Paper and the instructions. You will find the measurements and supply list further down in the post. I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below and let me know which card you like best!
Spotlighting Card Technique: Basic
Images copyright 1990-2022 Stampin’ Up!®
Very Vanilla was layered with Basic Black. Using the third largest circle from Stylish Shapes Dies, I die cut a matching piece of Designer Series Paper as my “spotlight” to color. Calypso Corral, Daffodil Delight, Fresh Freesia and Old Olive Stampin’ Blends were used to color. Since I was using Stampin’ Dimensionals to “pop up” my colored circle, I decided to die cut a second circle using Basic Black to adhere the spotlighted image for stability. “Best Wishes” was heat embossed using White Embossing Powder, while the “Happy Birthday” was stamped using Tuxedo Black Momento Ink.
Spotlighting Card Technique: Stepped Up
Here, are the same two cards, but I “stepped it up” by adding a frame around the colored image. I did this by using the two largest circles from the Stylish Shapes Dies. The contrast of the frame “spotlights” the image even more than it did in the previous cards. However, this image was adhered directly to the layer of Designer Series Paper with Multipurpose Glue. Then, the frame was positioned around the image. I love the bold look of the framed focal point.
Images copyright 1990-2022 Stampin’ Up!®
Spotlighting Card Technique: Center Cut
Images copyright 1990-2022 Stampin’ Up!®
For lack of a better term, I am describing this as the “center cut.” This reminds me of a “ray of sunshine,” but in this case, a “ray of color!” To see how to cut the paper, watch the video above. I found that while, I loved this look, the spotlighted image did not “pop” enough by only coloring the floral design. I liked it much better after coloring the background with Sahara Sand Light Blend. One of my signature traits, if you want to call it that, is framing my sentiments. I did a second die cut and cut it in half lengthwise. The two pieces were adhered to the back of the sentiment at the top and bottom. I decided on Baker’s Twine to wrap the sentiment with a bow.
This “spotlighting” card was an experiment I did with a different sheet from the Abigail Rose Designer Series Paper. I used a Designer Paper with a darker background and smaller images to color as my “spotlight.” I stayed with the Early Expresso, Crumb Cake and Very Vanilla. The flowers were colored with Mango Melody and Old Olive Stampin’ Blends.
Card Measurements
Images copyright 1990-2022 Stampin’ Up!®
- Very Vanilla
- 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, score 4 1/4″
- 3 3/4″ x 5″ (inside layer)
- scrap for sentiment
- Basic Black or Soft Suede
- 4″ x 5 1/4″ (2) (layers)
- scrap (die cut circle)
- scrap for sentiment
- Abigail Rose Designer Series Paper
- 3 3/4″ x 5″ (layer)
- additional piece to cut “spotlight” image
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