Two handmade cards featuring layered floral die cuts and torn patterned paper backgrounds in red, yellow, black, and lavender, with sentiments “Find Beauty in the Simple Things” and “Bloom Wildly,” designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com.
JAM Sesh - Spellbinders - video

The Easiest Way to Add Artsy Texture to Your Cards

The new Beautifully Imperfect Collection from Spellbinders is now available, and oh my goodness… it’s a stunner. Full of mixed media style stamps, dies, embossing folders, and foil/letterpress plates. I couldn’t resist the mixed media feel of these dies and set out to get that textured, layered look using only paper and dies. No paint, no paste, no mess. Just pure paper magic.

Two handmade cards featuring layered floral die cuts and torn patterned paper backgrounds in red, yellow, black, and lavender, with sentiments “Find Beauty in the Simple Things” and “Bloom Wildly,” designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com.

The patterned and specialty papers are all from the brand-new Your Paper Insider Box 13 that’s shipping now. The surprise of opening that box is half the fun. It always includes something I wouldn’t normally pick, but somehow it becomes my favorite!

I have a quick video for both cards, so you can see how easy it is to get those artsy mixed media vibes with just a few layers.

Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are short videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. These quick ideas do not require much explanation, but seeing them in action can be the perfect inspiration you need for your next project. Watch it on YouTube.


Featured Supplies

➡️ Full supply list at the bottom of this post.

Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.


Find Beauty in Simple Things

Handmade card with layered floral die cuts and bold patterned paper featuring sentiment “Find Beauty in the Simple Things,” designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com.

That floral paper from Your Paper Insider was way too gorgeous not to use as the star of the show. I die cut it with the Deckled Edge Script die and saved the inside pieces for later (because nothing goes to waste here). The torn edges layered over a soft grey background instantly gave me that art journal look.

I added die cuts from the Sealed Bloom set in classic black for contrast and tucked in a few glittery gold and red accents from the specialty papers in the box. A hand-cut tag holds the sentiment and adds that perfect finishing touch.

What Makes This Card Special:

  • Layered Torn Edges: Instantly adds mixed media texture without paint or paste.
  • Bold Paper Choice: That vivid floral pattern steals the show in the best way.
  • Accent Details: Little black blooms tie the design together.
  • Glittery Touches: Red zig zags and gold loops for subtle shine.
  • Soft Contrast: Grey background helps those colors pop beautifully.
Handmade card with layered floral die cuts and bold patterned paper featuring sentiment “Find Beauty in the Simple Things,” designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com.

Creative Tips & Techniques

  • Save the Insides: Keep those die-cut scraps for a second card.
  • Mix Specialty Papers: Texture and shine come to life when you mix finishes.
  • Add Depth with Color: Black die cuts ground the bold pattern.
  • Play with Torn Edges: Tear instead of trim for organic, artsy layers.
  • Custom Tags: Make your own sentiment base when a die isn’t quite right.

Bloom Wildly

Handmade card with simple layered floral die cuts, black flowers, gold twine, and sentiment “Bloom Wildly,” designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com.

This second card is all about using up those leftover bits and honestly, it might be my favorite. I cut my card base a bit smaller and covered the front with that large deckle edge panel. I used the inside pieces from the Deckled Edge Script die and created a simple, layered background with a deckled edge. The same Sealed Bloom dies add elegant black florals that pop beautifully against the patterned scraps.

A glittery twine loop and a Bloom Wildly sentiment pull it all together, keeping that effortless, imperfect charm.

What Makes This Card Special:

  • Scrap Saver: Every leftover piece finds a new home.
  • Simple Layout: Clean design that lets the texture shine.
  • Elegant Contrast: Black florals against bright patterned layers.
  • Subtle Sparkle: Gold twine gives just enough shimmer.
  • Deckled Edge Detail: Adds that handcrafted, vintage feel.
Handmade card with simple layered floral die cuts, black flowers, gold twine, and sentiment “Bloom Wildly,” designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com.

Creative Tips & Techniques

  • Simplify the Design: Let one focal point do all the talking.
  • Layer with Intention: Even scraps can feel like art when arranged thoughtfully.
  • Repeat Materials: Using the same dies ties multiple cards together.
  • Keep It Soft: A light background makes bold details shine.
  • Let Imperfection Lead: Don’t aim for perfect… just enjoy the texture and flow.

I loved playing with this mix of paper textures and die cut layers. It’s such an easy way to get that “artsy” feel without a drop of paint in sight. I hope these ideas inspire you to look at your scraps a little differently and see the beauty in the simple things.

Which one’s your favorite… the layered floral or the clean and minimal version?

Crafty Sale Highlights

Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media. I would be thrilled to see it and leave you some love.

Supplies

Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.

Deckle Edge Script
Deckle Edge Script

SB | SBC
Tangled Threads
Tangled Threads

SB | SBC
Sealed Blooms
Sealed Blooms

SB | SBC
Field Notes
Field Notes

SB | SBC
Your Paper Insider
Your Paper Insider

OTH
Rectangle Infinity Dies
Rectangle Infinity Dies

HA | SBC
Hammermill Cardstock
Hammermill Cardstock

AMZ
ColorWheel Cardstock 48 CSA-001
ColorWheel Cardstock 48 CSA-001

HA | SB | SBC
Intens-ified Black Ink Pad
Intens-ified Black Ink Pad

SB | SBC
Adhesive Roll
Adhesive Roll

SBC

Most Used Tools

1.5
1.5″ block

SB | OTH
Big Shot
Big Shot

SB
Black Stamping Tool
Black Stamping Tool

SB
Blending Brushes
Blending Brushes

AMZ
Blending Brushes Large
Blending Brushes Large

AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium
Blending Brushes Medium

AMZ
Blending Brushes Mini
Blending Brushes Mini

AMZ
Blending Brushes Small
Blending Brushes Small

AMZ
Connect Glue
Connect Glue

SB
Cutter Bee Scissors
Cutter Bee Scissors

SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope
Die Cut Envelope

AMZ
Foam Roll - 2 Inch
Foam Roll – 2 Inch

SB
Foam Roll Combo Pack
Foam Roll Combo Pack

SB
Grip Mat 4.75x6
Grip Mat 4.75×6

AMZ
Grip Mat 6.5x8.5
Grip Mat 6.5×8.5

AMZ
Grip Mat 6x6
Grip Mat 6×6

AMZ
Media Mat Mini
Media Mat Mini

SB | SSS
Mini Blending Brushes
Mini Blending Brushes

AMZ
Mini Stencil Mat**
Mini Stencil Mat**

SB
Mini Trimmer
Mini Trimmer

SB
MISTI - Mini
MISTI – Mini

SB | SSS
MISTI - Original
MISTI – Original

SB | SSS
MISTI - Original - Black
MISTI – Original – Black

SB
MISTI Corners
MISTI Corners

SB | AMZ
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive

SB
Post It Note Tape
Post It Note Tape

AMZ
Reverse Tweezers
Reverse Tweezers

SB
Sticky Mat
Sticky Mat

SB
Triangle Trays
Triangle Trays

AMZ
White Gel Pens
White Gel Pens

SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat
White Glass Mat

SB | OTH | AMZ
Two handmade cards featuring layered floral die cuts and torn patterned paper backgrounds in red, yellow, black, and lavender, with sentiments “Find Beauty in the Simple Things” and “Bloom Wildly,” designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com.

One comment on “The Easiest Way to Add Artsy Texture to Your Cards

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *