Messy or Clean Card Styles: You Don’t Have to Choose!

One of my favorite things about card making is realizing you do not have to pick a lane and stay there forever. Some days I want all the layers with ink and texture. Other days, I love clean lines and simple shapes. Today I am sharing two cards made with the Packed With Love Collection from Hero Arts, each leaning into completely different card styles. Same supplies. Totally different vibes.

Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. Watch on YouTube.

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Featured Supplies

Well Preserved Stamp & Cut HA | SBC

Big Mouth Sardine Tin Die Set HA | SBC

Wide Stripe Bold Prints HA | SBC

Sprinkled Dots Stencil HA | SBC

ColorWheel Cardstock 48 HA | SB | SBC

YPI Box 13 OTH

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. Full list of supplies at the bottom of this post.

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Inky Ocean Layers

This card is all about that mixed media background and letting the ink and texture lead the way. I created a layered, watery look using Distress Inks, stenciled modeling paste, and Distress Watercolor Pencils to give everything that loose, ocean inspired feel. The fish and sentiments from the Well Preserved Stamp Set swim across the panel with a mix of flat and popped up pieces, which keeps the design playful and full of movement. I also tucked in the anchor from the Big Mouth Sardine Tin Die Set for a little extra detail. That funny birthday sentiment makes this one perfect for celebrating the older anglers in my family.

Distress Ink: Evergreen Bough, Uncharted Mariner, Broken China, Wild Honey, Hickory Smoke
Distress Watercolor Pencils: Uncharted Mariner

The layers really shine once everything is in place. The texture peeks through in an imperfect, relaxed way that feels fun rather than fussy. I love how the soft blues and inky details work together to create depth without needing a lot of extra embellishment. This is one of those mixed media cards that feels creative and freeing from start to finish.

Clean Sardine Style

This card went in the complete opposite direction and kept things clean, bold, and graphic. As soon as I saw the Big Mouth Sardine Tin Die Set, this idea popped into my head. The tin becomes the star of the card and the Wide Stripe background keeps everything crisp and simple. It is such a fun birthday card for anyone who loves sardines or appreciates a slightly quirky design.

Gina K Designs Ink: Sea Glass, Tranquil Teal

The tin was die cut from a metallic, sturdy vellum from Your Paper Insider Box 13, which gives it that realistic, can-like feel. I rolled back the top layer of the tin and recommend using a strong liquid glue to keep it in place. Then added some Nuvo Drops to the fish bellies for a subtle shimmer. The birthday sentiment ties it all together and keeps the card feeling playful and punny.

I love how the same supplies can support such different card styles. Which style are you feeling lately, mixed media or clean and simple?

Big Deal on 2026 Card Making Classes

If you are looking for some amazing card classes or have joined in on past Card Makers Success Summits, you must check out the VIP Annual Pass. This will save you big on the new summits coming in 2026 {psst… heads up that a new summit is coming in February and I’m a speaker}. You can also take a peek at some of the past summits I have participated in HERE.

Normally, Fast Action VIP pricing is $39 per summit (Basic) or $59 per summit (Premium). That means both summits would cost you $78 or $118.

But if you sign up now with the Annual Pass, you get:

• Basic VIP Annual Pass: $69
  • Lifetime access to ALL speaker presentations from both summits
  • Complete Card Project Workbooks (both summits)
  • Full transcripts of all presentations
• Premium VIP Annual Pass: $109
  • Everything in Basic PLUS
  • Virtual Crop via Zoom (both summit Saturdays)
  • Premium bonus content from speakers and sponsors
  • Live Card Making sessions on Zoom (Thursdays & Fridays of each summit)
  • Co-Working Sessions (Tuesdays & Thursdays after each summit)
  • Priority access to submit questions to speakers doing livestreams
  • FREE ticket to the Live Card Making Class after each summit (that’s 2 free classes!)

This Special Offer Ends Saturday, January 18th

The VIP All-Access Pass pricing hasn’t changed since 2021! But with everything going up in price, rates will be adjusted in 2026. By signing up now, you’re locking in pricing before the 2026 rate increase takes effect.

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.

Well Preserved Stamp & Cut HA | SBC	Big Mouth Sardine Tin Die Set HA | SBC	Wide Stripe Bold Prints HA | SBC	Sprinkled Dots Stencil HA | SBC	Hammermill Cardstock AMZ
ColorWheel Cardstock 48 HA | SB | SBC	Fabriano Watercolor AMZ	YPI Box 13 OTH	Sea Glass, Tranquil Teal SBC | OTH	Wild Honey SBC
Evergreen Bough SBC	Hickory Smoke SBC	Uncharted Mariner SBC	Versamark SBC	Distress WC Pencils {sets 4-6} SBC | AMZ
Silicone Craft Mat SBC	Palette Knifes SBC | AMZ	Light Modeling Paste AMZ

Most Used Tools

1.5″ block SB | OTH	Big Shot SB	Black Stamping Tool SB	Blending Brushes AMZ	Blending Brushes Large AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium AMZ	Blending Brushes Mini AMZ	Blending Brushes Small AMZ	Connect Glue SB	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope AMZ	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ	Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ
Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Mini Stencil Mat** SB	Mini Trimmer SB
MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI – Original SB | SSS	MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB
Post It Note Tape AMZ	Reverse Tweezers SB	Sticky Mat SB	Triangle Trays AMZ	White Gel Pens SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ	Adhesive Roll SBC