Right as Rain - Cardmaking and Scrapbooking with Jean Manis

Queen & Co. Giraffe Shaker Card

Today, I’m sharing a shaker card that brings a touch of safari fun to your handmade greetings. This card features a whimsical die-cut giraffe filled with shaker elements, perfectly complemented by patterned paper that ties the whole theme together. Using products from the Queen & Company Go Safari kit. I’ve created a card that’s eye-catching and also incredibly fun to make. The cheerful sentiment “What’s Up?” adds the perfect finishing touch, making this card ideal for brightening someone’s day. I also used Foundation die sets – 3, 14, 19 – to create the paper layers and to cut my sentiment.

I cannot say enough about the patterned paper included in the kit! It coordinates wonderfully, making it easy to create the various paper layers. I embellished the card with epoxy from the Epoxy Dots Matte Bundle and stars cut from white cardstock with a die in the Foundation 14 set.

Looking for more inspiration? You can see a lion-themed card made with the Go Safari kit in THIS POST.

Lawn Fawn | Berry Sweet Card

Hello! Today, I’m excited to share a berry-themed card that I’ve crafted using a variety of Lawn Fawn supplies. Over the years, I’ve collected an array of Lawn Fawn products, and it’s always a joy to see how seamlessly they work together to bring a scene to life.

- Cover an A2-size card base with paper in the Doodlebug Gingham-Linen Rainbow Petite Prints pad.
- Cut Waterfall cardstock with the 5″ x 3 3/4″ die in the Small Stitched Rectangles set and cut with the Stitched Cloud Backdrop die. I frequently reach for this set to create card backgrounds. I discuss using cover plate dies for card backgrounds HERE.
- To create the green hill, cut SU Call Me Clover cardstock (2018-2020 In Color) with a die in the Simple Stitched Hillside Border set and the 5″ x 3 3/4″ die in the Small Stitched Rectangles set. Add to sky and add assembly to card base.
- Stamp the Berry Special images with Versafine on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper and heat set. Color the image with watercoloring mediums of choice (I used Zig and Tombow markers). Check out my “Resources for Watercoloring Stamped Images” HERE. Once dry, cut images with coordinating dies.

Strawberries (Zig 22, 412, 413); Mouse Overalls (Tombow 528); Mice (Zig 72, Tombow 772); Sign (Tombow 992, Zig 68); Bee and flower center (Zig 52); Connoisseur White Taklon Short Round Brushes sizes 2 and 4

- Stamp sentiment and cut with banner die.
- Cut white clouds with dies in the Spring Showers set.
- Add items to card with dot and foam adhesive.

Using Repetition in Card Design

Hello! After recently posting this card, I began to reflect on how often I use repetition in card design. Repetition is a powerful design principle that enhances handmade cards by creating visual harmony, emphasizing focal points, and simplifying the design process. Let’s take a look at cards from my blog archive as examples. Click on the card image to be taken to the original post.

Repetition establishes a visual rhythm that makes the design feel cohesive and harmonious. By repeating a focal item, such as a scooter, a lighthouse, or a balloon, you create a pattern that the eye naturally follows. Use different colors for each repeated element to add interest. Arrange the elements in patterns, such as grids, rows, or clusters, to see what works best for your design.

Repetition can make the design process simpler and faster. Once you’ve decided on a shape or image to repeat, you can focus on other aspects like the color schemes and layout.

Repetition is a great technique for making the most of smaller focal items. By repeating a small die cut, and varying its colors, you can create a striking design.

Repetition is an especially useful technique when you’re unsure of what else to do. By repeating a single shape or image, you can fill space effectively, create visual interest, and ensure your card looks well-planned and artistic without complex details.

Die-cut Nautical “AHOY” Card

Hello! At the beginning of the month, I shared a round-up of summer-themed cards. Inspired by the post, I created a nautical-themed card that features a charming Impression Obsession sailboat. The cheerful “AHOY” is a perfect choice for sending warm wishes to any sea lover in your life and works for a multitude of occasions.

- I used Echo Park patterned paper in my stash for the card base background. I discuss how patterned paper is a quick and convenient way to add character to card backgrounds HERE.
- While designing the card, I thought back on the impact of a frame, which I discuss HERE. I chose the Lawn Fawn Say Cheese, Again die set to cut the Polaroid-style frame.
- To create the background behind the frame, I used the now-retired, Taylored Expressions “On the Spot” embossing folder. I wrote about the use of embossing folders in cardmaking HERE.
- I cut the sailboat, waves, and cloud from a variety of color cardstocks, and assembled as required. I used the Art Impressions Journal Letter die set to cut the letters that I glue to the frame.

Queen & Co. Safari-Themed Shaker Card

Hello! Today, I am sharing a safari-themed shaker card created with the Queen & Company Go Safari kit. The kit includes a sentiment stamp set, dies to create an alligator, a giraffe, a zebra, a monkey, an elephant, a tiger, a lion, and a hippo, as well as patterned paper, foam for the shaker pieces, and toppings. (While I created this card with my four-month-old granddaughter in mind, safari animals appeal to all ages!) I also used Foundation die sets – 3, 14, 19 – to create the paper layers and to cut my sentiment. The Foundation die sets include a variety of dies to up your cardmaking game.

Go Safari kit, Foundation 19 (scallop edge, sentiment banners), Foundation 3 (mat for the lion and behind dotted strip), Foundation 14 (dotted strip), Pearls Sampler (gold pearls), Tiny Trio Epoxy Bundle (orange enamel dots)

Looking for more inspiration? I previously shared cards created with another Queen & Company kit in THIS POST. Additionally, Queen & Company has a YouTube channel, a Facebook page, and an active (private) Facebook Fan Group for inspiration.