3 Cards 1 Layout: Boost Your Stencil Game | Video Tutorial

Today, I’m sharing a project that really let me play with my stencils and put a fresh spin on some well-loved supplies. I’m talking about stretching a single layout into three fun, unique cards, all with the same ingredients but totally different vibes. I know how easy it can be to fall into a routine—same layout, same technique—but this time, I wanted to show how just a few tweaks can make each card stand out.

I used the Llama Love Stamp Set and Llama Love Coordinating Dies along with the Succulent Swirls Stencil, all from Miss Ink Stamps. If you’re like me, you probably have a few stencils in your stash that could use a little love, and this is the perfect project to dust them off and see what else they can do.

3 Cards 1 Layout: Boost Your Stencil Game:

Prepping for Creative Fun

I started by cutting everything I needed for all three cards. Having it all laid out on my table really helped me see the possibilities! I cut three top folding A2 card bases and three 4" x 5 1/4" panels, all from my trusty Brilliant White 110 lb Smooth Cardstock. I also grabbed a handful of 2 1/2" vellum circles (for cards two and three) and some 1" x 4 1/4" white strips for the sentiments.

For the images, I went with the adorable llama from the Llama Love Stamp Set. I stamped him three times using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on a scrap of white cardstock, then colored them up the same with my Copic markers. There’s something so satisfying about coloring multiples of the same image—it feels like a little production line of cuteness. Once they were colored, I used the coordinating die to cut them out all at once.

Pro Tip: When I’m stamping and die cutting multiple images like this, I always cut a few extra. That way if I decide to make more cards later, I’ve already got the star of the show ready to go!

Card 1 – Clean and Simple With a Twist

For the first card, I wanted to keep things classic and let the stencil do the talking. I placed the Succulent Swirls Stencil over my card front and used my Wintergreen Ink Pad to blend a soft, swirly background. I let the color be darker in some spots and lighter in others, so it didn’t feel flat.

This is one of my favorite ways to use stencils—just a quick blend with one ink color, and you’ve got a background that looks way fancier than it actually is! I stamped the sentiment “There’s One In Every Herd” onto the white strip and added it to the card front. Then I popped up the little llama with foam squares. I love how this card turned out: clean, bright, and ready to send off to a friend who could use a smile.

Card 2 – Adding Depth and Detail

For the second card, I decided to step things up a bit. I kept the stencil in place after the first layer of Wintergreen ink, and then I used a smaller blending tool to add Mardi Gras Ink just to the center of each succulent swirl. This gave a really nice pop of color and made the pattern come to life.

I attached the sentiment strip with a bit of foam tape to give it some lift. Then I layered the llama onto one of the vellum circles. I love using vellum—it softens the background and makes the focal point really stand out. I added some Shiny Sage Baubles for a little sparkle and assembled it all onto the card base. It’s amazing how much depth you can get just by adding a second ink color to your stencil.

Card 3 – Mixed Media Adventure

For the third card, I wanted to go a little wild and incorporate some texture. I started by blending Wintergreen Ink at the bottom of the panel and Mardi Gras Ink at the top, letting them meet and mix in the middle for a smooth gradient.

Then came the fun part: I pressed my Mardi Gras Ink Pad onto a mat, added a bit of glitter paste, and mixed it up to make a custom glittery concoction. Spreading that through the stencil gave me a background that’s just as sparkly as it is swirly. Some areas have more glitter, some less, and I love that organic feel.

While the panel was drying, I stamped the sentiment “Sending A Whole Llama Love” and attached it along with the vellum circle and the last little llama. A few more Shiny Sage Baubles, and this card was ready to shine.

Pro Tip: When working with glitter paste, remember to wash your stencil right away. I learned the hard way once and had to toss a stencil that got too crusty!

The Power of One Layout

What I love most about this project is how each card uses the same layout and supplies but feels totally different. The clean and simple card is perfect for a quick note, the second card has more layers and depth, and the third one feels like a mini piece of art.

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with your card layouts, but sometimes all it takes is a fresh stencil technique or a little glitter to breathe new life into a design. I hope these cards inspire you to try something new with your stencils and maybe even dig out some products you haven’t played with in a while.

If you’d like to see all the inky fun in action, be sure to check out the video tutorial. I walk you through the techniques and share a few more tips along the way.

Let me know in the comments which card was your favorite or how you’re going to put your own twist on this layout. I’d love to hear what you’re creating!

3 Cards 1 Layout: Boost Your Stencil Game Video Tutorial:

If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking Here!

(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!

Materials Used:

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Happy Stampin'

Rick Adkins

Affiliate Disclaimer:

Just a friendly reminder, as part of my commitment to transparency, please note that some of the links provided maybe affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is truly appreciated!

Additionally, I kindly ask that you always accept the tracking cookie for the affiliate websites. Rest assured, this will not in any way expose your computer to viruses or compromise your information. It's simply necessary for the company to attribute the sale to the affiliate, ensuring creators like myself receive their rightful commissions.

Your trust and support enable me to continue sharing creativity through my email lists, blog, and YouTube channel. Thank you for being a valued part of our crafting community!