How I Used Two Different Stencils to Create Two Completely Different Cards
- Rick Adkins
- Jun 6
- 5 min read
One of the questions I hear most often from cardmakers is how to get more mileage out of the supplies they already own. Stencils are a perfect example. Many crafters think of them as background-building tools, but they can do so much more when you start looking at them as design elements rather than just patterns.
For today's project, I created two completely different cards using two stencil-focused approaches. One became a heartfelt pet sympathy card and the other an elegant birthday card. While the occasions couldn't be more different, both projects rely on the same core idea: using stencils to create visual impact without making the design process complicated.
I wanted to share these ideas on video because some techniques are easier to understand when you can see them in action. Here on the blog, I thought it would be helpful to talk about the design decisions behind each card and why these approaches work so well for beginner and intermediate cardmakers.
Why Stencils Are More Versatile Than Many Cardmakers Realize
A common cardmaking frustration is feeling like every card starts to look the same. Another is owning plenty of supplies but not knowing how to use them in different ways.
Stencils can solve both problems.
When you stop thinking of a stencil as "just a background tool," new possibilities start to open up. A stencil can create texture, become a focal point, establish movement across a card front, or even help tell the story of the card's theme.
The two cards in today's project are great examples of that idea.
Card 1: Using Stencils to Create a Meaningful Focal Point
The first card I created was the pet sympathy card.
Sympathy cards can sometimes be challenging because they need to communicate care and support without feeling overly complicated. For this design, I wanted the focal point to carry the emotional message of the card while still keeping the overall layout clean and approachable.
The Paw Heart 4x4 Free Thank You Stencil (free with any order June 2026) from Miss Ink Stamps worked beautifully because the heart shape immediately draws the eye and communicates the theme without requiring lots of additional embellishments. By using ink blending to create a rainbow of paw prints, the focal area becomes both meaningful and visually engaging.
I also incorporated the Big Paws 6x6 Stencil to add subtle background interest. This helps support the focal point rather than compete with it. One mistake I often see cardmakers make is adding too much detail behind a strong focal image. Keeping the background more subdued allows the eye to naturally settle on the most important part of the design.
The images from the Whodunnit Stamp Set were colored with alcohol markers to add warmth and personality. When creating sympathy cards, small details like this can make a card feel more personal and heartfelt.
Card 2: Creating Interest with the Double Vision Technique
The second card takes a completely different approach.
Instead of building around a focal image, the Art Deco 6x6 Free With Purchase Stencil becomes the star of the show. The geometric pattern creates movement and sophistication while maintaining a clean and elegant look.
This is where the Double Vision Technique really shines.
One reason I enjoy this technique is that it adds depth and visual interest without requiring additional layers, die cuts, or embellishments. The effect creates the appearance of complexity while remaining surprisingly approachable.
For cardmakers who sometimes struggle with designing backgrounds, techniques like this can simplify decision-making. The stencil does much of the design work for you, allowing color and pattern to become the focal point.
I also kept the sentiment simple using the Everyday Sentiment Stamp Set. When a background is already carrying a lot of visual weight, a clean sentiment often creates the strongest overall balance.
What These Cards Have in Common
Although these cards look very different, they actually follow many of the same design principles.
Both projects rely on a clear focal area.
Both use stenciling intentionally rather than as an afterthought.
Both keep embellishments to a minimum.
And both allow the featured techniques to do most of the visual work.
When cardmakers feel overwhelmed by design choices, I often recommend focusing on one primary technique and allowing it to lead the design. Whether that's ink blending, stamping, coloring, or stenciling, having a clear star of the show helps create more cohesive cards.
Adapting These Ideas with Supplies You Already Own
One of my favorite things about these designs is how easy they are to adapt.
Don't have a paw-print stencil? Any shape that creates a focal arrangement could work.
Don't have the Art Deco stencil? Try the Double Vision Technique with another geometric or repeating pattern stencil or pattern paper from your collection.
You can also change the color palettes, sentiments, and occasions without changing the overall design concept.
The pet sympathy card could easily become a pet birthday card or pet adoption celebration card.
The birthday card design could work for anniversaries, thank you cards, congratulations cards, or even holiday cards simply by changing the sentiment and color scheme.
This kind of flexibility is what helps stretch a craft stash and makes techniques more valuable over time.
Final Thoughts
If there's one takeaway from these projects, it's that creating beautiful focal points and backgrounds with stencils isn't nearly as difficult as many cardmakers think. Sometimes a simple stencil, a thoughtful color palette, and a clear design goal are all you need to create cards that feel polished and purposeful.
Don't worry about making every card perfect. Experiment with different color combinations, try techniques in new ways, and allow yourself room to learn as you create. Often the most interesting card designs come from trying something just a little differently than you did before.
If you haven't watched the video yet, I encourage you to take a look. Seeing these cards come together can help reinforce the design concepts discussed here and may spark even more ideas for your own crafting.
Watch the Video
You can watch the process here and see both cards come together from start to finish:
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!
Supplies 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 Crafting,
Rick Adkins
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