How to Pick the Perfect Pattern Paper for Any Card

Let’s talk about patterned paper. You know… those beautiful papers we buy with the best intentions, only to let them sit untouched because—let’s be honest—using them well can be a little intimidating.

Been there. Done that. Bought the pad… then bought two more.

But today, I want to walk you through how I approach patterned paper in my cardmaking process—specifically with a recent project using the Lucky Cat Collection from PhotoPlay. If you’ve ever wondered how to layer patterns without overwhelming your design or which prints to spotlight vs. support, this post is for you.

How to Pick the Perfect Pattern Paper for Any Card:

The Patterned Paper That Stole My Heart

As soon as I saw the Lucky Cat 12 x 12 Pattern Paper, I knew it was going to be the star of the show. This collection is packed with rich colors, traditional Asian elements, and playful icons—think dragons, lanterns, cherry blossoms, and the cutest fortune cookies.

Now, when I’m working with a paper pack that has a lot of personality, I start by choosing one panel to anchor everything. For this card, that panel was Good Fortune—a print so full of charm and detail, it practically builds the card for you.

Building a Card with Purpose (and Pattern)

I cut the Good Fortune panel down to 4" x 5¼" to serve as the background. From there, I knew I wanted to add a few more patterns, but I didn’t want them to compete. That’s the secret when working with bold papers: give each one a job to do.

So next, I brought in the Cherry Blossoms Pattern Paper, cut to 1 7/8" x 5¼", and gave it a clean mat with Desert Storm Cardstock at 2" x 5¼". This paper has a softer feel, which made it a perfect bridge between the bolder background and the central focal point.

Finally, I pulled a 3" x 4" panel from the Lanterns Pattern Paper—but here's a little tip: I flipped it over. That back side? Total unsung hero. It gave me a lighter base to ground the stamped image and sentiment without distracting from the layers behind it. I also fussy cut a few of the lanterns from the front side of the paper to use as simple embellishments. It’s such an easy way to add extra detail that feels intentional and perfectly matches the theme of the card—no extra supplies needed!

Featuring the Lucky Cat

I couldn’t resist using the Lucky Cat Clear Stamp Set and coordinating Outline Dies to bring this card to life. The little girl image is just too sweet. I stamped her on Desert Storm Cardstock, but instead of coloring everything, I went with a bit of paper piecing—using the Cherry Blossoms paper to give her outfit a patterned look that ties into the card design.

Pro Tip: When you’re paper piecing small images, stamp directly onto your patterned paper, then die cut or fussy cut just the parts you need. It’s a great way to stretch your stash and match your stamped images to your paper layers.

I finished it off with the “Lucky” sentiment from the same stamp set. With all the visual interest going on, I kept the embellishing simple—just letting the layers and patterns do the talking.

Letting the Paper Lead the Design

I think the biggest shift in how I use patterned paper came when I stopped trying to force it into a layout, and started letting it lead the layout. On this card, each patterned layer plays a part, but they aren’t all shouting for attention.

If you’re someone who loves buying patterned paper but gets stuck using it—try this:

• Pick one bold pattern to be your anchor.

• Add in a softer or more subtle print to balance it.

• Use solids or neutral cardstocks to break things up.

And don’t be afraid to flip your paper over. Some of the most useful prints are hiding on the back!

Final Thoughts

This card came together quickly, but it looks like it took so much more time—thanks to the magic of great patterned paper and intentional layering.

If you’ve been hoarding your pretty papers, maybe this is your sign to finally cut into them. Trust me—it feels good.

I'd love to hear how you use patterned paper in your own cardmaking. Do you go bold? Keep it simple? Avoid it entirely? Let’s chat in the comments!

How to Pick the Perfect Pattern Paper for Any Card Video Tutorial:

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(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

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