Hi friends! I'm so excited to be back today with a sneak peek of the brand-new Swift Stamp Set from C. C. Designs. This set is part of their latest release, and let me tell you — it’s absolutely adorable! If you’re a music lover or know someone who is, this set is going to steal your heart.
For today’s card, I wanted to create a design that feels dynamic and fun, just like a live performance. I love how this little singer from the Swift Stamp Set has so much personality — and I knew I wanted to make her the star of the show. This card has a lot of dimension and texture, but it came together pretty easily once I had my game plan in place. Let me walk you through the details!
Sing Like No Ones Listening:
Creating the Focal Point
I started out by stamping one of the images from the Swift Stamp Set onto a piece of Hammermill Smooth Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. This is my go-to ink for working with alcohol markers because it won’t smear or bleed.
For coloring, I reached for my trusty OLO Markers. The blending with these markers is so smooth, and I love how vibrant the colors stay once dry. After coloring, I fussy cut the image and set it aside while I worked on the background.
Pro Tip: If fussy cutting isn’t your favorite thing, try leaving a small white border around the edge of the image. It not only makes cutting easier, but it also helps the image pop against a busy background.
Building the Background
For the background, I knew I wanted something that felt a little dramatic — like a stage under the spotlight. I grabbed the Inside Outside Scalloped Elongated Oval Dies from Waffle Flower Crafts and cut the largest die from three different shades of cardstock: Black, Lilac, and Grape Soda.
To add some texture, I took the inner black cardstock layer and ran it through my die-cutting machine with the Twinkling Stars Embossing Folder. This gave it a gorgeous starry texture that reminded me of a concert night sky.
Here’s where the magic happens: I lightly brushed Brilliant White Pigment Ink over the embossed stars, which really made them pop. Then I flicked on some Picket Fence Distress Spray Stain and Iridescent Shimmer Ink Spray for added sparkle. The combo of white pigment ink and shimmer gave it that perfect starry-night vibe.
Pro Tip: When working with embossing folders, try using pigment ink to highlight the raised areas. It creates subtle dimension and helps the pattern stand out without overpowering the rest of the design.
Layering It All Together
Once my embossed panel was dry, I created a top-folding A2 card base from Neenah Ultra Thick Cardstock. I started by attaching the black scalloped oval to the card front, then layered the lilac oval on top, slightly offsetting it to create more depth. Next, I added the outline Black Cardstock layer and then the grape soda oval. Finally, I inserted the embossed black panel into the center of the stack.
I love how the layers create a frame around the focal point — it draws your eye right to the center, which is exactly what I was aiming for.
Finishing Touches
For the sentiment, I stamped "Sing like no one's listening" in Versafine Onyx Black Ink onto a stitched die-cut banner. I made the banner using a die from my stash and a scrap of Hammermill Smooth Cardstock. To add some dimension, I popped it up with foam tape.
Next, I added the little singer I had colored earlier, positioning her right above the banner using foam tape to keep the dimension consistent.
No card is complete without a little sparkle, right? I used the Sequin Mix Die Set to cut several stars from a scrap of silver holographic cardstock (from the Holographic Mirror Paper Pad). I scattered them around the card and added a touch of Crystal Clear Shaker Embellishments inside the medium and large stars for extra shine.
To finish it off, I added a few white gel pen highlights to the singer’s outfit and hair. This small detail really makes the image feel polished and complete.
Why This Card Works
What I love about this design is how balanced it feels — the textured background and the layered ovals give it structure, while the shimmer and holographic stars add just the right amount of fun. The sentiment and the sweet singer image tie it all together perfectly.
If you’re looking to create a dynamic card with lots of dimension and texture, this layout is a great one to try. You can easily switch out the color scheme or sentiment to make it work for any occasion.
The Swift Stamp Set is so versatile and fun to work with — I can already think of so many other card designs using this little singer. I hope this card inspires you to get creative with your backgrounds and layering techniques.
The new release from C. C. Designs goes live soon, so be sure to check it out. I have a feeling this set is going to be a fan favorite!
Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.
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!
Comments