I like to color my stamped image after I have selected the designer paper that I’m going to use. This helps me better determine the colors I will use to achieve a more unified look.

I have a small box nearby that I store extra trinkets and simple nostalgic items in to be used later. These items might include carnival ticket stubs, extra craft pieces from another project, unused jewelry items, broken keys, lost toys and other the such things. Sometime, it’s the unusual addition to a card that completes the look I’m searching for.

Popping just a portion of the stamped image might be just the final touch you’re looking for. Sometime this is called 3D Decoupage but without the varnish or lacquer. It adds an extra depth that jumps out of the card. Use dimensional stickers and select portions of the image that seem to be the foremost out front.

Paper piecing is a fun and easy technique but you can take it to the next level with shading. Coloring it just a little will give more depth and dimension to the stamped image. Wait to add the shadows until all the pieces have been placed and use a color that is slightly darker than the patterned paper’s main color.

Here’s a frugal tip – I found metal alphabet stamps at the hardware store. They’re used for identification purposes on tools and keys; they’re durable and inexpensive!

Tying a bow so it stays upright on the card used to be difficult for me until I realized I have always naturally tied them upside down; for instance on my shoe. So now, I just turn my card around to tie it and the bow will easily rest straight without twisting. If you’re still having trouble with your bow twisting around, then examine if you are tying a granny knot or a square knot (reef knot) and give the other method a try.