Card Making with Scrapbook Supplies: Ideas, Techniques & Tips

Why Scrapbook Supplies Are Perfect for Card Making

If you already scrapbook — or if you've been eyeing scrapbooking supplies — you might not realize that those same materials are ideal for handmade card making. Cardstock, patterned paper, stamps, metal dies, inks, and embellishments all translate directly from scrapbook layouts to stunning greeting cards.

Card making is a natural companion to scrapbooking. It uses the same supplies, the same techniques (layering, stamping, die cutting), and the same creative instincts. Many scrapbookers discover card making as a way to use their supplies between layout sessions, and many card makers eventually expand into scrapbooking. This guide shows you how to create beautiful handmade cards using supplies you may already own.

Essential Card Making Supplies

If you scrapbook, you likely already have most of what you need. Here's a focused list of card making essentials:

Card Bases

Standard card sizes are A2 (4.25" x 5.5" — fits standard envelopes) and A6 (4.5" x 6.25"). Cut cardstock in 80lb-110lb weight, score with a bone folder, and fold cleanly. White, cream, kraft, and black are the most versatile base colors.

Patterned Paper

6x6 paper pads are ideal for card making — they're the perfect size for card panels, and each pad gives you dozens of coordinated designs. 12x12 sheets work too, giving you enough paper for multiple cards from one sheet.

Stamps and Ink

Stamps are arguably the most important card making supply. Clear stamps are popular because you can see exactly where you're placing the image. For ink, start with a quality black dye ink pad and 2-3 colors that match your cardstock palette.

Metal Dies

Metal dies for card making cut sentiments, frames, borders, and decorative shapes. Nesting dies (circles, squares, ovals) are especially useful for card making because they create perfectly sized layers and mats. Pair them with a manual die cutting machine for precise, repeatable cuts.

Adhesives

A tape runner handles most card assembly. Add foam adhesive tape or dots for creating dimension on focal elements — popping up a stamped image or die cut sentiment gives cards a professional, dimensional look.

10 Card Making Ideas Using Scrapbook Supplies

1. Simple Stamped Sentiment Card

Stamp a greeting on white cardstock, trim to size, mat on colored cardstock, and adhere to a card base. Add 3 enamel dots for a finished touch. Total time: 5 minutes.

2. Patterned Paper Panel Card

Cut a piece of patterned paper slightly smaller than your card front (leaving a 1/8" border of the card base visible). Add a stamped or die cut sentiment strip across the center. Clean, modern, and easy.

3. Layered Die Cut Card

Use nesting dies to cut 3 progressively smaller shapes from different papers. Layer them on the card front with foam adhesive between each layer for dimension. Top with a small embellishment.

4. Ink-Blended Background Card

Blend 2-3 ink colors across a white cardstock panel using an ink blending tool. Stamp a sentiment in black over the blended background. The watercolor effect is stunning and no two cards are alike.

5. Shaker Card

Die cut a window in your card front, back it with clear acetate, add a foam frame, fill with sequins or beads, and seal. When the recipient tilts the card, the embellishments move and sparkle.

6. Waterfall Card

Create a pull-tab mechanism inside the card that reveals a cascade of small photos or messages. This interactive card format uses scrapbooking techniques (photo matting, small embellishments) in a card-sized project.

7. Washi Tape Stripe Card

Apply strips of washi tape in parallel rows across a card panel. Trim the edges flush, add a sentiment, and you have a colorful card with zero stamping required.

8. Embossed Card

Run cardstock through your die cutting machine with an embossing folder to create a textured, raised pattern. Use it as a card panel — the texture catches light beautifully and adds an elegant feel.

9. Ephemera Collage Card

Layer small ephemera pieces — tags, tickets, small images — on a card front in an artful arrangement. Tuck some pieces under others and add a sentiment tag on top. This uses the same collage techniques as scrapbook layouts.

10. Stitched Border Card

Use a stitching die to add faux stitch lines along card edges or around panels. Or, for a handmade touch, use a paper piercer and needle with embroidery floss to add real stitching.

Card Making Techniques from Scrapbooking

Matting and Layering

Just as scrapbookers mat photos on contrasting cardstock, card makers layer panels and elements for depth. The key difference is scale — card layers need to be proportional to the smaller card size. Leave 1/8" borders between layers for a clean, framed look.

Fussy Cutting

Cut out printed images from patterned paper to create custom embellishments for cards. A floral motif cut from 12x12 paper becomes a beautiful card topper.

Heat Embossing

Stamp with embossing ink, sprinkle embossing powder, and heat with a heat gun for raised, glossy sentiments and images. Gold or silver embossing elevates any card to a luxury feel.

Distressing

Sand card edges, curl corners slightly, or dab ink along edges for a vintage, lived-in look. These scrapbooking techniques work beautifully on cards, especially masculine or heritage-themed designs.

Card Making on a Budget with Subscription Kits

One of the best ways to get started with card making is through a monthly craft kit subscription. Each Hip Kit Club kit includes coordinated cardstock, patterned paper, embellishments, and exclusive dies — all the supplies you need for both scrapbook layouts AND handmade cards.

Many subscribers create 2-3 scrapbook layouts plus 5-10 cards from each monthly kit. The coordinated supplies mean everything matches, and the design team videos often include card-making tutorials alongside layout ideas.

Card Making FAQ

What's the standard card size?

The most common size is A2 (4.25" x 5.5" when folded), which fits standard A2 envelopes. Cut an 8.5" x 5.5" piece of cardstock and fold in half. A6 (4.5" x 6.25") is the next most popular size.

How many cards can I make from a 12x12 paper pad?

A typical 12x12 paper pad with 24-48 sheets can yield 50-100+ card panels, depending on how you cut them. One 12x12 sheet can produce two 5x7 panels or four 4.25x5.5 panels.

Do I need different stamps for card making vs. scrapbooking?

No — most stamps work for both. Sentiment stamps ("Happy Birthday," "Thank You," "Thinking of You") are more card-specific, while large background stamps may be more scrapbook-oriented. But small image stamps, border stamps, and alphabet stamps work equally well for both crafts.

What's the best way to mail handmade cards?

Use matching envelopes (A2 or A6 depending on card size). If your card has dimensional embellishments, add a "Non-Machinable" stamp to prevent it from being damaged in postal sorting machines. Or hand-deliver for the best impact!

Featured Products

Explore these supplies from Hip Kit Club (click image to view product):

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Ready to start making cards? Subscribe to Hip Kit Club and get supplies for both scrapbooking and card making, starting at $12.95/mo. See all kit options →