One of the best parts of cardmaking is revisiting layouts that just work — whether it’s a saved design you loved once or a card that sparks a fresh idea. I keep a few “idea boxes” filled with favorite cards or layouts I want to try again. Sometimes, just flipping through them brings back creative energy — or even a few fond memories.
Today’s Card Idea: The Cut-Off Circle Design
The main design I’m working with today features a simple yet striking element: a cut-off circle. I’m using a 3-inch circle here, but you could easily substitute a square or any shape you love. It’s a flexible layout meant to spark creativity — not limit it!
We’d love to see your version of this idea over in our Back Porch Stampers group. Each week, we do a drawing for everyone who participates. It’s all about starting with one idea and making it your own.
Card #1: A Card for Tim — Turtle-y Cute
This card is fun, bright, and super personal. It’s for Tim — whose birthday is June 17 (mark your calendars!). He once owned three accordions, despite not knowing how to play. I kept trying to convince him to collect harmonicas instead! So of course, this accordion-playing turtle is now officially “Timmy Turtle.”
I’m using elements from a couple of ephemera packs — they’re perfect for adding quick personality and charm to a card, especially when you’re short on time but still want something meaningful.
Card #2: Day & Night Sailboat Scenes
This card started with a piece of paper that reminded me of a bright daytime sky. Then I found another that looked like a night sky full of stars — and that’s when I got the idea to create two versions of the same layout: one for day, one for night.
It’s a great reminder that the paper alone can completely shift the mood of a design.
This layout makes a wonderful retirement card — even for someone who’s never been on a boat! It’s about new chapters, freedom, and peaceful journeys. Of course, you could also use it for a birthday, bon voyage, or just a “thinking of you” note.
Card #3: Bold Black & Bright Celebrations
For this one, I’m using the Mixed Media Designer Series Paper, which features those bold black-and-white patterns I love. Black paired with bright colors is always a winner — it’s clean, striking, and makes everything pop.
The sentiment strip is from an ephemera pack, and I popped it up with dimensionals to give it extra presence. A few gems finish it off with just the right touch of sparkle.
Card #4: Colorful Celebratory Sips
This card uses the Celebratory Sips Designer Series Paper and another sentiment strip from the same ephemera pack.
Tim helped with this one — he picked “Tequila Sunrise” as the theme. He’s always thinking in song lyrics! And speaking of that: for his birthday in June, we’re doing a fun little giveaway. He’ll name a song, and you’ll guess what inspired it — prizes included, of course!
Card #5: Celebrate On the Go
For this final card, I used the On the Go Designer Series Paper and swapped the usual circle shape for a die cut from the paper pack itself. I trimmed the edge just like I did with the circles in earlier cards — keeping that same design continuity.
This card would be perfect with a coffee shop gift card tucked inside — ideal for thanking a teacher. Have your child write a little note inside, and you’re done!
A quick tip for using delicate die-cuts or ephemera: I love using glue dots. I fold or roll them up small and tuck them into spots where they won’t show. They keep everything in place and give that effortless, floating effect — without the mess of liquid glue
Simple Layout with So Many Card Ideas!
Share your version over at Back Porch Stampers.
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