Knit Wits and Scraps
Sometimes the best card backgrounds are hiding right in your scrap bin! For this card featuring the new Knit Wits stamp set, I wanted the adorable image to take center stage while creating a background that was simple, cozy, and a little unexpected.
Instead of reaching for a full sheet of patterned paper, I pulled out three coordinating patterns from the Chillin Paper Pack and turned them into a fun quilt-like background. It’s a great way to use those smaller pieces of paper that are just too pretty to throw away!
🧶 Knit Wits + Scrappy Goodness
The star of this card is the adorable pup and kitty from the new Knit Wits stamp set. There is just something about these two snuggled together under that oversized scarf that makes me want to grab a cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, and stay in my craft room all day!
I decided to keep the rest of the card relatively simple so the image would really pop. The heart-shaped element behind them adds another layer of interest while also giving me the perfect place to use one of my favorite patterns from the Chillin Paper Pack—the paw-print paper was simply too cute not to use!
And that sentiment? “You’re stuck with me.” ❤️Perfect for a best friend, significant other, family member—or that person who has somehow managed to survive all your crafting obsessions.
✂️ Creating the Scrap Paper Background
This background is a great little formula to keep in your cardmaking toolbox. You can change the papers, colors, or arrangement and create a completely different look.
Here's what I did:
1. Choose three coordinating patterned papers.I used three designs from the Chillin Paper Pack. I chose patterns with different scales and textures so they wouldn't compete with one another.
2. Cut your rectangles.Cut pieces measuring: 2" x 2⅝". You'll need enough pieces to create the four-panel background.
3. Arrange the panels.Place the patterned-paper rectangles onto a white card base, leaving a small amount of space between each piece. I used two lighter snowflake patterns, a deep navy textured pattern, and a muted green pattern to create contrast.
4. Add your focal point.I die cut a heart from the paw-print patterned paper and layered it onto a slightly larger brown cardstock heart. I added faux stitching around the edge for a little extra detail.
5. Stamp and color the image.Stamp the adorable Knit Wits image onto white cardstock and color it with your favorite markers. I used shades of gray for the pup, warm golden tones for the kitty, and a deep olive green for their cozy scarf.
6. Add the sentiment.Stamp “You’re stuck with me.” onto a light piece of cardstock. I blended Iced Spruce Distress Ink around the edges to soften the white and help it coordinate with the rest of the card.
7. Assemble everything.Adhere the heart toward the upper-right portion of the card and pop the colored Knit Wits image over the bottom of the heart with foam adhesive. Finish by adding the sentiment over the heart.
💡 A Few Scrappy Background Tips
This technique doesn't have to be limited to four rectangles!
Try:
Four different patterned papers for a more eclectic look.
One pattern in several colors for a monochromatic card.
Adding a thin strip of cardstock between the panels for a faux-quilted look.
Mixing floral, geometric, and text patterns for a completely different style.
Turning the rectangles on an angle for a more playful background.
The best part? You don't have to use an entire sheet of patterned paper. Those little pieces left over from previous projects can become the star of your next card!
🛍️ Products Used
Dashes & Frills Dies - Retired
White cardstock
Brown cardstock
Copic markers
A Little Inspiration Before You Go…
I love when a cardmaking project gives you an excuse to dig through your scraps. This card started with three pieces of patterned paper and turned into a cozy little scene featuring two friends who clearly aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
So before you toss those leftover pieces of pretty paper into the recycling bin, give them a second look. You might just have the beginnings of your next favorite card sitting right there! And with adorable images like Knit Wits and coordinating papers like Chillin, sometimes all you need is a few scraps, a little ink, and a crafty afternoon.
Until next time... Happy Crafting!
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