Want to make a card but you don’t know where to start? How about using some of those scraps of cardstock to make some quick and easy backgrounds…. What you add to it after that, is up to you!
Sometimes, it is easier to start at the ‘base’ and that is what I did today. Take the easy way out, and create some fun modern style background panels… then add whatever you want, me? I added seagulls!
Would you like to see my cards?

AND would you like to see how easy these backgrounds were to create? You can watch the video in HD HERE.
This post contains affiliate links (which means that I will receive a small portion of the sale at no extra cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of these card adventures!
#MODERNBACKGROUNDS
If you have coloured cardstock and glue, then you can recreate this technique. I only shared 2 quick and easy styles, but seriously this is very open to interpretation and you can take this to a whole new level. My go-to modern graphic background would have to be this first triangular version, but I am partial to the Sunray style too…. let me know in the comments which is your favourite!
#HOW?
Typically I start with a piece of scrap white cardstock cut to the finished size of the panel I want (but don’t worry, you can always cut it down after if you need to). I use double sided A4 adhesive sheets to cover the whole panel and then I can simply lay the coloured cardstock in any pattern that I like. Then I, flip it over and cut away any extra cardstock, but you could also use a paper trimmer or guillotine and cut any excess away.
#TIPS
- This is a great way to use up those scraps
- Why not mix in some design paper pieces
- I like to use a combination of 3 colours, but the sky is the limit
- Mix up the colours or try a monochromatic design
- Use a rectangle die to cut the perfect panel… or why not try a die cut circle instead
- Use your favourite glues, I like A4 double sided adhesive sheets but liquid glue would work too.
Technique #1 – Triangular
This style definitely has that modern style feel. I stamped the sentiment onto the panel, but you could also add a die cut sentiment instead.

I decorated these cards today using the beautiful new release from Spellbinders and Dawn Plus 9, but, you can add any images or even a bouquet of flowers to this background.

These backgrounds are perfect for a quick and easy ‘WoW’ factor on any card design!

Technique #2 – Modern Sunray
Another easy, but effective design for a quick modern background. It’s the middle layer that can be a little tricky, but I share how to get round that in the video.

This panel is monochromatic, which is one of the easiest to do!
PRO TIP: If you are not sure how a combination of colours can look together, one of the easiest ways is just to hold the pieces of cardstock together and move the colours around until you are happy with the combo. Or, you can check on a colour wheel or use a free online version.

I kept to today’s designs very clean and simple with some cute images. But, another great option is to add a large centre sentiment!

I hope you are inspired to create some easy modern graphic background cards and if you do, don’t forget to share it with me on Social Media. I’d love to see what you make! Crafty Hugs,

Other Supplies: Spellbinders: NEW RELEASE Oh, Buoy (S2-400) | Guiding Light (E3D-082)
Cardstock: Aqua Sky | Peacock | Rainforest | Mushroom | Wheat | Black | Poppy | Real Grey | Pale Grey
![]() Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | ![]() Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS | ![]() Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | ![]() Seahorse Garden SSS | OTH |
![]() It’s Your Day Sentiment Strips AUZ | ![]() Copic Markers SSS | ![]() Tweezers ALT | SSS | ![]() Bone Folder Altenew ALT |
![]() Score Board ALT | SSS | ![]() StampPerfect Conditioner ALT | SSS | ![]() Mini MISTI SSS | ![]() 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ | SSS |
![]() BetterPress SB ALT | SSS | SB | ![]() Satin Masking Tape ALT | SSS | ![]() Bearly Art Glue SSS | ![]() Glue Tape ALT | SSS |
![]() Foam Tape ALT | SSS | ![]() Adhesive Sheets ALT | SSS |
That color combination and graphic design worked beautifully with your seaside images, Therese.
So happy you like them Bobby x
Love the coloured scraps you have used today.
Crafty hugs
Thanks Lisa 😊
How simple and elegant too! You have one brilliant mind.
So happy you like them 😄
You know I just love to watch you create those backgrounds, Therese! SO fun, and the toppings are just fantastic, too!
=]
There have been a few seagulls getting around lately 😉
I enjoyed this video and the fun cards you created. Love the dies you used.
Thank you Lisa, I’m glad you enjoyed them!
The colours are magnificet and lend themselves beautifully to the graphic designs on these stunning cards. I reaslly need to invest in some beautiful coloured card but it’s so difficult and expensive to ship to Greece.
Marie
These cards are fabulous. I love this technique. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent and creativity! â¤ï¸
Thank you so much Karen!
I love the modern style, it’s so innovative and cool! You come up with such wonderful ideas. Hugs xx
Thank you Angellica!
Love these cards. The graphic backgrounds work so well with the nautical dies you used. Great color choices, too. I think my favorite is the one with the lighthouse though admittedly I have a thing for lighthouses. 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
Thank you Michele, this lighthouse was such fun to create!
Such great ideas for backgrounds. I need to remember this!!
So glad you enjoyed these cards!