Got 5 minutes and a pile of pretty scraps you swear you’ll use someday? Well, today’s that day!

Welcome to my 5 Minute Card Series where I give you tips and ideas to make FUN fast cards, without the fuss. And, a ton of tips along the way. You can see the full playlist right HERE and it’s growing!

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Let’s take a peek at today’s cards?

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You can jump straight into the video here or watch it in HD on YouTube HERE. Scroll for more pics and details.

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#SMASHTHOSESCRAPS

Let’s turn those leftovers into something lovely! I made four simple, stash-busting cards using basic dies, minimal supplies, and some creative shortcuts. Often, I will use Design Paper scraps in blocks or strips to create backgrounds, you can see some examples in this video Right HERE. But today, I wanted to step-it-up and I focused on creating images instead.

Are you ready? These designs are perfect when you want to craft without the fuss and no complicated techniques, no endless layering. Just a few tools, a handful of scraps, and you’re off!

Idea #1 – Vase with Flowers

This card could be made with any variety of patterned papers that you have in your scrap stash. I chose some beautiful alcohol inked scraps (which I can’t throw away) because, I think the flow of the patterns works well with both the vase and flowers. But, it would look totally cute created in some pastel plaids too!

Speed it Up?

• Use a simple shaped die such as a rectangle or circle to create a quick vase shape
• Or why not use a ‘vase’ shaped die 😉.
• Die cut multiple flowers at once using a cover die, or use a flower punch instead.
• Run multiple dies through the machine in one pass.
• Doodling some quick leaves was easy, but die cuts could be used instead.
• Colour the flower centres instead of layering die cuts.
• Use your premade alcohol inked backgrounds instead of design paper!

Idea #2 – Candles

Blocking coloured cardstock or design paper scraps is fun for quick patterns and backgrounds, but making them into images is even more funner! I have been hoarding these bright rainbow cardstock scraps, and today they became a quick and easy birthday candle card.

Speed it Up?

• Uniformity in the colour combo and width of the candles helps add balance to the design.
• Adding different heights to the candles add interest, but you can make them all the same, or why not make them thinner and add more!
• Keeping them central adds a quick balance to the design without thinking too much.
• Hand draw some quick flames for the candles with markers.
• Still have a few seconds to spare? Why not add some shimmer with a glitter pen.
• Stamp a sentiment that using a positioner to remove the fear of mis-stamping.

Idea #3 – Wedding Cake

Yes, back to the alcohol inked cardstock scraps ❤️ but, now it’s time for a hot pink wedding cake.

A layered cake always gives the feel of a celebration and it’s easy to add a ton of extra decorations / embellishments to personalise it any way you like. In true ‘5 minute’ style, I kept this very simple and I think that gives the finished look a modern edge.

BONUS IDEA: This design could easily be changed up and made into a special Birthday cake!

Speed it Up?

• Hand draw the layers of the cake direct on the cardstock (they can be erased after fussy cutting).
• Obviously, not everyone is a fan of the ‘wonky’ cake, these layers could be made straight instead.
• Not confident to draw? Use a paper trimmer or rectangle die cuts to make into the cake layers.
• Add premade flowers, I used some ‘clay’ embellishments (a flower punch would work well here too).
• Die cut one leaf and cut it into two.
• Adhere everything directly to the card base.
• Add details with a gold pen.
• Use a premade sentiment (and yes, I couldn’t help myself… there is dimension here).

Idea #4 – Floating Balloons

This was soooo quick and FUN to make! I love these balloon dies (the matching stamp set is cool too), and they are perfect for a fun birthday card. Again, I chose multicoloured cardstock, except this time in pastel / rainbow colours, which went well with the balloon theme.

BONUS IDEA: This design style can easily be changed up for many different die shapes, imagine a similar layout with cloud shapes, leaves, or even flowers.

Speed it Up?

• No dimension, the balloons are all adhered directly to the cardbase.
• PRO TIP: I used a dotted adhesive tape runner which allows me to ‘move’ the die-cut balloons around if I am not happy with the placement. But once the glue takes hold… it’s not going anywhere.
• Add quick balloon strings with a black marker (or you could stamp if you prefer).
• and yes, another premade sentiment and it was done!

These cards came together fast thanks to a few simple dies, a handful of paper scraps, and a sprinkle of “let’s not overthink it.” You don’t need a million tools or hours of free time—just a little creativity and those scraps you’ve been saving “for the perfect project.”

Let me know in the comments below if you have a favourite card today and if you are going to try any of these ideas. If you do, don’t forget to tag me on Social Media so I can see your amazing creations!

Sending crafty hugs your way!

SUPPLIES:

*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Stamps: Altenew – Sentiment Set 2
Cardstock: Waffle Flower Crafts – JJ’s Rainbow Sampler
Copics: Y06,17.
Embellishments: Everett Rd – Springtime Clay Flowers
Acrylic Markers: Altenew – Cloudy Sky | Pine Green.

Affiliate links are used

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