Did you know just a few small tweaks can step up a card design? Today, I’m sharing three travel-themed cards where details make all the difference…
But don’t worry, these cards aren’t just for the adventurous traveler – they are perfect for encouragement cards, someone moving house, or even a birthday design with a simple sentiment change.
Let’s take a quick look at today’s cards?
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#INTHEDETAILS
When it comes to designing cards, the smallest details often make the biggest impact. In today’s post, I’m sharing three travel-themed cards that showcase how adding a few special elements can elevate your designs. Let’s take a look at the magic of the small stuff:
Card #1 – Decorated Suitcases – It’s All in the Details
Suitcases are a fun element to add to a card design, perfect for any travel-related occasion, but these suitcases do not have to be boring!
It’s all in the details – here’s how I made these suitcases Posh:
- Bespoke Pattern: I created a unique leaf pattern on the suitcase using a decorative stamp before die cutting, giving it a tone-on-tone effect.
- Gold Bling: A little touch of gold on the trims added some sparkle and elegance.
- Adapted Wheel: I modified the die cut wheel to become a decorative bag clasp – small change, big effect!
I wanted the suitcases to be the star of the show, but I couldn’t resist adding a sneaky little passport-stamped, embossed background for some quick and easy dimension.
Card #2 – Subtle Color for a Hazy Look – Adding Depth
This aerial layering stencil is unique and fun, and it’s not just limited to flying planes or travel-inspired cards. Why not add a flying bird or use it as a farm background, and pop up some cute sheep or cows?
It’s all in the details – here’s how I stepped up this aerial shot:
- Ink-Swiped Plane Wings: No matching cardstock? No problem! I inked a piece of white cardstock, let it dry, then die cut the plane wings in the perfect color that I needed.
- Soft Background Colors: The aerial view stencil background is subtly blended to create a distant, “far away” look.
- Plane Shadow: I popped up the plane for dimension and added a dark grey die cut underneath it to create a shadow effect.
BONUS IDEA: This stencil has a coordinating embossing folder, so if you’re a fan of extra dimension, this is a great option.
Card #3 – Adapting the Stencil – Fun with Color
Have you ever looked at your supplies and seen something different… and I don’t mean hallucinating? Some supplies, stamps, and even stencils can be reimagined into something completely new.
It’s all in the details – here’s how I stepped up this design:
- Clouds Instead of Trees: I used a layering stencil designed for trees, but blended pale blue to turn them into fluffy clouds for a whimsical vibe.
- Stamped Sentiment on the Plane: The sentiment is stamped directly onto the plane, making it look like a branded airline logo.
- Oversized Bag: Added a big bag hanging from the plane—because who doesn’t want to overpack for an adventure, right?
BONUS IDEA: Want to add a little glimmer? Why not add a layer of embossing paste on the last stencil layer of the clouds. A glitter pen would look amazing too for an extra sparkle effect!
The beauty of cardmaking lies in the details! Whether it’s a custom pattern, a creative color tweak, or adding a playful element, small changes can really make your cards stand out. How do you add little details to your creations? Let me know in the comments!
Happy papercrafting,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄
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Therese! These are fantastic!! However, that last one in my mind is what we all fear the most… our luggage falling out of the plane and landing in a completely unknown location!
LOve your adaptations!
=]
hahaha I’ve tied it on well and you can take your biggest bag this way lol.
These are such great designs! I love the blue plane flying over the trees!
Thank you Lauryne, it’s a fun new release!
I want that luggage die set even if I never send anyone a card with it! ( Though I cannot imagine not sending one..). The luggage is so darn cute and can be decorated in so many ways as you and other designers have shown. Your last card was funny with the luggage hanging from the plane! I like how you popped up the plane in the 2nd card to give it a shadow.
So glad you enjoyed these Sandy, I felt the same when I saw the luggage set, I just ‘had to have’ it lol.
Love the gold bling you used on the accessories. Adds an extra touch of class
It’s like my dream luggage set, gold trimmed lol.
Love your decorated suitcases!
Thank you Ann!
What gorgeous cards! I love the fancy suitcases you created, and the airplanes are so fun 🙂
I agree Terri, it is such a fun release!
Love all these designs – the suitcases are so cute!
They were one of my faves from this release too!
Great cards! I want to purchase that luggage set–so fun and I want to travel! Thanks for the inspiration!
I agree Sheri, the luggage set was one of my faves from the release too!
The suitcases are great! Thanks for showing us the many possibilities of the stencils!
So glad you like them Barbara-Jean!
I am inspired by your cards! Luckily I got my order into Altenew right away, but when ordering I didn’t see the aerial view stencil and embossing folder. I tried the link, also searched by name, but couldn’t find 🙁 A little help from anyone, please in identifying.
Hi Lorraine, I am away camping… but from memory the stencil and coordinating embossing folder may be part of the Craft Your Life kit. And the passport style embossing folder (Wanderlust??) might be coming up as a new release next month. If you reach out to Altenew ‘support’ they may be able to help you too. Hugs Therese
Love the suitcase card!
That’s my fave too!
Therese, your cards are simply amazing!! Love the luggage, the plane and that wonderful stenciled background but it’s what you did with them that amazes and inspires me!
You are so sweet, thank you Cindy!
OUTSTANDING TRAVEL CARDS! I love the suitcase one!
Thank you Meghan, the suitcase is my fave too!
such fun & cute designs! I am always in love with the mini delight sets. this theme is so cute! Great job!
The mini delights always such fun themes and this plane is certainly that!
You always add the prettiest layers and use the most wonderful colors! Love these, Therese!
You are so sweet, thanks again Lisa!
Your cards are fantastic! I love the pattern you stamped for the luggage on your first card…how fun! Also love your “tree” clouds on your third card and how you hung the luggage on the plane!
You can probably tell that I had so much fun with this new release lol.
I LOVE the travel theme! This is the signature luggage I imagine you would have 🙂
The “aerial layering stencil” coordinates with the plane die very well. I wish it was paired with the plane as a “Dynamite Duo” and not the Floral Odyssey Craft Your Life Project Kit. Can you place this idea in Altenew’s head??? 🙂
Yes, it would be fabulous to have it as a separate option (or something similar perhaps)? what a great idea!
Your cards are amazing! I love the soft blurred ink blending you did! I also love the posh suitcases! Such clever adaptations of the projects!
Thank you Melissa, I’m so happy you liked these!
Such fun cards! I love them!
Thanks so very much Loree!
Beautiful creations! Love the colors you used, love the suitcases! What a great release!
I have to say… those suitcases are a fave of mine too!
My favorite of your splendid ideas is decorating the suitcase. It’s a slap-my-head idea. Why didn’t I think of it. tfs
hahaha please don’t slap yourself too hard Char lol. I’m sure you would have thought about it too!
All your ideas are so clever, Therese, and great ways to up the level of card making.
Yippee! So glad you like them Bobby!
Really love your decorated suitcases!
I only wish mine looked like this Greta lol.
Therese, I always learn something when I watch your videos or read your blog posts! You are full of wonderful, creative ideas! Love your work!
You are the sweetest Carrie!
So creative and fun designs!
Thank you Gayle!
Such lovely cards. Those suitcases are Devine
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I know right, I only wish they were mine IRL lol.
Wow!!! These designs are so classy, stylish and outstanding, I need one of those suitcases too in real live. You would look so awesome with one those hey. Wonderful makes Therese! Hugs xx
I only wish my suitcase looked like this too lol.
I love that embossing folder!
Me too Christine!!
The luggage hanging from the play was a great idea. Your cards are amazing.
Thank you Lorraine, I don’t like packing light lol.
Wow! These cards are gorgeous!
Thank you Nandini!
I always love when a release has products I consider suitable for male and female. This one really does! Your designs are so worthy of CASing. Thank you!
I agree Laura, these can easily be changed up for masculine or feminine designs!
Love these travel cards, especially the teal plane & orange luggage! Great color choices.
Thank you Jill!
Love these cards! Have wanted more travel related sets and this release is just right! The plane really looks incredible with the shadow – love it!
It is such a fun release I agree!
I love the color for the suitcases. Wonderful project ideas!
Thank you so very much, those suitcases are a fave of mine too!
Stunning cards! I’d love to have the designer suitcases! Love your creativity!!!