I picked my winners… and then combined them into one pastel floral card. What could possibly go wrong?
This year I kept coming back to techniques that added soft dimension, gentle colour and a little surprise, without needing a mountain of supplies. So I decided to combine my favourites into one design to see how they work together. And yes… the pastel pink layered bloom lives on.
Would you like to see my card?
Want to see how the card came together? You can watch the video here or directly on YouTube.
But before we start, a quick note: I use affiliate links, which means if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support me and the shops we love 🥰.
#CARDMAKINGTECHNIQUES_2025
Are you ready for my top picks of the year? Drumroll please…
My Top 5 Cardmaking Wins for this Year
- Layered stencil backgrounds
A quick and easy way to build a background in the perfect colors to match your project (so I can still hoard that design paper). - Layered floral die cuts
For those who love dimension (or maybe, are afraid to color)… layered die cuts create beautiful elements that can be added to a design using colored cardstock – or you can color your own. - Pop-up dimension that folds flat
Adds height and movement on display – but still practical when it’s time to mail. - Pastel colour palette
I’ve always been a bright combo girl but these soft tones have had my heart this year. They add a modern feel to any design. - Textured backgrounds
Adding subtle textures to backgrounds or design elements can really step up a design without becoming overwhelming (what went wrong…?)
But don’t go anywhere… I still have more favourite techniques to share, including one new thing you might want to try – plus a BONUS technique.
Here are the cardmaking techniques I kept coming back to this year, in one design (sort of).
Card Inspiration: Happiest Day Ever
With so many layers in this bloom, it would be easy to get lost in the assembly. But one thing that has been a real game changer – and helped speed things up – is the Keyhole System that Altenew introduced in their layering dies. I’ve been loving that this year!
NEW TOOL:
Are you ready for something new?
Well… new to me. These ball stylus tools have existed forever, but the larger sizes are new in my craft space – and I’m loving how quick they are to use and how much realism they add to the petals.
BONUS IDEA:
This year I started creating bulk sentiments – and honestly, game changer.
It means I can grab what I need fast, test out different styles in place, and I don’t have to swap machines when all I want is a sentiment.
Where did my clean & simple go?
Yes… have you noticed my cards have become busier this year? I blame the backgrounds – stencilled, textured, or sometimes both.
And that was the plan for this design too… but what went wrong?
Nothing except my brain 🤦♀️
I literally forgot to add the texture! I didn’t even realize until I was writing up my supply list. I’ve been upgrading my whole computer and editing setup and haven’t been creating as regularly – so maybe I’m out of practice (lol).
What would I do differently?
My plan was to add subtle texture with this cover plate, do you think it would have been too much, or is it the missing piece to the perfect card? I’d love to know what you think – tell me in the comments below!
Your turn!
Do you have a favourite cardmaking technique from 2025 that you kept reaching for?
Or is there a technique you want to try more next year?
I’d love to hear about it – share in the comments so we can all get inspired! Thank you for joining me this year – whether you’ve been here for every post or just found your way in, I’m grateful. Here’s to a happy and creative 2026 with plenty of time to make cards we love to share.
Happy Cardmaking and, crafty New Year hugs!
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! 😄
SUPPLIES:
Cardstock: Concord & 9th – Pink Lemonade – Altenew – Blush | Pastel Sunrise | Misty Sage | Buttercream.
Stencil Bundle: Altenew (retired) – Folk Flowers
Inks: Altenew – Strawberry | Dusty Pink | Orange Sorbet | Mossy Meadow | Pistachio.
*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.
 Coral Charm Peony ALT | SSS |  Simple Pop-Up Die Set SSS | OTH |  Nesting Circles ALT | SSS |  Fountain Wishes SSS | SB UK | SB US |
 Charming Flora Die SSS | OTH |  Brushed Gold ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |
 Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | OTH |  Petal Shaper Tool Set ALT | SSS |  Nocturne SSS |
 Fresh Dye Inks ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | SSS |  Gold Mix SB UK | SB US |
 Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |
 Score Board ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Platesaver OTH |  BetterPress SB ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US |
9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ |  Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
I really like the technique you used for the flower. I will practice it after holidays when I have more time.
How wonderful Jenny, hope you have an amazing break!
That flower is absolutely gorgeous in all its dimension, Therese. You made a perfect soft background to show it off.
Thank you Bobby, Happy New Year to you my friend x
I’ve been knocked down with some bug, but your gorgeous card gave me a little pick-me-up, Therese so thank you!
Happy New Year! I look forward to lots of gorgeousness from you in 2026!
=]
Oh no, you and me both lol. I am back to work today, crossed fingers it’s not out of control like it has been.. otherwise it could be an interesting day lol. I do hope you feel better real soon my beautiful friend. Happy New Year to you and Tom, may 2026 be kind to us all!
You are certainly kicking off the new year with a beautiful bang! Happy New Year, my friend. 💗
Happy Happy New Year to you Lisa, hope that 2026 is kind to us all!
Thank you for your videos, I always enjoy watching you work and am often surprised at how the background details you use, which I sometime think will be too much, never are.
Your cards are always beautiful! I love the pastels you use and all the tools as well. You have so much patience. I’m not sure I could/would take the time you do to work each detail so perfectly. I wonder too, do the people who receive your cards treasure them or in this throw away society, is that what happens to them?
I’m so very glad you liked this design Suzanne, I agree, it feels like it’s become a throw away society, but to be able to bring a little joy in a handmade card is something special even if it’s just for a short while. Thank you for your lovely visit here today!
This card is awesome. The way you’ve combined the various techniques challenges me to see how I can do this. tfs
I do hope you give it a try Helen, hope you enjoy creating!
Ah Therese
You’ve certainly started 2026 with a wonderful card. Love the subtle drama of the card. Gorgeous colours and a big bold floral diecut. Love the keyhole system.
I’ve started a project that I’m hoping will mean I end the year with nothing in my saved paper draw.
Hope you enjoy a new year of creating.
Wow… amazing Lisa, an empty paper drawer, you must have been a woman on a mission lol. Looking forward to spending another creative year with you my friend x
Aim high🤣
Mwah!