Ready to give your bird images a moment in the spotlight?
Today I’m sharing two bird focal point card ideas that show just how easy it is to create big impact with simple techniques and a few coordinating supplies.
But first… here’s a little sneak peek at today’s cards!
Would you like to see these techniques in action? Click HERE to watch the video at YouTube.
This post is part of my Take 2 Series with Altenew, which means you get double the inspiration, and if you want to see MORE ideas like this, CLICK HERE.
I use affiliate links, which means if you click on a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support my channel and the shops we love 🥰!
#BIRDFOCALPOINT
Before we jump in, the trick to these designs is all about creating a strong focal point. A little selective colour here, a soft background there… and your bird becomes the star without needing complicated techniques.
These cards were made using a beautiful collection called Whispers in the Canopy, but you could easily adapt these design techniques using what you already have in your stash.
Card #1: Selective Colour for a Standout Focal Point
For this design, I selectively inked the main flower in soft pinks and added green to the leaves, keeping everything else in muted gray tones. This simple shift in colour does all the heavy lifting – it draws the eye straight to the bright bloom and the little blue bird that’s about to land right on it.
The bird is die cut, coloured with alcohol markers, and popped up for extra lift, while the surrounding foliage stays subtle to support the focal point without competing.
I also added a bold sentiment at the base of the focal point so it feels connected to the main design element.
Card #2: Spotlight Silhouette Technique
For this card, I used a large silhouette stamp to create a soft gray leafy background, giving the design a subtle, patterned base. Then I ink blended a simple pink-and-blue “sunset” sky and stamped the same silhouette image, including the bird, in crisp black over the top.
Creating the focal point!
By die cutting just the area I wanted into a circle, I created a clean focal point that pops against the muted background underneath. The lifted circle lines up with the pattern below, which adds a really fun layered effect without any complicated steps.
And just like the first card, I finished it with a bold sentiment to balance the design.
Bonus Idea: Create a Two-for-One Design
Stamp two cardstock panels with the same silhouette image – one in gray and the other ink blended in the colors of your choice. Then die cut the same focal area from each panel and swap them around to create two opposite designs. It’s a fun and easy way to get double the impact from one technique!
That’s It From My Perch!
Thanks for joining me for these bird focal point card ideas! I hope they spark something fun in your next crafty session, it’s amazing how a small shift in color or a simple spotlight can completely change the focus of a design.
If you’d like even more bird inspiration, I’ve also shared a video full of ideas for using birds on Christmas cards – you can watch it here.
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!
P.S. Need supplies? Here are the links to the products I used today (some of these are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase – thanks for supporting my channel 🥰)!
*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.
Other Supplies:
Altenew Inks: Silver Lake | Cloudy Sky | Gray Denim | Toasted Mauve | Rose Quartz | Pink Diamond | Pinkalicious | Pistachio | Misty Sage | Merry Meadow.
Altenew Artist Markers: 0 | TG08 | B201 | B313 | R902 – Sets A-C-F-K.
Altenew Cardstock: Jet Black
 Whispers in the Canopy Bundle ALT | SSS |  Cloud Scene Stencil ALT |  Nesting Circles ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS |
Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Obsidian ALT | SSS |  Embossing Ink ALT | SSS |
 Woodland Escape ALT | SSS |  Jade Dreams ALT | SSS |  Rose Petal ALT | SSS |  Cherry Blossom ALT | SSS |
 Sea Glass ALT | SSS |  Large Blending Brush ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | SSS |
 Artist Markers ALT | SSS |  Black Onyx ALT | SSS |  Fine Liner Pen Set ALT | SSS |  Pure White ALT |
 Powder Tool SSS |  WOW Heat Tool SSS |  Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Stampwheel ALT | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |
 Sticky Grid Mat Ultra ALT | SSS | SB US |  Stampwheel 2.0 ALT | SSS |  Platinum 6 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 |
You’ve said it, Therese… you really NAILED it – twice!
=]
Did you see that the nail was bent… that’s how I nail lol.
Therese these are two gorgeous cards and that pastel sundown is glorious. Thanks so much for sharing.
So happy you enjoyed these Caroline!
You and your birds. What a simple idea to inspire such beautiful cards.
Merry hugs
Lisa
I know right… just hanging out with the cheery gang (gang lol)!
Love that pop of color against the background to make those lovely birds sing!
Thank you so much Lisa x
These are both just as pretty as they can be, Therese! The gray leaves with the pops of pink and blue from the focals are just marvelous!
So glad you liked them Lisa!