Using Designer Series (Patterned) Papers

 I noticed a few of the Designer Series Paper (DSP) packs I have are on the Last Chance list.  I try to use a whole pack before it retires, because sometimes a color in the paper will retire as well.  This is especailly true if the DSP includes an In Color.  Since In Colors are only available for 2 years, this happens quite often.

To have all these card ideas in one place, I'll 'label' this post as "DSP" and "Designer Series Paper" so you can find it easily by searching for that here on my website.

I don't think any of these are new ideas, but it will help to have the measurements in one place.

Which of these ideas you try will depend on the size of your patterned paper, the orientation of the print, and the image(s) on your paper.  Have fun!

If the 2 sides of your paper coordinate and you have a large piece, try this card. 

DSP Card Layer;  4 1/4" X 5 1/2" (or close to that size):  Fun Fold

Cut your DSP (up) to 4 1/4" X 5 1/2".  In the video, for the card above, my piece wasn't quite 4" wide.

Cut your cardbase from 8 1/2" X 5 1/2" to 5 1/4" X 5 1/2".  Cut 1" off that 3 1/4" X 5 1/2" piece to emboss and add to the front of your card, over the DSP.  I often emboss the 1" piece.

Options:  The DSP could be smaller.  Adjust the 1" flap accordingly. If the back side of the DSP doesn't  coordinate with the front, put the DSP on a cardstock layer (or two-tone cardstock for a lighter card).  I used that 'scrap' I cut off for punching a rectangle layer for my sentiment.

3" X 3"

3" X 3" (or  2 3/4" X 2 3/4" and add a 3" X 3" layer) 

Layer 3 1/2" X 4 1/2"  (or even better if using regular cardstock for this layer, 3 1/2" X 4 1/4".  This will make better use of your cardstock.)

Note:  When I went to complete this card, I thought the pieces were adhered crooked, so I trimmed down the card front and made it a layer on a Night of Navy card base.

2 3/4" X 3"

Cut your 2 3/4" X 3" DSP into 3 pieces that are 2 3/4" X 1"

Layer on 3 1/4" X 4 1/2"

Options:  Layer on 3 1/4" X 4 1/4" if using regular cardstock--you won't have as many scraps from an 8 1/2" piece then.  If you have a lot of DSP to use (up), this layer could be DSP, too.  Add a strip or banner for your sentiment if the paper is too dark.

Using multiple pieces!

First / top piece:  3 3/8" X 3"  Cut into 3 pieces that are 1 1/8" X 3"

Second / bottom piece:  3 5/8" X 2"

Layer:  4" X 5 1/4"

Here's the video where I talk about each of these cards.

BONUS:  Quick Quilt Card

As promised, here's a quick quilt card!  My DSP piece was 3 1/2" X 3 1/2".  I cut it into 4 squares of 1 3/4" X 1 3/4".   I thought that square was 4", but I like this better.  I adhered the 4 squares to a 4" square of Berry Burst two-toned cardstock, I ran it through an embossing folder, and put that on a Bubble Bath card base.

I hope you find all these measurements useful!  Happy Stampin'!