Creating cards with the mosaic technique has quickly become one of my favorite ways to use up Designer Series Paper (DSP) scraps! This technique is simple, fun, and produces stunning results that are unique every time. Let me take you through the process and share my recent creations.
To start, I cut up pieces of DSP into random, smallish pieces. For these projects, I used three different sheets of DSP, which, being double-sided, gave me six different designs to mix and match. This variety made it easy to create interesting combinations and gave each card a unique feel. After preparing my DSP pieces, I selected a piece of Basic White cardstock that was significantly larger than the size I’d need for my final art piece. This extra size gave me plenty of wiggle room to adjust and trim the edges at the end to get just the right look.
I adhered an Adhesive Sheet to the Basic White cardstock, cutting the adhesive about 1/4 inch smaller on all sides. This step allowed me to keep a clean edge around the cardstock, making it easier to handle while laying out the DSP pieces. Once the adhesive sheet was in place, I began arranging the DSP pieces randomly over the sticky surface. There’s something so satisfying about this step—seeing the patterns come together like a puzzle. After the surface was covered in a way that I found pleasing, excess DSP hanging over the edges of the art piece were trimmed off with my trusty Paper Snips.
Next came the magic of embossing powder. I poured the powder generously over the entire art piece, allowing it to settle into the spaces between the DSP pieces. There’s no need for an embossing buddy in this step; in fact, it’s better to be heavy-handed with the powder to ensure it fills all the nooks and crannies. After heat setting the embossing powder, the art piece cooled down and revealed a gorgeous mosaic effect with a glossy, textured finish that beautifully highlighted the DSP patterns.
For the card base, I used Thick Basic White cardstock. Once the mosaic art piece was cooled, I trimmed it down to a size that complemented the design. So far, I’ve found that 3-3/4 x 4-3/4 inches works perfectly for this style. To add a polished touch, I matted the art piece with coordinating cardstock before adhering it to the card front using Dimensionals. This simple step creates a shadow effect, giving the card an elevated, professional look.
To finish the card, I added a die-cut sentiment using the “Happy Birthday” outline from the Wanted to Say dies. I cut the outline from coordinating cardstock backed with a Foam Adhesive Sheet, while the sentiment itself was cut from White Glimmer Paper. Liquid glue secured the sentiment to the outline, and the entire piece was adhered to the card front.
The inside of the card was just as carefully finished. I adhered a Basic White panel to a coordinating cardstock mat and placed it inside the card. A small strip of DSP was added to the bottom of the Basic White panel to tie the inside to the front design seamlessly.
Here’s the video for step-by-step instructions of how to create this look:
For this project, I created several cards using different DSP packs. The Country Lace DSP paired beautifully with Misty Moonlight cardstock. The Mixed Media Florals DSP looked vibrant and cheerful when matched with both Granny Apple Green and Poppy Parade cardstocks—each on separate cards, of course! Finally, the Bloom Impressions DSP, a free Sale-A-Bration item, absolutely shone with Daffodil Delight cardstock. I’m completely in love with these cards and the endless possibilities this mosaic technique offers. Whether you’re using bold patterns, soft florals, or playful prints, this technique will bring your scraps to life in the most stunning way.
I hope this inspires you to dive into your stash of DSP scraps and give this technique a try. I can’t wait to see what you create!
Measurements (in inches):
- Card Base (Thick Basic White) – 11 x 4-1/4, scored at 5-1/2
- Art piece (Basic White) 4-1/4 x 5-1/2 (will be eventually cut down to about 3-3/4 x 4-3/4
- Coordinating cardstock to go around the art piece (Poppy Parade) – 3-7/8 x 4-7/8
- scrap Poppy Parade cardstock for sentiment outline die cut and scrap White Glimmer paper for sentiment die cut
- scraps of DSP for creating the “tile pieces” for the mosaic
- Inside the card: (Basic White) – 3-3/4 x 5, coordinating cardstock (Poppy Parade) – 3-7/8 x 5-1/8, strip of DSP 1/2 x 3-3/4
Supplies used to create the card in the video: