A Dash of Spring Inspiration: CP Gal Ashley Marcu

There is no better way to take a card from boring and bland to shiny and glam than with stripes and glitter! I have four fun cards to share with you today. I also thought it would be fun to share how I like to collect inspiration for watching trends and creating cards.

Before I sat down at my craft table I took a few minutes to collect several inspiring pictures in my newly created Pinterest board called Glitter and Stripes for Spring. When I create an inspiration board, I try to collect pictures that fit my theme from all different areas. These could include fashion, home decor, DIY projects and more. I pin a picture only if it inspires me and fits the theme. Once I've posted 20 or more pictures I head to my craft table full of ideas!

Photo Credit: Gymboree

First up, these adorable sparkly shoes. I was immediately reminded of my American Crafts Aqua Glitter Tape and the creamy neutrals found in the Styleboard collection.

I layered my card starting with sweet polka-dot paper and then added a few rows of glitter tape. When layering, I try to coordinate and balance colors as I go.

The tag included some soft aqua which coincides nicely with the yellow flower. And, the sentiment created with bright pink Thickers lends a fun pop of contrast.

Photo Credit: Flower Patch Farm Girl

Next, I loved the skinny stripes I found on this fun outfit. I was also drawn to the bright colors against a variety of neutrals.

For my card, I sprayed my card base with Mister Huey's Sunshine and Pretty Pink Color Mists. To create my colorful stripes, I cut a few stripes of patterned paper from the Styleboard collection and adhered them to my card.

I added some trendy gold glitter by using a frame from Styleboard and layered the fun color I saw in the picture using the records.

The sentiment not only reflects the fun attitude of the card, but also ties the stripes and embellishments together.

Photo Credit: Society 6

In this pin, I love how they highlighted one stripe with glitter! I couldn't wait to try this idea!

I started this card with the striped patterned paper panel and added the American Crafts Gold Glitter Tape. I placed a few embellishments on my card, but made sure the gold stripe was always the focus. I allowed it to peek above and through everything that had been added to the card..

There is no doubt what the star of this card is, but I love how the cork on the patterned paper, the bow and Thickers add texture and interest.

Photo Source: For Rent by Pizzazzerie

This picture inspired me in so many different ways. The masked gold stripes, the transparency of the glass and the colors, but what caught my eye for this particular card was the boldness of the stripes.

I cut my large stripes from patterned paper taking care to include the entire height of the camera. I varied the camera colors and positioned them horizontally to create casual movement.

The card was finished with a few fun coordinating elements from Styleboard; a perfectly sparkly gold frame and a stamped sentiment.

I hope you found some helpful tips in collecting and using inspiration as well as how to use your Crate Paper supplies to create fun stripes and glitter for Spring!