3 Zany Zebras cards are easy to create with any black and white patterned paper scraps you have! Use 1″ squares, or punch them with a postage stamp punch, as I did. What I especially like about the postage stamp punch is the pattern it creates between the small squares when you place them close together. However, if you don’t have the punch, don’t worry! Squares will be cute as well.
Black and White Paper Scraps for Backgrounds
Normally we color or stamp zebras in black and white. However, for these cards, we’ll make the background black and white and let the zebras stand out in bright colors – how fun! For the background, the first card uses the True Love Designer Series Paper (shown below) which is in the Stampin’ Up! January- June 2021 Mini Catalog.
The other two sample cards are created with scraps of Stacked With Love Designer Series Paper (2015 Occasions catalog). Most importantly, use whatever black and white scraps you already have in your crafting leftovers!
Card Layouts
Your card layout can be either portrait or landscape orientation. For the portrait layout, use 8 squares on the left side as shown. You’ll also need a longer strip, 1″ wide. Leave an even border on the top, bottom, and left side. Design TIP: When there are a variety of darker and lighter patterns, try to mix the very bold ones, such as the black with diagonal white stripe, with lighter patterns like the black polka dots on white background. Lay them out first, then glue them, one by one with adhesive. I prefer multipurpose liquid glue because it gives you a little time to wiggle the pieces into their final spot before the glue dries.
On the other hand, for the landscape layout, you will need 8 squares as well, in a horizontal 4 x 2 pattern. Be sure to pay attention to the direction of any designs on your paper! Once again, stagger the dark and light pieces.
After your pieces are adhered, cut or find another patterned piece 1″ x 4-1/2″ or 1″ x 4-3/4″. Center it beside or below your squares, depending on whether you’re creating a portrait or landscape card. The 3 Zany Zebras cards show examples of this patterned piece at the left, right, and bottom of your card.
Card Bases
Don’t be afraid to choose bright colored card stock for your card bases, with coordinating ink for your zebras! The colors for these bases are Mango Melody, Watermelon Wonder and Granny Apple Green. But you can use whatever colors you have available! If you choose, you can use a scrap of the same color for your sentiment.
Zebras and Sentiments
The zebra images and the sentiments for these three cards are all from the Zany Zebras stamp set, which will be retiring soon! So grab yours today from the Last Chance Products Sale because most retiring items are only available while supplies last! Note that stamp sets will be available until at least April 23rd.
Stamp the zebras on small squares or rectangles of white card stock. For the Mango Melody zebra, the white background is 1-7/8″ x 2-1/2″. Stamp the sentiment in black ink and add some black shading and stars!
Secondly, stamp the Watermelon Wonder zebra on a piece of white card stock, 1-5/8″ x 2-1/2″. Then use a white scrap and stamp the sentiment in Watermelon Wonder ink.
Lastly, there are two small design changes on the Granny Apple Green zebra card. There is a black mat (2-1/2″ x 2-1/2″) behind the white square (2-1/4″ x 2-1/4″). Instead of stamping the sentiment, heat emboss it with White Embossing Powder. If you’re like me, you may forget about this great technique for making your sentiment pop on darker card stock!
Hope you had a fantastic Easter and are back in your craft space today! If you’d like more card ideas, I’d love to inspire you on Pinterest. Come visit soon!