You Stole My Heart

Hi friends!

I’m so excited to share a Valentine’s Day card I created for my husband featuring the adorable Mouse Bandit from Stamping Bella. This mischievous little mouse is running away with a big heart in his hands, and coloring him with Copic markers was such a fun part of the process! For this project, I used Tape Runner adhesive for every layer, making assembly quick, neat, and stress-free.

Below is a step-by-step look at how the card came together, with photos showing each panel and where the adhesive was applied.

Step 1: Gather All Your Pieces

For this card, I cut all my mats and patterned paper first:

• Card base: gray, 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches

• White mat: 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 inches

• Gray mat: 3 x 5 3/8 inches

• Pattern paper strip: pink hearts from Recollections Sweetheart Day

  
  
  
  (Photo 1: all pieces ready to assemble)

Step 2: Adhere White Mat

I applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the white mat, making sure to cover all edges for a secure hold, and attached it to the card base.

(Photo 2: white mat with adhesive applied)

Step 3: Adhere Gray Mat

Next, I applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the gray mat (3 x 5 3/8 inches) and positioned it on top of the white mat. This layer adds depth and frames the patterned paper nicely.

(Photo 3: gray mat with adhesive applied)

Step 4: Add Pattern Paper Strip

I cut the pink heart pattern paper to fit the gray mat and applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back. This added a fun, festive pop without creating bulk.

(Photo 4: patterned paper with adhesive applied)

(Photo 5: card assembled so far)

Step 5: Prepare Focal Panel

I cut the Pink and Main Zig Zag Circle Die from gray cardstock. Then I cut a white stitched circle to layer on top.

    

(Photo 6: adhesive on gray zig zag circle)

    

(Photo 7: adhesive on white circle applied to gray zig zag circle)

Step 6: Attach Focal Image

I colored the Mouse Bandit with Copic markers and applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the image. I carefully positioned him on the white stitched circle.

(Photo 8: focal image with adhesive)

Step 7: Stamp and Attach Sentiment

The sentiment was stamped in Versafine Black ink and cut using a fishtail banner die. I adhered it using Tape Runner adhesive for a clean, secure finish.

(Photo 9: sentiment applied on focal panel)

Step 8: Final Assembly

Finally, I applied Tape Runner adhesive to the back of the focal panel and centered it on the card front. The layers stayed perfectly in place, making the card assembly smooth and effortless.

(Photo 10: completed focal panel on card front)

Finished Card

The card is finished! I took two final photos to show it off:

• Straight-on view

• Angled shot to show dimension

  

I love how all the layers came together, and Tape Runner adhesive made the process fast, clean, and precise. It’s my favorite way to assemble cards without the mess or drying time of liquid glue.

If you’d like to see the card come together in real time, check out my Instagram reel for a closer look at the assembly and layering process!

Save on Tape Runner Products

You can shop any Tape Runner product and save using my discount code: CARRIANNE10 at checkout.

💛 I hope this step-by-step post inspires you to try layering your own Valentine’s Day cards using Tape Runner adhesive. It truly makes the process fun, quick, and neat!