Valentine’s Day is such a sweet time to share a little love, and what could be more whimsical than a tiny gnome holding a strand of hearts? I had a blast creating this playful card, combining cheerful florals, cute envelopes, and a fun layered focal point. It’s a card that’s dimensional, colorful, and just the right mix of charm and whimsy — plus, it’s a great excuse to use your Tape Runner adhesive to make every layer smooth and precise!
Step 1: Prepare the Base and Mats
Start with a vertical A2 card base in white cardstock. Use Tape Runner to attach a piece of teal cardstock as a mat for your patterned layers — this gives the card a clean, framed look.
Step 2: Add the Background Patterned Paper
Cut a floral panel from Echo Park’s Love Notes collection to 4 × 5.25 inches and adhere it to the teal mat with Tape Runner, leaving a small border around the edges. Then cut a strip of envelope-patterned paper from the same collection, about 1.25–1.5 inches tall, and attach it near the bottom so it peeks out just beneath your focal area.
Step 3: Layer the Circle Mat
Die-cut a white stitched circle and layer it onto a slightly larger teal zig-zag circle. Use Tape Runner to adhere the two layers together. This creates a playful, layered base for your focal image.
Step 4: Color and Attach the Gnome
Stamp the Gnome Kisses image from Jaded Blossoms and color him with soft pinks, teals, and a touch of red for the hearts he’s holding. Pop the gnome up on foam tape in the center of the layered circles, adding dimension and focus.
Step 5: Add the Sentiment
Die-cut a fishtail banner, stamp the sentiment “Will You Be My Gnome?” in teal ink, and attach it with Tape Runner just above or lightly overlapping the circle so it integrates neatly with the focal point.
Step 6: Add Embellishments
Finish with three small red enamel dots arranged in a loose triangle around the circle. They echo the gnome’s hearts and add a playful pop of color.
Step 7: Final Assembly
Use Tape Runner to secure the layered circles and banner to the card base. Every element — from the mats to the patterned papers and embellishments — is adhered cleanly and securely, making assembly quick and mess-free.
By following these steps, you can recreate a cheerful, layered Valentine that’s whimsical, dimensional, and sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives it.
If you want to shop Tape Runner adhesive products, you can use my discount code CARRIANNE10 at checkout for a special saving! It’s a great way to stock up on adhesives that make layering and creating cards this detailed a breeze.