Here's to the Next Chapter: A Soft and Colorful Wise Owl Card

Create a sweet and colorful card featuring a book-loving wise owl with a soft, modern color palette. I’m Carrianne, and today I’m sharing a step-by-step tutorial using CutCardStock papers to create this cheerful “Here’s to the Next Chapter” card. With soft pink, Caribbean blue, gray, kraft, and warm yellow accents, this design has plenty of color while still keeping a clean and cohesive look. 

CutCardStock Products

• DCS Dolphin Gray
• DCS Caribbean Blue
• DCS Pink Tutu
• DCS Natural Twine Kraft
• Pop Tone Banana Split
• Classic Crest Solar White
• Classic Crest Epic Black 

Other Supplies

• Spellbinders Wise Owl – Small Die of the Month, March 2024
• Altenew Paper Echoes Stencil
• La-La Land Crafts August KOTM (sentiment)
• Nearly Art Glue
• Foam adhesive
• Die-cutting machine

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

First, gather the cardstock colors and supplies you'll need for the project. I chose a soft combination of Dolphin Gray, Caribbean Blue, Pink Tutu, Kraft, Banana Split, Solar White, and Epic Black.

The combination of soft pink and blue adds color to the design, while the gray and kraft tones keep everything grounded.

Step 2: Die Cut and Assemble the Owl and Book

Next, die cut the pieces for the owl and book from the selected CutCardStock colors.

For the owl, I used Pink Tutu, Dolphin Gray, Caribbean Blue, Classic Crest Solar White, and Classic Crest Epic Black to create a soft and colorful combination. I wanted the owl to have plenty of personality without introducing too many bright colors.

For the book, I used DCS Natural Twine Kraft, Classic Crest Solar White, and Pop Tone Banana Split. The warm kraft and yellow tones provide a nice contrast to the cooler colors of the owl.

After die cutting all of the pieces, adhere the layers together carefully. I kept the details clean and simple so that the individual cardstock colors remain easy to see.

Step 3: Create the Script Background

Once the focal pieces are assembled, it's time to create the background.

Trim a piece of DCS Dolphin Gray to approximately 4" × 5¼" so it will fit nicely onto an A2 card base with a narrow white border.

Then, place the Altenew Paper Echoes Stencil over the gray cardstock. Using a soft application of ink, stencil the script onto the panel. I kept the pattern subtle and allowed some areas to remain lighter so the background would provide texture without competing with the owl and book.

This subtle script is especially fitting for the design because it reinforces the reading and book theme.

Step 4: Adhere the Background Panel

After stenciling, adhere the Dolphin Gray panel directly to an A2 Classic Crest Solar White card base.

I chose not to add an additional mat layer. Instead, the narrow white border around the gray panel gives the card a clean, finished appearance while keeping the design soft and uncluttered.

Next, position the assembled owl and book toward the center of the card. Because the owl stands on the book, I treated these pieces as one focal point and positioned the grouping slightly above center to leave room for the sentiment underneath.

Step 5: Add Dimension

Once the placement is determined, adhere the book directly to the Dolphin Gray panel.

Next, add foam adhesive to the back of the owl and adhere it so that the owl sits slightly above the book. Because the owl stands on the book, this creates a natural layered effect while keeping the book grounded against the background.

I kept the dimension simple so the card remains easy to mail while still giving the focal point some depth.

Step 6: Add the Sentiment

For the sentiment, I used “Here’s to the Next Chapter.” The sentiment is printed in black on white cardstock and measures approximately 1¾" × ½".

Because the sentiment is arranged on two lines, it makes a compact little accent beneath the book. Trim the sentiment closely and adhere it flat to the card.

Center the sentiment underneath the owl rather than trying to match the width of the book. Since the book extends wider but is partially hidden behind the owl, this creates a pleasing visual taper from the wider book to the smaller sentiment. 

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Finally, check the card for any loose pieces or areas that need a little additional adhesive.

I kept the embellishments to a minimum so the colorful cardstock and die-cut details remain the focus. The combination of the soft script background, dimensional owl, and warm book creates a cheerful design with a cozy reading theme.

A Soft and Colorful Take on a Book-Lover Card

I love how the different CutCardStock colors work together on this design. The Pink Tutu and Caribbean Blue give the owl a soft pop of color, while Dolphin Gray provides a calm backdrop. Meanwhile, the Kraft, Solar White, and Banana Split on the book add warmth and keep the overall design balanced.

Most importantly, the subtle script background adds interest without overwhelming the focal point. The dimensional owl and book then bring the design to life, while the simple sentiment completes the card with a thoughtful finishing touch.

This would make a wonderful card for a book lover, someone starting a new chapter, or simply anyone who deserves a little encouragement.