How to Make Beautiful Cards in Under 30 Minutes or Less

Let's face it - as much as we'd like to spend hours on a creative project, life keeps us busy. Whether it's work, household duties, or other personal commitments, sometimes, squeezing in some precious crafting time within the day is hard. Fret not - because today, we'll present you some cardmaking ideas that take under 30 minutes to make or less - perfect for busy crafters!

Build-A-Garden: Magnificent Branch & Tulips & Friends Add-on Die Bundle

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, crafting beautiful cards doesn't have to be a time-consuming and laborious process. With a bit of creativity and some simple techniques, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can create stunning cards that will impress everyone who sees them. So, let's get started! 

Cardmaking Techniques to Do Before Your Next Project

Before we delve into easy card design ideas, here are a few tips on how to make your future cardmaking processes faster:

Create Card Bases and Card Panels in Advance

Every crafter knows the secret to quick cardmaking projects - pre-cut card bases and panels! Sometimes, scoring, measuring, and cutting cardstock can take up some of our already-limited crafty time. To prevent this, simply devote a crafting session to just scoring and cutting cardstock in advance. Trust us; your future busy self will thank you! The next time you just want to design immediately, you just have to grab a card base and panel from your shelf and get right on it! 

Build-A-Flower: Parrot Tulips Layering Stamp & Die Set

Prepare General Sentiments and Other Die-Cuts in Advance

Another way to speed up your crafting process is to use pre-cut sentiments and die-cuts. As mentioned earlier, try conducting a crafty sesh that only involves die cutting your most used sentiments or designs that can be perfect for any greeting card theme or occasion. These can be generic sentiments such as birthday greetings, sympathy quotes, or thank-yous. If you also lean toward specific designs, such as florals, for example, then having a load of pre-cut elements will help you save time on die cutting! 

Make Colorful Backgrounds With Watercolor Washes

Here at Altenew, we just LOVE watercolor washes! From being used as a versatile material for die-cuts to making colorful backgrounds, there are just so many uses for a pre-made watercolor wash. You can make them into a border, accent, a full-on background and use them to guide the color scheme of your card. Talk about a quick time-saving cardmaking hack! 

Work With Paper Crafting Ensembles for Easier Coordination

There is a reason why Altenew created ensembles, and it's to make paper crafting easier for busy creatives like you! These handy cardmaking kits contain everything you need to make coordinating, beautifully themed designs. Not only will they result in stunning projects, but they will also spare you from the mental work of deciding what materials to use! As always, we focus on inspiring you, so you can focus on creating. 

Easy Cardmaking Ideas to Do During a Busy Day

Choosing a design for your card is an essential part of the card-making process, and it can make all the difference in terms of how quickly and easily you can complete the card. When making a card in under 30 minutes or less, it's crucial to choose a design that can be completed quickly without sacrificing the quality of the finished product. These easy card ideas will help you unwind, rewind, and give yourself some crafty time without taking up too much of your day:

Antique Blossoms Die

Layer Die-Cuts on Cover Die-Cuts

Layering die-cuts on top of cover die-cuts is an excellent way to create a beautiful and quick card design. By layering die-cuts, you can add depth and dimension to your card without spending much time on intricate designs. Choose two or three coordinating die-cuts and layer them on top of a cover die-cut for a subtle and elegant design! 

Add Some Razzle Dazzle With Washi Tape

Using washi tape as accents is an easy and fun way to add interest to a clean and simple (CAS) card design. Simply choose a few coordinating washi tapes and use them to add stripes, borders, or other decorative elements to your card. The result is a simple yet eye-catching card that can be completed in under 30 minutes! 

Flower Delight

Make Ink-Blended Backgrounds Paired With Die-Cuts 

Who doesn't love the fun and exciting designs of stencils? Plus, using them means you get to bring out your beloved ink-blending brushes! 

Using stencils makes your cardmaking process even easier by providing a guide for your ink blending. Simply grab a stencil in your favorite design, apply ink through the stencil onto your card base, and then add a coordinating die-cut on top. You can experiment with different color blends, such as monochromatic, gradient, or contrasting colors. The result is a stunning and professional-looking card!

Craft Your Life Project Kit: Hello Beautiful

Combine Patterned Papers With Ephemera

Looking for another easy card design idea? Patterned paper packs and ephemera are here to save the day! Even if you haven't pre-cut your die-cuts, ephemera will still do the job and give you beautiful designs that pop off the page. With adhesives,  Instant Dimension Foam Tape, and these two must-have cardmaking supplies, you'll quickly conquer your cardmaking projects!

Wildflower Paper Crafting Collection 12x12 Paper Pack

Make Time for Crafting Today With These Quick Card Designs!

Overall, making beautiful cards in under 30 minutes or less is a great way to create something special, whether for yourself or for your loved ones, without spending hours in the craft room. By following the cardmaking tips outlined in this article, you can create stunning projects that are quick, easy, and fun to make. 

Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just starting, there are many simple design ideas that you can use to create beautiful cards in no time. So, next time you need to make a quick and beautiful card, don't stress, just have fun and enjoy the creative process! If you need more inspiration for CAS cards and other quick card designs, you can always drop by the Altenew Blog for endless ideas!