Hi friends! It’s Yana here, and today’s project is all about one of the hardest choices in my craft room — colored cardstock or white cardstock? Every time I sit down to make a card, I go back and forth on which one to use. Both create such different moods and visual impact! So I decided to test them side by side using the beautiful Sweet Harvest collection from Altenew.
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
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CARD DETAILS
This project kit is such a gem! The apple branch image is a nice, large focal piece that works beautifully for A2, 5×7, or slimline cards — I went with mini slimline, because lately I can’t stop making them.
The Sweet Harvest stencil set includes four stencils — two for the main image and two for backgrounds. I focused on the layered apple branch and loved how Altenew designed this one. Instead of multiple separate stencils for each leaf, the sections are labeled (A1, A2, A3), so you can easily follow along.
I used Swamp Green and Green Opal for my leaves, blending the darker color at the base for depth. For contrast, I mixed in a few Mossy Meadow and Oak Moss shades — I love rich shadows on foliage. These leaves look hand-colored, but they took less than ten minutes!
For the branch, I reached for Rocky Shore and Espresso, and for the apples — well, I couldn’t resist pink! I used Pink Diamond, Pinkalicious, and Rubellite, blending directionally to mimic natural shading.
Once my image was inked, I used the coordinating die to cut it out. I also cut one blank layer and glued them together with Altenew’s liquid adhesive (which I really liked — smooth application and plenty of time to adjust before it dries).
Here’s a fun tip: since this die-cut image is so large, you can trim it into smaller sections to use on multiple cards or fill out your design. I snipped mine apart and reused the smaller piece to make the card feel fuller.
I mounted everything using Altenew’s Instant Dimension Foam Tape — because let’s be honest, everything looks better with a bit of lift!
I created two versions of this card:
White Cardstock Background – crisp, bright, and clean.
Colored Cardstock Background – I used Mountain Pine from Altenew, and it made the colors pop beautifully. For both, I added a simple sentiment: Sending You Warm Hugs. I love how it balances the lush, detailed imagery without stealing attention.
To finish, I embellished with Mother of Pearl Gems, using my favorite trick — cut them from the carrier sheet first, move them around until you’re happy, then adhere!
I can’t decide which team I’m on! White cardstock gives that fresh, airy look, while colored cardstock feels rich and sophisticated. Both have their charm — it really depends on the mood you want your card to have.
So tell me — are you Team White or Team Colored? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for stopping by, and happy crafting!
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Altenew Craft Your Life Project Kit: Sweet Harvest & Add-on Die Bundle Shop at: AN |
 Spellbinders Guillotine Paper Trimmer Shop at: SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Altenew 9″x12″ Ultra Sticky Mat: Grid Shop at: AN | PFS |
 Neenah 80lb Solar White Cardstock Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Altenew Crafty Necessities: Mountain Pine Cardstock (10 sheets/set) Shop at: AN |
 Altenew Satin Masking Tape Shop at: AN | PFS |
 Altenew Coffee Break Fresh Dye Ink (Sand Dunes, Rocky Shore, Mocha, Espresso) Shop at: SSS | AN | PFS |
 Spellbinders Platinum 6 Machine With Universal Plate System Shop at: SSS | SB USA | SB UK | AMZ | PFS |
 Spellbinders My Turn Handle for Platinum 6 Shop at: SB USA | SB UK |
 Altenew Cherry Blossom Fresh Dye Ink (Pink Diamond, Pinkalicious, Rubellite, Razzleberry) Shop at: SSS | AN | PFS |
 Altenew Forest Trail Fresh Dye Ink (Aloe Vera, Matcha Tea, Swamp Green, Oak Moss) Shop at: SC | AN |
 Altenew Jade Dreams Fresh Dye Ink (Pistachio, Misty Sage, Mossy Meadow, Green Opal) Shop at: SSS | AN | PFS |
 Altenew Small Blending Brush Shop at: AN |
 Altenew Crafter’s Showcase Mini Blending Brush Storage Shop at: SSS | SC | AN | PFS |
 Altenew The Glue Shop at: AN |
 Altenew Stampwheel 2.0 Shop at: AN |
 Altenew Instant Dimension Foam Tape Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Large Blending Brushes Shop at: SSS | AN | PFS |
 Altenew Detailed Blending Brush Set (Angled Bristles) Shop at: AN |
 Altenew Mother of Pearl Gem Sparkles Shop at: SSS | AN | PFS |
 Spellbinders 9″ Pro Shears Shop at: SSS | SC | SB USA | SB UK |
 Glassboard Studio Super Strong Magnets Shop at: GBS |
 Glassboard Studio Glass Craft Mat – Code YANA15 Shop at: GBS |
These are beautiful, Yana!!! I love ’em!! I think I like the dark background and I am crazy for that new Mountain Pine paper, but it’s close….like 52% vs 48%…. Not a decisive winner. They’re both winners, I guess!
Lori S in PA
Thank you so much, Lori! Haha, I love that — 52% vs 48% feels exactly right! I couldn’t choose either — that Mountain Pine cardstock just adds such beautiful richness, but the white background keeps things so fresh. I’m so happy you enjoyed both versions!