Hello, crafty friends! I’m back with a fresh installment of Yippee for Yana! Today I’m diving into one of my all-time favorite techniques: color blocking. It’s bold, graphic, and perfect for showing off large sentiments or creating high-impact backgrounds. Whether you’re crafting graduation cards or just love playing with color, I hope these five ideas inspire you to give this look a try!
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WHAT IS COLOR BLOCKING IN CARDMAKING?
Color blocking is exactly what it sounds like – using blocks of solid color to build bold, modern backgrounds. I especially love combining cardstock in vibrant shades for clean and crisp designs. For this post, I’m featuring the Grad Basics stamp set by Cathy Zielske and coordinating dies from Simon Says Stamp. That handwritten “grad” sentiment with the heart detail? Totally adorable!
I used VersaFine Onyx Black ink on Neenah Solar White 80lb cardstock, my go-to combo for crisp results, to do all of my stamping. Next, I played with colored cardstock to create bold backgrounds.
CLASSIC CHECKERBOARD PATTERN
Let’s start with a tried-and-true layout: the checkerboard!
I used Honey and Cotton Candy cardstock, trimmed into four rectangles per sheet (2⅛” x 2¾”). When arranged alternately, the colors create a simple yet striking grid. It’s a great way to create balance and symmetry.
INTENTIONAL WHITE SPACE
Next, I added Creamsicle cardstock to the mix and left white space between the blocks. This creates breathing room and lets each color shine.
Measurements for the blocks:
- Yellow: 1⅞” x 2⅕”
- Orange: 1⅞” x 2⅛” and 1⅞” x 2¾”
- Pink: 2⅛” x 3⅜”
This layout feels more modern and light!
DIAGONAL DRAMA
Diagonal cuts are such a fun way to step up your color-blocking game.
Here I cut panels of Honey and Surf Blue cardstock on the diagonal and mixed them to create a dynamic split-color look. You can keep it simple with half-and-half cuts or go bolder with quarter-panel diagonals for more movement.
To complement the bold backgrounds, I added stamping from one of my older faves – Holiday Silhouettes by Cathy Zielske. Even though it’s a holiday set, the tiny stars and dots work beautifully for celebratory themes like graduation.
I used foam squares to pop up my sentiments and layered some cardstock behind panels for subtle dimension. A few dots from a white Gelly Roll pen gave the cards a playful finish. Simple, stylish, and full of personality!
Color blocking is such a versatile and fun technique – and best of all, you can customize it to any color palette or occasion! Whether you’re crafting for a grad, a birthday, or just playing with color, these layouts are a great way to start.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Let me know in the comments – have you tried color blocking on your cards?
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!
 CZ Design Stamps and Dies Grad Basics Shop at: SSS |
 CZ Design Clear Stamps Holiday Silhouettes Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Cotton Candy Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Cardstock 100lb Honey Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Cardstock 100lb Creamsicle Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Surf Blue Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Neenah 80lb Solar White Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Platinum 6 Machine With Universal Plate System Shop at: SSS |
 Mini MISTI Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS |
 Tsukineko Versafine Onyx Black Ink Shop at: SSS |
 Tonic Studios 8.5 Inch Paper Trimmer Shop at: SSS |
 Bearly Art Mini Precision Craft Glue Shop at: SSS |
 White Foam Squares Shop at: SSS |
 Sakura Classic White Gelly Roll Pens Set of 3 Shop at: SSS |
