December Creative Day: A Simple Mixed Media Project Using Playing Cards

 

December Creative Day: A Simple Mixed Media Project Using Playing Cards

Our December Creative Day was all about keeping things simple, relaxed, and fun — the kind of project you can chat through, laugh a lot, and still end up with something really lovely by the end.

This time around, we created a mixed media playing card project. Playing cards are such a great base — sturdy, perfectly sized, and already full of character.

The Vibe

This project was:

• low pressure
• beginner friendly
• easy to adapt
• and perfect for using bits and pieces from your stash

No overthinking. Just layering, marking, stamping, and enjoying the process.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what we used (feel free to swap things out — this project is very forgiving):

• Playing cards
• Patterned paper or cardstock scraps
• 1 inch circle punch
• Black marker (or any dark marker for outlining)
• Floral stamps
• Ink pad (for stamping and edging)
• Cotton or string
• Small sentiment (stamped or pre-made)
• Seam binding or ribbon
• Hole punch
• Adhesive
• Scissors
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Punch Your Circles

Start by punching 1 inch circles from patterned paper or cardstock scraps. This is a great stash-busting moment — nothing needs to match perfectly.

2. Create the First Row

Begin at the top end of the playing card and layer the circles horizontally across the card, slightly overlapping each one as you go.

3. Build Your Layers

Once the first row is done, repeat the process:

• Add another row of circles
• Overlap both the circles and the rows
• Continue layering until you reach the end of the card

4. Outline the Circles

Using a marker, draw around the edge of each circle.
This small step makes a huge difference, helping each layer pop and giving the project a slightly whimsical, illustrated feel.

5. Add Texture with Cotton

Tie a small piece of cotton into a bow and attach it to the card.
Add a sentiment underneath or alongside the bow — simple and sweet is perfect here.

6. Stamp & Ink

Stamp a few floral images over the card, letting them overlap the circles slightly.
Then ink the edges of the playing card to frame everything and give it a finished mixed media look.

7. Finish with Seam Binding

Punch a hole in the top of the card and thread through a piece of seam binding or ribbon. This adds movement and makes the card feel complete.

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Why We Loved This Project

This was one of those projects that proves mixed media doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s:

• easy

• quick

• adaptable

• and a lot of fun

Everyone’s card turned out different, even though we all followed the same steps.