How To Make Cards with a Vintage Look

In today’s post, I’ll be sharing variations on a card with a vintage look!

I’ll also be showing a few ways to get this antiqued background using a few different methods and papers. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful! The basic supplies include ink pads, ink refills, a spritzer for water, and another one for rubbing alcohol. The methods used on my projects today were the seeds of inspiration for my Playing with Rubbing Alcohol Technique Class. For today’s cards with a vintage look, I’ve used the Butterfly Brilliance Stamp Set for my first card, and the Rooted in Nature, and Very Versailles Stamp Sets for the second card.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

When I design cards, rarely do I put my cardstock pieces on an angle.

The decision to do this was quite intentional and it all comes down to the feeling of movement created by the butterflies. The angled cardstock and swatch of metallic ribbon in a diagonal line, both complement the sense of movement created by the butterfly images.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

For this first focal piece, I’ve used Vellum cardstock with Early Espresso and Soft Suede ink.

The process for creating this lovely antiqued background is shown in my video tutorial at the end of this post. Working with the Vellum can be a bit tricky so make sure to watch my suggestions and tips. The designer paper in the background is the Natural Touch Specialty paper. It actually looks and feels like real wood and it even has a texture to it. This specialty paper is only available till May 3, 2021, or while supplies last.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

Can you see the texture in this paper in the photo above?

Now the Metallic Mesh in behind my focal element was silver to start. I’ve colored it with a Bronze Blends Alcohol Marker so it would complement the earth tones in the focal piece and designer paper in behind.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

I’ve used several Champagne Rhinestones Jewels to add a little shine and contrast to my other earthy elements. Plus, this bit of shine complements the touches of metallic mesh ribbon on the corners. These are simple subtle touches that bring the whole design together.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

Now, this card layout and color scheme seemed perfect for a masculine card so one of my goals was to come up with a version with a more masculine feel.

I started by playing with some images from the Rooted in Nature Stamp Set and created two focal pieces, one with leaves and the other with these trees. This focal piece was created using a piece of Alcohol Ink Paper.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

The photo below shows the alternative focal piece I made with the leaves. The piece on the right was made in a different way. Both methods are shown in my video at the end of this post.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

I also played around with using Basic White cardstock with my alcohol and reinkers. The ink takes to the paper in a completely different way and it’s all related to how absorbent the paper is or is not. Here are a few alternative pieces created using Basic White cardstock. I love the textures and shapes in these pieces!

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

Here’s my pair of finished cards. I hope you like them and will watch my video to learn all the details.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

If you enjoyed today’s projects you might really love my Playing with Rubbing Alcohol Technique Class. Click HERE to learn more.

Check out today's cards with a vintage look. Learn how to get this look in three ways. The methods are simple and the effects are beautiful!

Thanks for spending some time with me today!

You’ll find project dimensions, a complete supply list, and my video tutorial at the end of this post.

Happy Crafting!

Melissa 🙂


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Learn how to make this in my Facebook Live video tutorial here:

The project demonstration begins at around 8 minutes in case you’d like to jump ahead.

If you watched this video here on my blog and enjoyed it, please go on over to my YouTube channel and give it a Thumbs Up, Share it with friends and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. I’d be so grateful! Plus, once you subscribe, you’ll have the option to click on the bell, to be notified whenever I publish a new video.


Project Dimensions:

  • Basic Black Card Body: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″
  • Natural Touch Specialty Designer Paper: 4″ x 5-1/4″
  • Basic Black Layer: 3-3/8″ x 4″
  • Vellum Cardstock Focal Piece: 2-3/8″ x 4-3/4″
  • White Focal Backing Piece: 2-3/8″ x 4-3/4″
  • White Inside Layer: 4″ x 5-1/4″

Project Supplies:



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About Me Page

I am a seeker of that crazy, excited feeling that comes when you've created something that’s unique, beautiful and expresses who you are in some small way. It’s like making a new discovery, when you find a unique combination of color, layout, dimension and texture. I call it a creative spark and it makes me giddy! Through sharing and teaching I hope to help others find this amazing feeling of creative bliss!

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