Zigzag Strip Card Technique – A Fun Way to Use Your Patterned Paper

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This week’s project is one of those just start cutting and see what happens techniques - and it turns out really cool. The Zigzag Strip Card Technique is perfect for using up scraps, trying out new Designer Series Paper, and creating something beautiful in a flash.

If you like quick, satisfying cardmaking (and who doesn’t?), you’re going to love this one.
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Be sure to read through the full post for all the sample cards and grab your free downloadable project sheet with measurements so you can try it yourself.

Watch the Zigzag Strip Card Technique in Action

This technique is all about precise placement and a little bit of patience at the beginning - once you’ve got your strips down, the rest comes together fast.

Free Project Sheet for this Cardmaking Technique

How the Zigzag Strip Card Technique Works

You’ll start with:

• Cardstock: 4 1/4" x 5 1/4"
• 10–12 strips of patterned paper or cardstock:
  • 2 3/4" long
  • 1/4" to 3/4" wide

Adhere your strips tightly together along one side of the cardstock - no gaps. Let them hang off the edge (that’s important).

Flip it over, secure the back with foam strips, trim off the excess, then move that whole section to the opposite side.

That’s what creates that really satisfying zigzag alignment across the card.

Don’t overthink it - just keep those strips tight and uneven.

Fern & Flora + Moonlit Flora Designer Series Paper

This first card leans into those rich, moody greens from the Moonlit Flora Designer Series Paper, and it works beautifully with this technique. The smaller botanical prints keep the strips from feeling too busy while still giving you that layered look.

I added stamped moths from the Fern & Flora bundle, colored with Stampin’ Blends in Early Espresso, Pecan Pie, and Timid Tiger. The sentiment in Mossy Meadow ties everything together, and a few dewdrop embellishments add just enough detail without competing with the background.
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This is a great example of how this technique can feel detailed without being fussy.

Supply List for the Moonlit Flora Card

Bloom Boutique Paper + Exciting Times Bundle in Two Colors

This is where you can really see how versatile this technique is.

Both cards use the Bloom Boutique Designer Series Paper, which features all five of the new 2026–2028 In Colors — Hydrangea Hue, Crisp Cantaloupe, Barely Blush, Golden Glow, and Peaceful Pine. The key here is the small-scale patterns. When you’re working with narrow strips, those tiny prints let you see what's in the print. Combined with more solid prints, it creates beauty that isn't too chaotic.

One card uses Hydrangea Hue for a soft monochromatic look, while the other combines Crisp Cantaloupe and Barely Blush for something a little warmer.

The sentiments come from the Exciting Times bundle with the rounded rectangle punch, which is going to be one of those tools you reach for constantly. It’s simple, clean, and perfect for quick cards like these.

Same technique. Same supplies. Completely different feel - and that’s the magic of this one.

Supply List for this Pair of Birthday Cards

Supply List for the Cutest Crew Card

Cutest Crew + DIY Patterned Paper

This one is just plain fun. Instead of relying only on Designer Series Paper, I created some of my own “patterned paper” using the Cutest Crew stamp set. The strips of kittens and puppies are perfect for this because they’re already designed in a linear format -  basically made for this technique.

I stamped:

• Paw prints on Crumb Cake with Pecan Pie
• Dogs on Basic Beige with Pecan Pie
• Cats on Gray Granite with Basic Gray

Then I mixed those with the Neutrals Painted Patterns Designer Series Paper - simple stripes and polka dots that help balance out the busier stamped images.

The result feels playful without being overwhelming, and it’s a great reminder that you don’t always need patterned paper - you can make your own.

Try This With What You Already Have

This is one of those techniques that’s easy to overlook… until you try it.

Then suddenly you’re digging through your scraps thinking, what else can I make with this?

It’s perfect for:

• Using up leftover strips
• Trying out new patterned paper
• Making quick, impressive handmade cards

If you give this one a try, I’d love to see what you create - share your card in the comments or tag me on social media so I can cheer you on.

Ready for More Easy Cardmaking Ideas?

When you place an order of $50 or more, you’ll receive my Creativity Made Simple Card Templates, Techniques, & Fold Bundle - designed to take the guesswork out of cardmaking and help you actually use your supplies. Each month, there's a new card sketch, a new technique, and a new fun fold to try. 

Orders of $75+ also receive this month’s Creative Card Collection video tutorial bundle, and orders of $100+ earn the Make n’ Take kit for next month’s card class.

You deserve time to be creative - and I’m here to help you make it happen.