Easiest Get Well Card from Busy Ugly Paper + Vellum (with 2-for-1 Embossed Bonus Card)

Got a sheet of patterned paper that’s just a little too busy—or, let’s be honest, a little too ugly to use? Don’t throw it in the scrap pile just yet!

For this 3-Element Thursday, I’m turning one of those difficult-to-use patterns into an easy get well card using just three elements: pattern, texture, and a bold sentiment.

And there’s a bonus: one embossing run makes two cards!

You can watch the detailed YouTube tutorial here. For your convenience I’ve gathered all available supplies used in today’s project and also included a detailed list of tools I use regularly at the end of the blog post for your reference:

The Three Elements

1. Pattern
Start with a busy patterned paper from your stash. You don’t need a “pretty” pattern for this card—the busier the better!

2. Texture
A piece of dry-embossed vellum softens the pattern underneath while adding beautiful texture. I also use a cardstock panel behind the vellum while embossing, which helps prevent the vellum from cracking.

Even better, that cardstock panel gets embossed at the same time, giving you a second piece to use on the bonus card.

3. A Bold Sentiment
A large, chunky sentiment becomes the focal point and gives the eye somewhere to land.

I added a few sparkly enamel dots to finish the first card.

And Then… a Bonus Card!

Don’t throw away that embossed cardstock backing!

I used it with the same sentiment, a scrap of the patterned paper, and a black ribbon across the bottom third to create a masculine get well card.

Same three-element idea. Completely different look.

Supplies Used

Note: Some product images may not display correctly at first, but clicking them will take you to the correct item.

Want to see how these cards come together? Watch the Short above!

And tell me: which card do you like better—the softer original or the masculine version?

Soft handmade get well card with busy patterned paper softened by embossed vellum panel and large chunky sentiment

Masculine handmade get well card with embossed background, sentiment cut from patterned paper scrap, and black ribbon across bottom third

My Favourite Tools

Here is a list of my favourite tools that I regularly use in my craft room.

More Ways to Get Crafty

Want more value from your crafting? My YouTube channel members get perks like monthly Q&A sessions, badges, shout-outs, project reference sheets and early access to new videos. Join the membership here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKhctb1ss7hbxVHivhT5YQ/join

Need Another 3-Element Card Idea?

If you enjoy simplifying cardmaking, check out my other 3-Element Thursday projects for more ways to create cards without adding layer after layer of stuff.