Turning 13 in Style: A Bright & Bold Layered Birthday Card

I’m so excited to share one of my very first projects as a Design Team member for CutCardStock.com! 🎉 Sweta here and this bright and bold 13th birthday card is all about layering beautiful cardstock, adding texture, and creating dimension with die cuts.

1️⃣ Create the Card Base & Background Layers

I started with an A2 card base using Classic CREST Smooth 130 lb DTC – 8.5×11 Cardstock. I love the sturdiness of this cardstock — it creates the perfect foundation for a layered design like this. To add a vibrant pop of color, I trimmed down a panel of Raspberry Ice Pink 5×7 Card Stock and adhered it to the front of the card base. That bold pink frame instantly set the tone for a fun, youthful birthday card.

2️⃣ Die Cut the Frame

For the background inside the frame, I cut a panel of Pearl Green Curry 4×6 Card Stock. The soft shimmer and subtle texture add such a pretty contrast behind the cake. I then used the Frameworthy A2 dies to cut a decorative frame from the Heavy Recycled Conservation White 110 lb cardstock and adhered it over the green panel. The crisp white frame really makes the center design stand out. Additionally, I embossed the white frame prior to cutting but this is a completely optional step.

3️⃣ Die Cut the Cake Elements

Next came the fun part — building the cake! I used the Festive Delight Dieset from Crafty Meraki to die cut all of the cake elements. For the layers, I combined Canvas Textured Pink Tutu Cardstock with Raspberry Ice Pink 5×7 Card Stock to create that bold, layered look. The cake stand was die cut from Canvas Vanilla Bean Brown 12×12 Discount Cardstock, which gives it a realistic feel thanks to the canvas texture. I also die cut the strawberries from DCS Red Pepper Discount 12×12 Cardstock and small details from coordinating scraps.

4️⃣ Add Copic Details to the Frosting

Before assembling everything, I added extra detail to the frosting using Copic markers. I deepened the edges of the frosting drips with darker pink tones and blended toward the center for a soft, creamy look. A few highlights with a white gel pen brought the frosting to life and made it look extra dimensional and glossy.

5️⃣ Assemble the Cake and add Dimension

Once all the pieces were shaded and ready, I glued the cake layers together with liquid adhesive, attached the frosting, and added the strawberry accents. To really make the design pop, I used high dimension foam adhesive from Bearly Arts to mount the cake and stand inside the frame. That added depth makes the cake feel like it’s popping right out of the card.

6️⃣ Finish the Inside

Finally to finish the card, I added a birthday sentiment inside and included a bold “13” to celebrate this special milestone. It’s such a fun detail that makes the card feel personal and perfect for a teen birthday.

This project truly highlights how beautiful cardstock can transform a design. The shimmer of Pearl Green Curry, the bold Raspberry Ice Pink, and the canvas textures all work together to create a bright, bold dimensional birthday card. I’m so excited to start this creative journey with CutCardStock and can’t wait to share more projects soon! 🎂💕

Until next time, stay crafty!

Sweta.

🛍 Shopping List for this Bright and Bold card

Cardstock from CutCardStock.com:

• Heavy Recycled Conservation White 110 lb Precut Card Stock
• Raspberry Ice Pink 5×7 Card Stock
• Pearl Green Curry 4×6 Card Stock
• Canvas Textured Pink Tutu Cardstock
• Canvas Vanilla Bean Brown 12×12 Discount Cardstock
• DCS Red Pepper Discount 12×12 Cardstock

Dies & Adhesives:

• Festive Delight Dieset – Crafty Meraki
• Frameworthy A2 Dies – Crafty Meraki
• High Dimension Foam Adhesive – Bearly Arts