Summer Cupcake Card Tutorial | Create a Summer Vibes Card with CutCardStock

Summer is the perfect time to brighten someone’s day with a cheerful handmade card! Hi friends, Rick Adkins here, and today I’m sharing how to create this colorful Summer Vibes Cupcake Card featuring beautiful cardstock from CutCardStock. This fun design combines die cutting, ink blending, and a stamped sentiment to create a card that’s perfect for birthdays, summer celebrations, or even a party invitation. Best of all, it’s easy enough for beginners while offering plenty of layering details that experienced cardmakers will enjoy.

For this project, I chose a combination of DCS Cardstocks and Pop Tone Cardstocks to create a bright summer color palette with plenty of texture and just a touch of black for contrast. The result is a vibrant card that really captures those sunny summer vibes.

Supplies

CutCardStock Products

• Cougar WHITE 110 lbs Cardstock
• DCS Cardstock – Seafoam Green
• DCS Cardstock – Sand Castle Tan
• DCS Cardstock – Putty Off-White
• DCS Cardstock – Hydrangea Purple
• DCS Cardstock – Beetle Black
• Pop Tone Cardstock – Hot Fudge
• Pop Tone Cardstock – Pink Lemonade
• Pop Tone Cardstock – Gum Drop Green
• Pop Tone Cardstock – Banana Split

Additional Supplies

• Dies: Big Fall Cupcake Die Set, Sunburst A2 Cover Plate, Summertime Die Set
• Stamp: Summer Swissies Clear Stamp Set (Sentiment)
• Light pink, medium coral, and light brown ink
• Liquid glue
• Foam tape
• Die cutting machine
• Paper trimmer
• Embellishments of your choice

Create the Card Base

Begin by cutting Cougar WHITE 110 lbs Cardstock to 4-1/4″ x 11″. Score at 5-1/2″ and fold to create a standard A2 top-folding card base.

The heavyweight Cougar White Cardstock creates a sturdy foundation that easily supports all of the layered die cuts without warping.

Build the Bright Sunburst Background

Cut DCS Seafoam Green Cardstock to 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″.

Next, die cut the Sunburst A2 Cover Plate from Pop Tone Banana Split Cardstock. Adhere the sunburst over the Seafoam Green panel using liquid glue. Once dry, trim the completed panel to 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″.

Cut DCS Beetle Black Cardstock to 4″ x 5-1/4″ and adhere the sunburst panel to create a bold mat.

For the center accent, cut another strip of DCS Seafoam Green Cardstock measuring 1″ x 3-7/8″. Die cut the tropical leaves from Pop Tone Gum Drop Green Cardstock and adhere them to the strip. Add a narrow DCS Beetle Black Cardstock mat behind it before attaching the finished strip across the center of the card front.

The black mat layers frame the bright colors beautifully and help each element stand out.

Create the Cupcake Focal Point

Die cut the cupcake pieces from:

• Pop Tone Hot Fudge Cardstock
• Pop Tone Pink Lemonade Cardstock
• DCS Sand Castle Tan Cardstock

Before assembling, lightly ink blend around the edges of each die cut using coordinating inks. This simple technique adds depth and dimension while helping each layer stand out.

Creative Tip: Ink blending the edges of die cuts is an easy way to create shadows without complicated coloring techniques. A light touch gives your cardstock die cuts a polished, professional look.

Assemble the cupcake using liquid glue.

Next, die cut the flowers twice using DCS Hydrangea Purple Cardstock and DCS Putty Off-White Cardstock. Die cut additional leaves from Pop Tone Gum Drop Green Cardstock and assemble the flowers.

Assemble the Card

Before attaching the cupcake, stamp the “Summer Vibes” sentiment directly onto the icing using medium coral ink.

Add foam tape behind the completed cupcake and adhere it to the center of the card.

Attach the flowers with foam adhesive, then tuck the die cut leaves behind them for extra dimension. Finish by adding another tropical leaf near the bottom of the card to help balance the overall design.

A few embellishments complete the card with just the right amount of sparkle.

A Fun Summer Card for Many Occasions

One of my favorite things about this design is its versatility. While I created it as a cheerful birthday card, it would also make a wonderful invitation for a summer party, pool gathering, or backyard celebration.

The combination of bright Pop Tone Cardstocks, rich DCS Cardstocks, and sturdy Cougar WHITE 110 lbs Cardstock creates a project that’s full of color, texture, and dimension without being difficult to make. Whether you’re new to die cutting or you’ve been crafting for years, this design is easy to customize with your favorite colors and sentiments.

I hope this project inspires you to pull out your favorite cardstock and create your own summer-inspired cards. If you give this design a try, I’d love to hear how you customized it! Leave a comment below sharing your favorite summer color combinations, and don’t forget to save this project to Pinterest for inspiration later. Happy crafting!