Did you know that recessed panels are not just for home improvement projects? You can create a fun card front design using the theory behind recessed panels. If something is recessed it means that it is set back from the things around it. On a card front we are going to lift up most of the card front and leave a strip of beautiful patterned paper set back. Let me show you how this works AND four different ways to create the recessed panel.
Give my video tutorial a watch and download the free pdf for your stamping files!
Even though I am showing you four different ways to make a recessed panel on your card front, the basic directions for assembling the card is essentially the same. Use the directions below and simply change the measurements and cutting instructions specific to each different Recessed Panel card type.
Basic Directions for Assembly
- Fold Basic White card base in half on 4 ¼” score line.
- If stamping images, or using an embossing folder on the colored cardstock card front piece, do this step first before making the cut in the next step.
- Cut the card front piece into two pieces following the specific measurements for each recessed panel card type in the measurements.
- (Optional step) Attach the coordinating cardstock to the back side edge of each cut card front pieces so that only a small sliver (about 1/8”) shows creating a matted look.
- Adhere the piece of patterned paper onto the Basic White card base in the gap where the 2 card front pieces will separate.
- Add Stampin’ Dimensionals to corners, edges and middle of the back side of the cut card front pieces and attach to the card base making sure the matted edges are next to the patterned paper and the outside edges meet the edge of the card base.
- Create a focal point image with a die cut, punch or fussy cut image and attach to card front overlapping the recessed panel.
Ways to Step-Up the Recessed Panel Card
- Use an embossing folder on the card front pieces.
- Instead of a straight cut for the panel, use a fun border die to make a shaped cut. (Basic Border Dies)
Long Recessed Panel Card Measurements
- 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” Thick Basic White cardstock, scored at 4 ¼”
- 3-1/4” x 5-1/2” colored cardstock for card front (cut into 1” x 5-1/2” and 2-1/4” x 5-1/2”)
- 1/2” x 5 -1/2” coordinating cardstock color for trim, cut 2 (optional)
- 1-1/4” x 5-1/2” patterned paper for recessed space
The first way to make a Recessed Panel I call the LONG way because it spans the 5-1/2″ length of the card front (the long way). This card can be made into a landscape or portrait style card.
Short Recessed Panel Card
- 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” Thick Basic White cardstock, scored at 4 ¼”
- 4-1/4” x 4-1/2” colored cardstock for card front (cut into 1” x 4-1/4” and 3-1/2” x 4-1/4””)
- 1/2” x 4-1/4” coordinating cardstock color, for trim cut 2 (optional)
- 1-1/4” x 4-1/4” patterned paper for recessed space
The second way to make a Recessed Panel I call the SHORT way because it spans the 4-1/4″ width of the card front (the short way). This card can be made into a landscape or portrait style card.
Diagonal Recessed Panel Card
- 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” Thick Basic White cardstock, scored at 4 ¼”
- 4-1/4” x 4-1/2” colored cardstock for card front (cut at an angle, 1” down on top left corner to 2-1/2” down on top right corner)
- 1/2” x 5” coordinating cardstock color for trim, cut 2 (optional)
- 3” x 4-1/4” patterned paper for recessed space or a strip 1-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ depending on the pattern design.
The third way to make a Recessed Panel I call the DIAGONAL way because the panel is diagonal across the 4-1/4″ width of the card front. This card can be made into a landscape or portrait style card.
Expanding Diagonal Recessed Panel Card
- 5-1/2” x 8-1/2” Thick Basic White cardstock, scored at 4 ¼”
- 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” colored cardstock for card front (see cutting instructions
- 4-1/4” x 5-1/2” coordinating cardstock color for trim (optional)
- 3” x 3” patterned paper for recessed space
The fourth way to make a Recessed Panel I call the EXPANDING DIAGONAL way because the panel is diagonal across the width of the card front that starts out small and gets larger. This card can be made into a landscape or portrait style card.
I realize I threw a lot at you today but jump in and start with one of these kinds of recessed panels and see where the journey takes you! Most of all, have so much fun!
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