Handmade birthday card with a smiling green dinosaur and textured embossed background in black and green.

Today’s handmade card is a playful birthday design featuring the adorable triceratops from the Stampin’ Up!® Darling Dinos Bundle—just in time for the final day of the Two-Tone Cardstock Sale! I created this cheerful card to show how easily you can add color contrast, texture, and dimension with just a few sheets of this cleverly designed cardstock.

🦕 Behind the Card Design

I designed this card to highlight two key features:

  • The Two-Tone Cardstock, with both light and dark sides of each color, and
  • The Dotted Circles 3D Embossing Folder, which mimics the bubbly texture of the dinosaur’s playful personality.
Four strips of Two-Tone Cardstock placed inside the Stampin’ Up!® Dotted Circles 3D Embossing Folder.

By alternating strips of Granny Apple Green and Basic Black Two-Tone Cardstock, I was able to create a bold pattern that adds excitement without being overwhelming. The subtle cracking from the deep embossing even reveals a bit of the white core, giving the paper even more character—without the need for distressing.

The focal point is that grinning green dino, layered on a 1/8″ larger Darling Duckling Cardstock circle. That small pop of yellow coordinates perfectly with the cheerful embellishments and adds a sunny accent without overtaking the rest of the card.

Close-up of handmade dino birthday card showing embossed Two-Tone Cardstock detail.

I experimented with a Darling Duckling card base but found it too strong for a background. I also considered Basic Black, but it felt too heavy for a kid’s birthday card. In the end, Granny Apple Green was just right—bright, lively, and fun!

Dino-themed handmade birthday card with embossed green and black background and smiling triceratops.

📌 Two-Tone Cardstock = Built-In Coordination

Whether you’re making cards, scrapbook pages, or tags, Two-Tone Cardstock is a paper-crafter’s dream. You get light and dark variations in one pack, making it easy to:

  • Layer without needing multiple colors
  • Add contrast and dimension
  • Stretch your creativity (and your budget!)

There are six variety packs available during the sale—perfect for trying them out without committing to a full pack of every color.

🕒 Hurry—Today’s the Final Day!

The 20% off Two-Tone Cardstock Sale ends tonight! These versatile, double-shaded papers are ideal for both beginner and experienced stampers alike. Stock up now before the sale ends and give your next project a little extra pop!

Darling Dinos Card Measurements

  • Card Base: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ Granny Apple Green Cardstock
  • Black Vertical Layers: (2) 1″ x 3″ Basic Black Two-Tone 12″ x 12″ Cardstock
  • Green Vertical Layers: (2) 1″ x 3″ Granny Apple Green Two-Tone 12″ x 12″ Cardstock
  • Horizontal Black Layer: 4″ x 1″ Basic Black Cardstock
  • Dino Layer: 2-1/2″ x 2″ Basic White Cardstock
  • White Circle Layer: 3″ x 2-1/2″ Basic White Cardstock
  • Yellow Circle Layer: 2-1/4″ x 3″ Darling Duckling Cardstock
  • Inside Layer: 4″ x 5-1/4″ Basic White Cardstock


🛒 Shop the Sale

Click below to order your Two-Tone Cardstock while it’s still on sale:


👉 Shop Now in My Online Store

I’ve included everything I used to create this card—from the main products to the little things that help behind the scenes. If you’re just starting out, you may only need the basics!

Stampin’ Up! Darling Dinos Card Supplies

Darling Dinos Bundle (English) [ 164735 ]

$45.00
ONLY $40.50!

Dotted Circles 3 D Embossing Folder [ 163789 ]

$12.00
use with a 3D embossing folder

Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]

$140.00
includes a Specialty Plate

Specialty Plate [ 154711 ]

$11.00
use wtith 3D embossing folders

Simply Shammy [ 147042 ]

$9.00
use to clean photopolymer (clear) stamps

Clear-Mount Stamp Cases [ 119105 ]

$9.00
great for storing your damp Simply Shammy

 

I’m always happy to answer questions about the project or products I’ve shared—just reach out!

Stamping Smiles,

Order Stampin' Up! stamps and accessories!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope today’s card brought a smile—and a little dino-sized inspiration. 🦕💚

Handmade birthday card with a smiling green dinosaur and textured embossed background in black and green.
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