Cottage Charm Craft Paper for Card Making
By Mary Engelbreit, Licensed Art Studio, St Louis, Missouri | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use Cottage Charm Craft Paper for beautiful handmade cards. Step-by-step guide with tips for card making, scrapbooking, and decoupage.
Quick answer
Cottage Charm Craft Paper works beautifully for card making because the 12x12 sheets give you plenty of room to cut mats, layers, and focal images. The six hand-picked patterns match Mary Engelbreit's signature style, so you can create coordinated cards without buying multiple paper packs.
Why this paper suits card making
Card makers often struggle with paper that is too thin or too thick. Cottage Charm Craft Paper is designed for crafting, so it holds up to folding, scoring, and adhesive without tearing or buckling. The 12x12 size is larger than standard cardstock, which means you can cut multiple card fronts or layers from a single sheet.
Because Mary originally selected these patterns for dollhouse wallpaper, the prints are scaled to look good in small areas. That makes them ideal for card fronts, where large patterns can overwhelm the design. Each sheet is printed in the USA, and the set includes two copies of each of the six designs, giving you plenty of material to practice or make multiple cards.
What to watch for
This paper is not heavy-duty cardstock. It works well for layering and matting, but for a sturdy card base, pair it with a plain cardstock or a pre-scored card blank. The patterns are double-sided? No, they are single-sided, so plan your cuts with the printed side facing up.
If you are new to card making, start with simple designs: a single patterned strip across the front, or a small square matted on a solid color. The patterns are busy enough to stand alone, so you do not need to add many embellishments.
How to make a card with Cottage Charm Craft Paper
- Choose your card base: Start with a blank card that is at least 5x7 inches. A white or cream base lets the patterned paper stand out. If you only have A2-size cards (4.25x5.5), trim your paper to fit. A common mistake is using a dark card base that competes with the pattern. Stick with light neutrals.
- Cut your paper layers: From one 12x12 sheet, cut a 4x5.25 inch rectangle for the card front. Then cut a second piece 3.75x5 inches from a different pattern for the mat. Use a paper trimmer for straight edges. Check that your trimmer blade is sharp. Dull blades can tear the paper edge, especially on detailed patterns.
- Adhere the layers: Apply a thin layer of acid-free liquid glue or use a tape runner to attach the smaller mat to the larger piece. Then attach the whole layered panel to your card base. Press firmly from the center outward to avoid bubbles. Too much glue can cause the paper to warp. Use a light hand or a dry adhesive like double-sided tape.
- Add a sentiment or focal element: Stamp or write a short message on a small piece of plain cardstock. Mat it on a scrap of the Cottage Charm paper and attach it with foam tape for dimension. Alternatively, use a die-cut shape from a coordinating pattern. Keep the sentiment small so it does not cover the pattern. A 1x2 inch piece is usually enough.
- Finish with simple embellishments: Add a few flat embellishments like sequins, enamel dots, or a thin ribbon. Because the paper pattern is detailed, less is more. Let the paper be the star. Avoid bulky items like large bows or thick buttons—they can make the card hard to mail without extra postage.
Product details
- Cottage Charm Craft Paper: 12 sheets; 2 each of 6 designs; 12 x 12 inches; designed and printed in the USA. You get enough variety to make a set of coordinating cards, and the larger sheet size means less waste when cutting card fronts or layers.
Cottage Charm Craft Paper
