Hi friends! Rick here on the Miss Ink Stamps Blog today, and I’m excited to share a fun and simple square card design featuring the Best Sort Stamp Set, Best Sort Outline Dies, and the Talking Hat Mini Die Set. I love clean designs that still have plenty of personality — and this card is the perfect example of how a few thoughtful details can turn minimalism into something special.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Shape
There’s something so timeless about a square card. It instantly feels modern and balanced — like a little framed piece of art. For this design, I started with a 4 1/4" x 4 1/4" card base using heavy weight smooth white cardstock. That crisp white background gave me a clean canvas to build on and really let the character from the Best Sort Stamp Set shine.
I stamped the fun professor image in alcohol marker friendly ink and colored her with Triblend Brush markers. She brings such a playful pop of color to the otherwise neutral background — exactly the kind of detail that adds charm without clutter.
Creating Texture with Small Dies
One of my favorite ways to elevate a clean design is by adding texture with repeated die cuts. For this card, I used the Talking Hat Mini Die Set to create tone-on-tone interest across the background. I cut several hats from cardstock that had adhesive sheets attached to the back, which made it super easy to layer them neatly on the card front.
It’s subtle, but that texture gives the design depth and a bit of personality — a reminder that even the smallest dies can have a big impact when used creatively.
Pro Tip: Try using adhesive-backed cardstock when cutting small or detailed dies. It saves time, keeps your fingers glue-free, and ensures perfect placement every time.
Finishing Touches that Make an Impact
Once the background was set, I trimmed the panel down to 4" x 4" for a framed edge, then stamped the sentiment “You’re just my sort” from the Best Sort Stamp Set using black pigment ink. It’s a clever sentiment that pairs perfectly with the quirky professor image.
To finish, I added the professor to the card front with foam adhesive for dimension, then brought everything to life with a few white gel pen highlights and black pearls. It’s those little touches that take a simple design from clean to complete.
Pro Tip: When working with clean and simple designs, think in layers of contrast — flat texture, raised focal point, glossy embellishment. Each adds a different visual interest without overwhelming your design.
Video Tutorial
Clean Design, Big Personality
This card was such a joy to make — proof that you don’t need layers of patterned paper or complicated techniques to create something fun and eye-catching. The Talking Hat Mini Dies were the unexpected star of the show here, adding texture and movement to a design that’s otherwise minimal.
Sometimes, the simplest designs have the most personality. With a crisp white base, a touch of humor, and a bold focal point, this square card delivers just the right amount of sass.
Happy Crafting
Rick
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