Step Right Up for Some Crafty Carnival Fun!
Hey friends! I’m so excited to share a super playful set of handmade cards and tags I created using the Fun Times collection from Simple Stories. This vibrant, nostalgic collection is bursting with bold colors, whimsical icons, and loads of amusement park charm! Whether you’re a fan of bumper cars, balloons, or cotton candy dreams, this line will take your creativity on a joyful ride!
Let’s take a closer look at each card and tag I made for this carnival-inspired set:
“Smile” Card
This cheerful card sets the tone with a duo of retro cameras from the Bits and Pieces and Chipboard Stickers and a bold “Smile” title from the Journal Bits and Pieces that screams fun. I layered lots of patterned papers from the 6x8 paper pad—including that cute balloon print—then added dimension with a big pink ribbon die cut and a Chipboard balloon cart. A sweet bow with a Decorative Brad finishes the look. Say cheese!
“Fun Times” Tag
Nothing says carnival like a fun ride! I created this tag with a gingham tag from the Tag Elements paper, stacked tickets, a rubber ducky, and a trio of balloons with pretty Glitter Enamel Dots in them. The bold pink “Fun Times” arrow from the Journal Bits and Pieces points to all the excitement ahead. This tag is pure midway magic!
“You’re the Best” Card
This vibrant card features a big rosette with the sentiment front and center. I trimmed this card from one of the 3x4 cutouts in the 6x8 paper pad. I built up layers of rainbow arches, tickets, and stars all found in the Bits and Pieces, Big Bits and Pieces and Foam Stickers—just like you’d find on a game booth backdrop. A perfect way to tell someone they’re a blue-ribbon friend!
“What a Blast” Tag
A twinkly bunch of stars and a spinning carousel? Yes please! This tag is full of motion and energy. I layered up a couple of the Bits and Pieces – the rosette and the sentiment- to add a bold title for this tag. I used foam dots to lift the marquee lettering and carousel and then added a sprinkle of enamel dots to the stars for extra sparkle. Wrap it all up with a star border strip from the Journal Bits and Pieces and a fun “Woo Hoo!” sentiment strip from the Cardstock Stickers. This one is too cute!
“Step Right Up” Card
Bold stripes and a polka dot background papers from the 6x8 paper pad give this card a real carnival poster vibe. The sentiment – found in the Big Bits and Pieces, is front and center inside a scalloped circle, flanked by Foam Sticker balloons, stars, and swirls. I added a couple of Decorative Brads for added texture and shine. I also added a “Hello, friend” label from the Cardstock Stickers to make it a fun greeting card with flair!
“Tickets & Fun” Tag
This one’s all about the colorful chaos of ticket stubs and balloon animals! Layers of tickets, swirls, and a 3D balloon dog- all from the various die cuts and sticker in the collection make it pop. The blocky “FUN” Foam Sticker ground the tag and makes it totally ticket-booth-worthy.
“Let’s Go Have Some Fun” Tag
I went all-in on the circus tent vibes for this tag. The marquee arrow on the “Let’s Have Some Fun” Bits and Pieces Die Cut pulls your eye to the sentiment, while a pink balloon pup and a classic black-and-white big top bring the playful energy. This one would be darling tied to a party favor or gift bag!
“Yay! So Much Fun” Card
If a bumper car could be a card, this would be it! Bursting with energy, this card is a mix of polka dots, starbursts, and bold typography. I love the big red banner with the “Yay!” found in the Big Bits and Pieces and the playful direction from the vintage-style pointer hand with the “So Much Fun” sentiment on them. So many of the die cuts in this collection look great when they are layered up together. Bold Stars in circles, from the Bits and Pieces are made more dimensional with some Chipboard Sticker Stars.
“Celebrate” Card
This card is like a stroll through the fairgrounds with ice cream, carousel rides, and all the treats. I lined up a row of “Admit One” tickets from the Journal Bits and Pieces act as the base and added colorful ephemera like a duck, carousel horse, and treats. The large “Celebrate” sentiment ties it all together! Notice the beautiful, shiny, Decorative Brads on a few of the shapes. These are some of my favorite ways to add dimension!
From game booths to carousel rides, this collection truly captures the magic of a day at the fair. I had so much fun playing with all the playful pieces and layering up each project with dimension, texture, and flair!
Thanks for stopping by!
I hope these carnival-inspired creations brought a little joy to your day and sparked your imagination. The Fun Times collection is packed with color, character, and endless possibilities for card makers and paper crafters alike. So, grab your tickets and step right up—because fun is just a project away!
Until next time, happy crafting!
PRODUCTS USED:
Fun Times Collection Kit
Fun Times 6x8 Paper Pad
Fun Times Chipboard Stickers
Fun Times Bits and Pieces
Fun Times Journal Bits and Pieces
Fun Times Big Bit and Pieces
Fun Times Foam Stickers
Fun Times Decorative Brads
Fun Times Glitter Enamel Dots
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