I love getting pictures from friends and family. Last September our church updated their directory, and we received a few extra pictures. Here are some finished cards showcasing a few. 
There are a couple techniques to help cards "stand". Picture matting was used as one of the background layers. I find inexpensive scraps at the craft stores. Pictures & paper layers were reinforced with "corners". All the corners I used were made with a punch. 
Plus, the cards have added card stock on the inside. I added a short piece of matching ribbon before gluing the inside card stock in place. The ribbon, fixed to both the "top" & "bottom" of the card stock prevents the card from opening too far, and "slouching" after time. 
Using cut-out scrapes from various corner punches added contrast to corner pieces, coordinating the color scheme. A variety of embellishments made each card unique. Don't ya love the hanging gold beads! Recently I discovered elegant "Pearls" paper and loved the pretty effect. The paper is heavy and simmers nicely.Accessories: papers - Auburn Pearl, Once Upon A Time mat, gold picture frame mat, red, black, blue & white card stock; punches - Martha Stewart picture corner punch, Friskars corner punch, Nestabilities scalloped die cuts; stamps - Stepin Up 1997 butterflies & flowers stamp set; embellishments - Cloud 9 quotes, ribbon, gold beads, brads,etc.
