Have a stamp set you want to use, but aren’t sure where to start? A card sketch gives you a layout so you can get right to choosing your paper and colors. This week, I’m sharing four handmade cards made with the same simple sketch: a thank-you card, a Christmas card, a birthday card, and a fall hello card.

With a wide panel across the front and a circle sentiment tucked along its upper edge, this card template leaves plenty of room for stamping or showing off your favorite patterned paper. Keep reading for all four samples, the video tutorial, and a free project sheet with the measurements. On y go! Let’s get stamping.

Think of a card sketch as a starting point. You can change the circle size to fit your sentiment, add an embossed background, or swap a stamped panel for patterned paper. These four samples show how a few choices can turn the same layout into cards for very different occasions.

Download the free project sheet to save the sketch and cutting measurements for your next cardmaking session.

• Cardstock: 8½" × 5½", scored at 4¼"
• Patterned paper: 4¼" × 5½"
• White or vanilla cardstock: 4¼" × 3"
• Cardstock: 4¼" × 3⅛"
• Sentiment stamp
• Medium Circle Punch
• Additional cardstock to finish card

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You’ll also need ink, adhesive, and any stamps or embellishments you’d like to use. Adjust the circle size and layers to suit your card, just as I did with the samples below.

For the card I demonstrate in the video, I paired the Simply Leaves stamp set with Painted Patch Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up! The leaves are stamped in Petal Pink, Golden Glow, Calypso Coral, Bubble Bath, and Crushed Curry. Who says a fall leaf card has to be all brown and orange? A little pink fits right in!
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I stamped the thank-you sentiment on white cardstock punched with the 1¾" Circle Punch, then layered it on a Petal Pink circle punched with the 1⅞" Circle Punch. That narrow border adds a little definition while repeating one of the colors in the stamped leaves.

For a Christmas version, I used the Holly Jolly Branches bundle with Texture & Tone Designer Series Paper. The trees are stamped in Mossy Meadow and Old Olive, with red Sparkle Sequins added to the Mossy Meadow trees. Those little pops of red give the trees a festive finishing touch.

Here’s a way to get another look from your ribbon and twine: separate the strands! I pulled apart a piece of Multicolor Christmas Baker’s Twine and used just the Cherry Cobbler strand to embellish the sentiment. It coordinates with the red sequins without adding all the other colors in the twine.

Make More Christmas Cards with Me in November
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Holly Jolly Branches is also the bundle we’ll use for my November 17 Online Card Class. If you’d like a card kit, register by October 31. You can also earn the kit free with a $100 order through me during October.

Need a birthday card? This version uses the Framed & Fabulous stamp set and Valley in Bloom Designer Series Paper. I punched the sentiment with the 2⅜" Circle Punch and layered it on Coastal Cabana cardstock cut with the Stylish Shapes dies. This is a good example of adjusting the sketch to fit the sentiment you want to use.
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The Swirls of Magic embossing folder adds texture to the background, and a trio of Shimmering Dots finishes the card. A sentiment, some pretty paper, and a little texture make a quick and easy birthday card.

The Autumn Opulence Designer Series Paper pack includes die-cuts as well as patterned paper, so I used those pieces to create the sentiment area for this fall hello card. The “hello” comes from the Poetic Petals stamp set. Check the extras in your paper packs because you may already have a label or decorative piece that works with your card sketch.
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I layered the patterned paper on Cajun Craze cardstock and embossed the Early Espresso background with the Forever Plaid 3D embossing folder. To embellish the sentiment, I pulled apart a piece of jute and used the separated strands. The plaid texture and jute are a lovely match for the fall paper.

A new stamp set, a cheerful color combination, and a piece of patterned paper I can’t wait to cut into! It sounds like a perfect afternoon.

And if you’d like to see what I made and tell me what you’ve been stamping, even better!

That’s a big part of why I love being a Stampin’ Up!® demonstrator. I get to enjoy the supplies, share my excitement with other crafters, and help people make cards they’re proud to send. Plus, a discount on stamps, ink, and paper? Yes, please!

If you’ve wondered whether you should join Stampin’ Up!, you might be surprised by how many of the benefits are perfect for someone who simply loves to craft. You don’t have to want a business. Joining for the product deal or the discount is a great reason all by itself.

Here are my five favorite things about being a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, and a few extra reasons I’d love to welcome you to the On Y Go! Stamping team.

Do you have a stack of 6" x 6" patterned paper that you keep admiring instead of cutting? Let’s put one sheet to work. This One Sheet Wonder makes three cards from a single sheet, and you can change the paper and sentiments to make cards for almost any occasion.
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I made the layout three times: Christmas cards, fall cards, and everyday cards. That’s nine cards from three sheets of paper! In the video, I’ll demonstrate the Christmas set and show you how to use the same cutting plan for your own paper crafting projects.

Pumpkins don’t have to be limited to traditional orange, and they definitely don’t have to be just for Halloween! For this month’s Online Card Class, I created three fall cards with the Painted Pumpkins Bundle and Painted Patch Designer Series Paper from Stampin’ Up!®️.

We’ll use the stamps, decorative masks, and dies in several different ways, including a fabulous gate fun fold. There’s plenty of orange, of course, but I also brought in Pool Party, Secret Sea, Petal Pink, and Golden Glow for three very different fall looks.
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Keep reading to see all three cards and learn how you can get the complete Painted Pumpkins tutorial bundle.

Have you ever looked at the bubble wrap in a package and thought, “I should save that”? Well, today is the day to dig it out of your stash!

The bubble wrap technique is an easy way to add texture and pattern to your handmade cards using something you probably already have around the house. You can use large bubbles, tiny bubbles, or anything in between, and every piece creates a slightly different look.

I created four cards to show you several ways to use this simple rubber stamping technique. You can cover an entire card background, layer multiple colors, repeat the print, or add just a few bits of texture around the edges. Let’s get stamping!