4 Handmade Card Ideas Using Embossing Folders & Patterned Paper

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Ever find a card sketch you love but wonder if every card will end up looking the same? This week's card making project proves just the opposite!
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With one simple layout, I created four completely different handmade cards - a cheerful thinking of you card, a soccer-themed card that's perfect during the World Cup excitement, a warm hello card, and even a Halloween design. The secret is mixing patterned paper, embossing folders, and your favorite Stampin' Up!® bundles.

Click Read More to see the video tutorials, simple card template, and more details on these 4 handmade card samples.

Easy Card Sketch #13

One of my favorite things about using a card sketch is that it takes the guesswork out of designing a card. Instead of wondering where everything should go, you can focus on choosing colors, stamps, textures, and embellishments.

This week's sketch features three vertical panels across the front of the card with a focal point layered over the center. The panels can be Designer Series Paper, embossed cardstock, or a combination of both. It's a simple layout that's easy to customize for almost any occasion.
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Don't forget to download the free project sheet below for all of the measurements so you can recreate this layout with your own supplies.

FREE Project Sheet for this Card Sketch

Complete Supply List for this Thinking of You Card

Thinking of You with the Extraordinary Life Bundle

For the first card, I paired the Extraordinary Life stamp set with the Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper for a bright, cheerful design that's perfect for sending a little encouragement.

Instead of using patterned paper across all three panels, I added lots of texture by embossing the Pool Party cardstock. The left panel features the Forever Plaid 3D Embossing Folder, while the right panel uses the Lazy Daisy 3D Embossing Folder. The center strip of Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper adds just enough color to tie everything together without overwhelming the design.
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The layered notebook paper die cut, banners, and butterfly image from the Extraordinary Life bundle, and sentiments from the Scalloped Blooms and Banner Sayings stamp sets finish the card beautifully. A few Array of Dots embellishments add the perfect finishing touch.

World Cup Inspired Soccer Card with the Match Day Bundle

This sketch also works wonderfully for masculine cards and sports fans!

Using the Match Day Bundle with the A Wonderful Match Designer Series Paper, I created a soccer-themed card that's especially fun with all the excitement surrounding the World Cup.

The left and right panels are embossed with the Swirls of Magic and Forever Plaid embossing folders, while the soccer patterned paper takes center stage. The soccer ball is colored with Smoky Slate Stampin' Blends, and I used Pool Party Stampin' Blends to color the flag for a fun pop of color.
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A few Wonderful Stars Puffy Stickers finish off the design and add just the right amount of dimension.

Complete Supply List for this Soccer Card

Complete Supply List for this Hello Card

A Simple Hello with the Simply Leaves Bundle

This card has a completely different feel while using the exact same card sketch.

I started with Crisp Cantaloupe cardstock and embossed the left panel with the Textured Tree Ring 3D Embossing Folder. The right panel uses one of the Seasonal Cheer Mini Embossing Folders, while the center panel features the new In Color Gingham Gallery Designer Series Paper.
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The simple leaf image and sentiment from the Simply Leaves Bundle keep the focal point clean and elegant, while a bow of Linen Thread adds a little rustic charm.
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It's a wonderful example of how changing colors and textures can completely transform a layout.

Halloween Fun with the Oh My Fright Bundle

For the final card, I flipped the sketch just a bit by placing the embossed cardstock in the center and using patterned paper on both outside panels.

The spooky scene comes from the Frightfully Fun Times Designer Series Paper, while the center black panel is embossed with one of the Seasonal Cheer Mini Embossing Folders featuring tiny bats. Because it's embossed on black cardstock, the texture is subtle but adds so much interest.

The adorable ghost from the Oh My Fright Bundle is shaded with Stampin' Blends for soft cheeks and gentle dimension. I finished everything with Adhesive-Backed Bats, Ghosts & Dots and a strip of Black 3/8" Iridescent Ribbon to pull the whole design together.
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This card shows just how easy it is to give the same sketch a completely different personality.

Complete Supply List for this Halloween Card

Creativity Made Simple: Card Templates

If you enjoy creating from sketches, you'll love my Creativity Made Simple: Card Templates book!
Inside you'll find dozens of easy-to-follow card templates that help you create beautiful handmade cards using the supplies you already own. Simply choose a sketch, swap in your favorite stamps and papers, and you'll never run out of inspiration.
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Whether you're new to cardmaking or you've been creating for years, having a collection of go-to layouts makes designing cards faster, easier, and more fun.

Download the Free Project Sheet

Want to recreate these cards?

Be sure to download this week's free project sheet, which includes all of the measurements for Card Sketch #13 so you can easily make your own versions using your favorite Stampin' Up!® products.

One sketch can inspire dozens of unique designs - you'll be surprised how many ideas you come up with once you start mixing different papers, embossing folders, and focal images!

Try This Easy Card Sketch Yourself

I hope these four cards inspire you to pull out your favorite patterned paper, embossing folders, and stamp sets to give this layout a try.

I'd love to see what you create! Leave a comment below and tell me which of these four cards is your favorite, or share your own version of Card Sketch #13.

If you enjoyed today's project, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss another Stamp with Me Tuesday, and don't forget to browse the rest of my blog for even more card making, paper crafting, rubber stamping, and Stampin' Up! inspiration.
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Happy stamping! 🧡