Easy Card Sketch – 3 Handmade Card Ideas Using Simple Strips

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This card sketch is about to make your life so much easier.

If you’ve ever sat down in your craft room and thought, “I have supplies… but no idea what to make,” this is exactly what you need. Today’s card sketch is simple, flexible, and a layout that you’ll come back to again and again.

We’re using basic strips of cardstock to build a background, and then layering three images on top. That’s it. You can change the colors, stamps, dies, or even swap in patterned paper – and suddenly you’ve got a different card every time.
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Click “Read More” to watch the video tutorial, see all three card ideas, and grab the free project sheet with all the measurements.

Step-by-step Video Tutorial

Gather your supplies and watch the full tutorial above so you can stamp along with me.

Basic Supply List:

• Cardstock: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored at 4 1/4"
• Cardstock: 4" x 5 1/4"
• Light colored cardstock: (7) pieces – 1/2" x 4"
• Additional cardstock to finish card
• Stamps, ink, adhesive, Stampin’ Dimensionals

FREE Project Sheet for this Card Sketch

​Love card sketches? Check out the Creativity Made Simple Card Templates & Tutorials Volume 1 Book. It has 48 card sketches and 96 sample designs!

Coastal Cabana Star Card

This handmade card shows that simple doesn't mean boring. I started with a Coastal Cabana card base and layered a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Coastal Cabana cardstock on top. Then I added Pool Party strips across the front to create that striped background from the sketch.

All I did was adhere the strips directly to the cardstock layer and then attach the entire piece to the card front. It’s such an easy way to create a bold background with almost no effort.

The sentiment “just because” is stamped directly onto one of the strips to keep the design clean and uncluttered. For the focal point, I used the Playful Packaging bundle to die cut three stars from Lemon Lolly cardstock and popped them up with Stampin’ Dimensionals.

To finish it off, I added a few Shimmering Dots for sparkle and texture. This is a card that comes together quickly but still feels polished and intentional.

Supply List for this Star Card

Supply List for this Butterfly Card

Butterfly Friend Card

Same sketch. Different look.

For this version, I used a Basic White card base with Barely Blush strips for a soft and elegant background. The sentiment is stamped in Berry Burst, which gives the card just enough contrast while still keeping that light and feminine feel.

The butterflies are from the All Aflutter bundle, which we’ll also be using for the July Online Card Class that customers can earn FREE this month with a $100 order.

I stamped the butterflies in Barely Blush and Berry Burst, punched them out, and then added Wink of Stella over the top for shimmer. It’s subtle in photos, but absolutely gorgeous in person.
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To finish the card, I added a few white Sunset Sequins for a little extra sparkle and movement.

Let’s Celebrate Balloon Card

This card is bright, cheerful, and perfect for birthdays or celebrations.

For the background, I changed things up a little bit and used the new Painted Patterns Designer Series Paper instead of cardstock for the 4" x 5 1/4" layer. I used the Lemon Lolly polka dot pattern and then layered Lemon Lolly cardstock strips over the top for a fun tone-on-tone look.

Since I wanted the polka dots to show at the top and bottom, I used six strips instead of seven and didn't start all the way at the edge.

The balloons are from the Balloon Festoon bundle and were cut from Pool Party, Lemon Lime Twist, and Flirty Flamingo cardstock. I used blending brushes around the edges of each balloon to help them look more rounded and dimensional, then added white gel pen highlights to create that shiny balloon effect.
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The sentiment is stamped in Basic Gray, and I finished everything with a few Shimmering Dots.

Supply List for this Balloon Card

Your Turn to Try This Sketch

See what I mean? One sketch. Three different cards.

That’s the beauty of card sketches. They take away the stress of figuring out a layout and let you focus on the fun part – playing with stamps, colors, and papers.

If you love having easy layouts ready to go, make sure you check out my Creativity Made Simple Templates, Techniques, & Folds bundle. You’ll receive it FREE with a $50 order in my online store.

And if your order reaches $100 this month, you’ll also earn next month’s Online Card Class make and take kit for FREE.
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I’d love to know which card is your favorite – the stars, butterflies, or balloons? Let me know in the comments!

On Y Go!