Easy Card Sketch – Turn Patterned Paper Scraps into Beautiful Handmade Cards

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Sometimes the simplest layouts become the ones you reach for over and over again. This week's card sketch is perfect for using those skinny strips of Designer Series Paper that are too pretty to throw away but too small for most projects.

By varying the widths of the strips and tearing them to different lengths, you can create a unique background in just a few minutes. Add a sentiment across the front and your card is finished! Keep reading to see three completely different cards made from the same sketch.
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Be sure to scroll down for the free downloadable project sheet with all of the measurements.

Video Tutorial

If you missed the live video, you can watch the replay right here! I'll show you how to create this easy card sketch step by step using the Thanks Man Stamp Set and Nature Walk Designer Series Paper. Then scroll down to see two additional card ideas and download the free project sheet with all the measurements.

Project Sheet for this Card Sketch

This Week's Card Sketch

This sketch is simple enough for beginners but flexible enough that you'll find yourself using it again and again.
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Layer six or seven narrow strips of Designer Series Paper along the right side of your card, letting them extend toward the center. Tear each strip to a different length to create a relaxed, organic look, then finish the design with a sentiment across the front.

Since the patterned paper is the star of the show, this is also a fantastic way to use those leftover scraps you've been saving.

Measurements
Card Base: 8-1/2" x 5-1/2", scored at 4-1/4"
Cardstock: 3-3/4" x 5"
Coordinating Cardstock: 3-7/8" x 5-1/8"
Designer Series Paper: 6–7 strips 1/8"–5/8" wide & at least 3-1/2" long
White Cardstock: Approximately 3/4" x 3-1/2"

Masculine Congratulations

This is the card I created during this week's Stamp with Me Tuesday. It features the Nature Walk Designer Series Paper and the Thanks Man Stamp Set for a masculine congratulations card that's quick to make but full of texture.

To add a little extra interest behind the patterned paper, I embossed the background layer with the Forever Plaid Embossing Folder before adhering the torn strips. I used Pretty Peacock and Secret Sea cardstock, then stamped the "Congrats Dude" sentiment in Pretty Peacock and Balmy Blue. A few of the new Radiant Gems, coming in September, finish the card with just a subtle touch of sparkle.
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One of my favorite parts of this sketch is that there's no need to measure the lengths of the patterned paper. Simply arrange the strips, tear them until you're happy with the look, and adhere them to the card front.

Supply List for this Congratulations Card

Painted Pumpkins Thank You

For my second sample, I switched to the Painted Patch Designer Series Paper and the Painted Pumpkins Stamp Set to create a warm fall thank-you card.

The rich combination of Golden Glow, Cajun Craze, and Petal Pink creates a beautiful autumn color palette. After layering the torn paper strips, I added the "Thank You" sentiment across the front, popping up the left side with Stampin' Dimensionals while adhering the right side directly to the card.
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A few Painted Patch Dots complete the design without distracting from the beautiful Designer Series Paper.

Supply List for this Fall Thank You Card

Halloween Trick or Treat

The same sketch also works perfectly for Halloween cards!

This version combines the Frightfully Fun Designer Series Paper with the Oh My Fright Bundle. Before adding the torn strips, I stamped small stars across the Basic Black background using White Craft Ink to create a fun night sky.

The "Trick or Treat" banner stretches across the center of the card and ties all of the patterned paper together. Finally, I added a few Adhesive-Backed Bats, Ghosts & Dots to finish the design with a little Halloween sparkle.
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It's amazing how changing the paper, stamps, and colors completely transforms the look while using the exact same sketch.

Supply List for this Halloween Card

One Sketch, Endless Possibilities

That's one of the things I love most about card sketches. Once you have the basic layout, you can completely change the look simply by switching your Designer Series Paper, stamps, colors, and embellishments.

Whether you're making thank-you cards, Halloween cards, masculine cards, birthday cards, or thinking of you cards, this sketch is one you'll find yourself using again and again. It's also a wonderful way to use up those narrow strips of patterned paper that tend to collect in your craft room.

If you'd like even more layouts like this one, be sure to check out my Creativity Made Simple Card Template Book. It's filled with dozens of card sketches designed to help you spend less time wondering what to make and more time creating.
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Don't forget to download this week's free project sheet with all the measurements so you can recreate this sketch with your favorite Stampin' Up!® products.