Easy Card Sketch with 3 Handmade Card Ideas

images copyright 1990-2025 Stampin' Up!®

There’s nothing like a good card sketch to spark your creativity! With just one simple layout, you can make cards for any season, occasion, or mood. Today, I’m sharing a brand-new card sketch along with three handmade card ideas that show just how versatile it can be.
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The timing couldn’t be better because the 2025 September–December Mini Catalog goes live on Wednesday—and so do some fabulous new Online Exclusives! I used brand-new products from both releases for today’s cards, and I can’t wait to give you a peek.

​Click "Read More" to see the video tutorial, project photos, and grab your free downloadable project sheet with measurements.

Watch the Video Tutorial

Watch this week's video tutorial to see how I use this sketch step-by-step. 

FREE Project Sheet for this Card Sketch

This Week’s Card Sketch

Here’s the simple sketch we’ll be using. With one horizontal band across the center and a layered focal piece, the possibilities are endless!

Measurements:
Card Base: 8 ½” x 5 ½”, scored at 4 ¼”
Layer: 2 ¾” x 4”
Patterned Paper (same pattern):

• (bottom layer) 4 ¼” x 2”
• (top layer) 2 ¾” x 2”

Fall Thank You Card – Gathering Moments Suite

This warm and cozy card is perfect for the season of gratitude. I used the Gathering Moments stamp set and dies with the Gathering Together Designer Series Paper, all part of the brand-new Gathering Together Suite (Online Exclusives launching Wednesday). The Early Espresso Linen Thread adds the perfect rustic touch.

The golden oak leaf and acorn sit beautifully against the plaid background, and the “Many Thanks” sentiment makes this card ideal for fall gifting.

Supply List for this Thank You Card

Supply List for this Christmas Card

Christmas Baking Card – Homemade Treats Bundle

If you love holiday baking, this card is for you! I used the new Homemade Treats bundle (an Online Exclusive!) along with the Christmas Tags & More 6"x6" Designer Series Paper from the Mini Catalog. The Crumb Cake base, paired with Pretty in Pink and Pool Party, gives a fresh twist to holiday colors.
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The stamped and die-cut oven mitts, rolling pin, and gingerbread cookie make this card absolutely delightful for Christmas. Pair it with homemade goodies for a heartfelt gift!

Thinking of You Card – Peace On Earth Suite

For something soft and serene, I used the Peace On Earth Suite from the Mini Catalog. The card base is Misty Moonlight with a strip of the floral paper from the suite. I also added Hues of Blue flowers for extra dimension.
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To finish it off, I tied a bow with the Misty Moonlight & White 1/4" Ribbon Starter Pack—an existing product that blends beautifully. The sentiment “Sending Heartfelt Prayers” makes this a perfect thinking-of-you card.

Supply List for this Sympathy Card

How to Get Your Free Tutorials

One sketch, three completely different looks—that’s the power of card sketches! Whether you’re making fall thank-you cards, holiday baking greetings, or a heartfelt thinking-of-you card, this sketch will help you create with confidence.

✨ Don’t forget:

• The 2025 September–December Mini Catalog goes live on Wednesday!
• New Online Exclusives (like Gathering Moments and Homemade Treats) launch the same day.

​Place an order of $50 or more and I’ll send you my Creativity Made Simple Volume 12 Card Sketches & Tutorials bundle. Spend $75+ and you’ll also receive the Bundle of the Month 16-Card Video Class. At $100+, you’ll get a FREE Make n’ Take Kit for next month’s Online Card Class.
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Now it’s your turn—grab the free project sheet above, try out this sketch, and share your creations with me on social media. I can’t wait to see what you make!