Easy Card Sketch with Three Patterned Paper Panels

Images copyright 1990–2026 Stampin’ Up!®

Do you ever sit down to make a card and have absolutely no idea where to start? A card sketch can make that blank piece of cardstock feel a whole lot less intimidating!

This easy card sketch divides the card front into three sections of patterned paper, with a large focal image overlapping them. The flower on the sketch is just a placeholder. You can use flowers, leaves, balloons, or any other large stamped or die-cut image.
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I used the sketch to create three handmade cards, including two featuring products that are brand-new today! Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Easy Card Sketch Video Tutorial

If you missed the live video, you can watch it right here! I demonstrate the Radiant Sunflowers card from beginning to end and share tips for using this card template with the supplies you already have.

Card Sketch Measurements and Supplies

Here are the basic supplies you’ll need to recreate this card sketch:

• Cardstock: 8½" x 5½", scored at 4¼"
• Cardstock: 4¼" x 5½"
• Patterned paper: 3" x 4¼"
• Patterned paper: 3" x 1½"
• Patterned paper: 3" x 1"
• Sentiment stamp
• Large image stamp with a coordinating die, punch, or scissors to cut it out
• Embossing folder
• 2" Circle Punch
• Ink
• Adhesive
• Additional cardstock and embellishments to finish your card

The large flower on the sketch represents any focal image or shape. Look through your stamps, dies, and punches for an image that will overlap all three sections and help connect the different patterned papers.

To round the lower-right corner, slide the corner of the layered panel into the top of a 2" Circle Punch. This lets you round one corner without needing a separate corner-rounding punch.
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You can download the free project sheet below for the sketch, measurements, and supply list.

Get the FREE Project Sheet for this Card Sketch

Radiant Sunflowers Handmade Card

For my first card, I used the new Radiant Sunflowers Bundle and Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper from the September–December 2026 Stampin’ Up!® catalog. I love the warm autumn colors in this paper!

I colored the large floral image with Golden Glow, Petal Pink, Old Olive, and Pecan Pie Stampin’ Blends. The mix of sunflowers and the softer Petal Pink flower gives this fall card a little unexpected color.

The Pecan Pie card base was embossed with the Sunflower 3D Embossing Folder. That subtle texture helps frame the patterned paper without competing with the large floral image. A loose bow made with Linen Thread adds one more natural detail.

The “Wishing you so much happiness” sentiment makes this card work for a birthday, celebration, or simply letting someone know you’re thinking about them.
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This is the card I demonstrate in the video tutorial, so be sure to watch if you’d like to see exactly how it comes together.

Complete supply list for this sunflower card

Complete Supply List for this Fall Birthday Card

Lustrous Leaves Hot Foil Birthday Card

The second card features several new hot foil products available beginning September 1. I started by using the Lustrous Leaves Hot Foil Dies with Copper Foil on a Golden Glow pattern from the 2026–2028 In Color Gingham Gallery Designer Series Paper.

But I didn’t throw away the foil left behind!

I used the new Reverse Foiling Plate to transfer the remaining leaf image onto the lighter side of Golden Glow Two-Tone Cardstock. Then I cut both foiled leaves with the coordinating cutting dies included with the Lustrous Leaves set.

The result is two coordinating leaves with very different looks. One has a Golden Glow plaid background with fine copper details, while the reverse-foiled leaf has a much bolder copper finish. It’s a great way to get two beautiful focal images from one piece of foil.

For the three sections in the card sketch, I used the light side of Golden Glow Two-Tone Cardstock along with two designs from the new Radiant Foils Designer Series Paper. The metallic details in the paper pair beautifully with the copper leaves.
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The Golden Glow card base was embossed with the new Softly Woven 3D Embossing Folder. I finished the card with a “Happy Birthday” sentiment from the Framed & Fabulous Stamp Set, stamped in Pecan Pie, and a Linen Thread bow.

Balloon Festoon Celebration Card

You certainly don’t need new products to use this card sketch! For the final card, I pulled out the Balloon Festoon Bundle, Beautiful Ordinary Life Designer Series Paper, and Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder.

The balloons were stamped in Daffodil Delight, Pool Party, and Flirty Flamingo. These bright colors coordinate beautifully with the stripes, dots, and soft blended colors in the patterned paper.

To give the balloons a little extra movement, I attached the bottom of each balloon with Multipurpose Liquid Glue and placed a Stampin’ Dimensional behind the top. This makes the balloons tilt slightly away from the card instead of sitting completely flat.
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The “Hip Hip Hooray!” sentiment was stamped in Secret Sea, and I added a few new Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Sequins for a little shine. This card would work for a birthday, graduation, or just about any happy celebration.

Complete Supply List for this Balloon Birthday card

​New Stampin’ Up! Products Are Here!

The new September–December 2026 Stampin’ Up! catalog is now live, and it is packed with products for fall, winter, Christmas, and beyond.

Along with the new catalog, there are also new Online Exclusives and new hot foil products, including the Reverse Foiling Plate I used on the Lustrous Leaves card.

If you don’t have a paper copy of the catalog, you can view it online and shop all the new products in my Stampin’ Up! store.

More Card Sketch Inspiration

Card sketches are one of my favorite tools for getting started because they give you a basic plan without telling you exactly what your finished card has to look like. You can change the colors, rotate the sketch, substitute cardstock for patterned paper, or use any focal image that fits the space.
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If you enjoy creating with card templates, be sure to check out my Creativity Made Simple Card Template Book. It’s filled with card layouts you can use again and again with the stamps and patterned papers already in your craft room.

Creativity Made Simple Card Template Book

Which version of this sketch is your favorite - the sunflowers, the foiled leaves, or the bright balloons? I’d love to hear which one you would make first!

Don’t forget to download the free project sheet, watch the video tutorial, and shop with me for the new Stampin’ Up! products used on these cards.