Welcome to Week #24 of my weekly card sketch series! Each week I share quick and easy card sketch ideas to spark your creativity and help you make beautiful handmade cards without overthinking the design process. Whether you’re new to stamping or a seasoned crafter who’s feeling stuck in a creative slump, these sketches are a great way to get those creative juices flowing again.
One of the things I love most about working from sketches is that they take the guesswork out of cardmaking. You can start with a simple layout, pull out your favorite papers, and before you know it, you’ve got a card you’ll be proud to share or give away.
To download and print Sketch #24 Click HERE
To download and print Sketch #23 Click HERE
To download and print Sketch #22 Click HERE
To download and print Sketch #21 Click HERE
To download and print Sketch #20 Click HERE
To download and print Sketches #11 – #20 Click HERE
To download and print Sketches #1 – #10 Click HERE.
This week’s sketch starts out simple — a quick and easy card that’s perfect for any occasion. Then, I’ll show you how to step it up and transform that same layout into a unique fun fold card that adds a “wow” factor while still being easy to create.
If you’re someone who enjoys having card sketch inspiration for handmade cards, you’ll love this series.
This simple layout transforms into a beautiful work of art in just a matter of minutes. When you use the Gathering Together Specialty Designer Series Paper and the coordinating Gathering Moments Bundle, your card will come together in a flash.
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Card Base: Early Espresso – 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″
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Designer Series Paper: 1 7/8″ x 5 1/4″ and 2″ x 5 1/4″
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Diamond Layer: Early Espresso – 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4″; Basic White – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
The little acorn was stamped in Early Espresso and die-cut using the coordinating die from the bundle. I added a small Old Olive twine bow and a couple of Cajun Craze & Gold Dots to finish off this simple but beautiful card.
The result? A warm, nature-inspired design that’s quick, easy, and absolutely perfect for fall.
If you’re looking for card sketch inspiration for handmade cards, this design is one you’ll definitely want to try. It’s clean, classic, and easy to adapt for any occasion just by swapping out your paper and sentiment.
Stepping It Up – Card #2 Fun Fold Version
For Card #2, you might be thinking it looks almost identical to Card #1 — and you’d be right! The layout is the same, but the magic is in the details. This version features different prints from the Gathering Together Specialty Designer Series Paper, and instead of a standard card base, we’re turning it into a fun fold card.
The card base is Cajun Craze, measuring 4 1/4″ x 5 1/4″, with an added mini card attached to the bottom front. The mini card is also Cajun Craze, cut at 2 1/4″ x 11″ and scored at 5 1/2″. This creates a beautiful layered effect and adds a fun, interactive element to your handmade card.
I used the Gathering Together Specialty Designer Series Paper cut to 2″ x 5 1/4″, attaching it to the mini card along the bottom front edge. Then I cut a piece of Crushed Curry cardstock measuring 1 7/8″ x 5 1/4″. I ran that layer through the Gathering Leaves Embossing Folder (which is part of the same suite), adding texture and a touch of elegance. This was added to the inside of the card at the top.
The diamond-shaped focal point carries through from Card #1, giving the two designs a cohesive look. I stamped the sentiment in Early Espresso ink, then stamped the leaves and acorn images on a separate piece of Basic Beige cardstock using Crushed Curry, Early Espresso, and Cajun Craze inks. Each image was die-cut using the coordinating dies from the Gathering Moments Bundle.
For the inside of the card, I added a strip of Basic Beige cardstock measuring 2″ x 5 1/4″. To that piece, I stamped my sentiment and added an acorn and another leaf image that I stamped and die-cut. This simple touch brings the outside design beautifully to the inside and ties the whole card together.
Once assembled, this fun fold design opens in a unique way, revealing your message inside — a delightful surprise for the recipient!
This version shows just how versatile a simple sketch can be. By keeping the same basic layout and switching up your base and folds, you can take one of these quick and easy card sketch ideas and turn it into something that looks completely new.
Card #3 – A Different Take on the Fun Fold
For Card #3, not only did I change up the Designer Series Paper that I used, but I also wanted to show you how to create a fun fold card in a completely different way — using the same basic sketch as our starting point!
This time, I chose the Autumn Toile Designer Series Paper paired with the coordinating Amber Autumn Bundle for my focal point, sentiments, and die cuts. The rich, autumnal tones in this suite pair beautifully with the warm neutrals from the Gathering Together collection, yet they bring a whole new look and feel to the card.
The card base is Basic Beige, measuring 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, scored at 4 1/4″. To create the fold, start at the top of the score line and cut down to the 2″ mark. Then, turn your cardstock, line it up at 2″, and cut across to the score line — removing the top 2″ x 5 1/2″ section.
At first glance, it may look like the same fun fold as Card #2, but this version does not have the extra mini card strip attached. It’s a simpler fold that still gives you that layered, dimensional effect while keeping it clean and elegant. The measurements for all the layers remain the same as Card #2, which makes it easy to mix and match your papers and colors for a variety of looks.
For the focal point on the front, I stayed with the familiar diamond shape and used the leaves and acorn image from the Amber Autumn Bundle. I stamped the image onto a piece of Basic Beige cardstock, colored it with Stampin’ Blends, and then die-cut it using the coordinating die. The finished piece was popped up on the diamond shape on the card front for added dimension and a beautiful layered effect.
I added an Early Espresso layer embossed with the Gathering Leaves Embossing Folder, tying in texture and richness that complement the Autumn Toile Designer Series Paper perfectly. The combination of embossed leaves and the Amber Autumn die cuts creates a lovely, cohesive design that feels fresh but familiar.
For the inside, I kept things simple with a stamped sentiment in Early Espresso ink and added a small acorn image that I stamped and die-cut using the Gathering Moments Bundle. It’s the perfect little finishing touch that ties the inside and outside designs together beautifully.
This third card is the perfect example of how you can take one card sketch inspiration for handmade cards and reinvent it multiple ways. With just a few small changes — a different paper pack, a new color palette, or a modified fold — you can create three distinct designs that each have their own charm.
Here Is Your Shopping List for These Quick and Easy Card Sketch Ideas
If you’d like to recreate these card sketch ideas from Week #24, here’s everything you’ll need to make all three cards. You can mix and match the products across the designs to create your own unique combinations — or stick with one suite for a perfectly coordinated look!
Price: $16.50
October Customer Appreciation – Huge PDF file Featuring the Neutrals Color Family
Orders of $50 or more (before tax and shipping) placed in my online store this month will qualify for an exclusive PDF download.
This month’s download includes:
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Neutrals Color Combination Guide – Forty unique color combinations featuring the Neutrals Collection
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Forty coordinating card ideas to inspire your crafting
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Bonus PDF featuring creative ideas with the color Night of Navy
Please note: this Customer Appreciation PDF Download is not available for purchase—it’s my special gift of thanks to everyone who places a qualifying order with me.
This Month’s FREE PDF file featuring the Night of Navy Color Combinations:
Click HERE to download the FREE Night of Navy PDF file.
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Glenda Calkins Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator
Join me every Wednesday for quick and easy card sketch ideas.