If you’re not sure where to start when making a card, a card sketch is a great place!

A card sketch is a pattern for making a card.

 

Can you tell that I used the same card sketch to make all 3 of these cards?

Even though I used many of the same supplies to make all 3 of these cards, a card sketch is a great place to start because you can use it with ANY supplies that you have.

 

I’ve included measurements on this card sketch to make it even easier for you, but if you don’t like to measure you don’t have to use them!

The sketch is really just a starting point and you can adjust it however you want as you choose your supplies and make your card.

 

Here’s a little bit more about the 3 cards that I made with this sketch…


Fresh Freesia card base: 4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″
Butterfly Paper: 2″ x 5″

While the sketch measurements say to cut your card base to 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, it’s perfectly acceptable to cut your card stock the other way and have your card open at the top as this one does.

Use a circle die from the Stylish Shapes dies and it will put a lovely pierced edge around the outside at the same time. It’s amazing how much detail that adds!

And the new Iridescent Pearls add just the perfect touch to the center of a few flowers.

 


Starry Sky card base: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
Butterfly Paper: 2″ x 5″

For this one, I used a circle die to cut a butterfly right out of a piece of patterned paper. No stamping needed!

Layering the circle onto a scalloped circle adds more color and really makes the butterfly pop.

One of my favorite “trends” is to emboss your greeting in white embossing powder on colored card stock. Have you tried that?

 


Fresh Freesia card base: 4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″
Crosshatch Paper: 2″ x 5″

It’s not my favorite thing to do, but for this one, I fussy-cut a butterfly out of patterned paper. 

Then I popped it up with some dimensionals so it looks like it’s flying off the card.

A few decorative dots in the right place can really add a lot to your cards.

 

Sketch #6 Card Tips:

  • Try using a different shape in place of the main circle. A square would be the easiest, but you may have another die or punch shape that would work.
  • Use embossed card stock or stamp your own pattern on colored card stock instead of using patterned paper for your 2″x5″ piece.
  • Step Up your card by adding a scalloped circle behind your main circle or adding other embellishments.

 

Watch this video to learn how to make a die shorter:

For all 3 of my cards, I created a die-cut by making the label die from the Sending Dies set shorter. Watch the video above to see how to do that.

 

Your turn! Make a card using this card sketch and supplies that you have.

The great thing about card sketches is that you can use the dimensions and layout exactly or you can use it as a starting point and then add your own extra flair.

 

Be sure to take a photo of your card so you can share it during our weekly Sunday night Show & Tell on my Facebook page.

Then send your card to a friend. You’ll make their day!

Happy Stamping!

Jessica

p.s. There are lots of card sketches out there, but I’ve been sharing some super SIMPLE card sketches here on my blog and I’ve created a printable pdf of my 8 card sketches for you.

Download your FREE Card Sketches Here

Card Making Supplies Used: 

Here are some other card sketches you can use with more tips for using card sketches:

Card Sketch #1

Card Sketch #2

Card Sketch #3

Card Sketch #4

Card Sketch #5

Don’t forget to pin this idea for later! ⤵