It is week #56 in my Printable Card Sketches for Crafting Quick and Creative Cards series and this week’s sketch comes together in a flash! If you have not tried using card sketches yet, I think you are truly missing out on one of the easiest ways to create beautiful handmade cards quickly and effortlessly.

Card sketches are such a fabulous creative tool because they take the guesswork out of designing your card layouts. Whether you need a card at the last minute or simply want to jumpstart your creativity, easy card sketches make the process so much more enjoyable. I especially love how one simple sketch can create completely different looks just by changing the designer series paper, cardstock colors, or embellishments.

For my two cards today I used the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper which is featured in my June Suite of the Month Class. Even though both cards use the exact same paper pack, each card has its own unique style and personality simply by changing the patterns and placement of the papers. That is one of my favorite things about using printable card sketches for crafting — they give you endless inspiration while still allowing your own creativity to shine through.

You Have Two Ways to Receive the Card Sketch Downloads

There are two different options for receiving my download card sketches:

Option #1 – Free Download

This is the free option that you can download and print at any time. You’ll find all the free sketches in my Photo Gallery here on my blog. Simply click on the Weekly Card Sketches Album to browse through all of the sketch ideas and inspiration.

Option #2 – Free with Any Size Order

Place any size order of at least $1.00 through my online store and you’ll receive the upgraded version with:

• Measurements
• Step-by-step instructions
• The full month of card sketch downloads

Once your order is placed, I’ll send you an email with the entire month’s worth of Simple Card Sketch Templates. This allows you to see what is coming up for the month or catch up on sketches that have already been featured, depending on when you order.

Some card makers love having all the measurements and instructions included, while others prefer using the sketches simply as inspiration to create something uniquely their own. Either option is a wonderful resource to keep in your craft area.

I always recommend printing your sketches, slipping them into page protectors, and storing them in a 3-ring binder. Before long, you’ll have an entire collection of Simple Card Sketch Templates ready whenever you need card making inspiration.

For Today’s Free Card Sketch to Download and Print Click HERE
To View ALL the Free Sketches and download the PDF files Click HERE or click on the Photo Gallery button at the top of my blog and then click on the Card Sketches Album.

Now let’s take a closer look at each of my samples today:

The first card features the beautiful fish patterns from the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper and has such a relaxing masculine feel to it. To create the background, the cut pieces of designer series paper were layered onto a piece of Misty Moonlight cardstock and then attached to the Garden Green card base for a rich natural color combination.

Each of the four rectangles of designer series paper was cut on the diagonal before being mounted onto the Misty Moonlight layer, creating an almost kaleidoscope-style effect across the card front. This simple technique adds so much visual interest while still keeping the layout easy enough for beginner card makers to recreate using easy card sketches.

For the focal point, I punched a couple of circles and hand cut one of the fish images directly from the designer series paper. The sentiment was stamped onto the circle layer and the fish was popped up using dimensionals for added depth and texture. To finish the card, I added a few gold metallic gems which tied everything together beautifully and added just the right amount of sparkle.

This card would be absolutely perfect for someone who is retiring soon or has recently retired. The peaceful imagery paired with the thoughtful sentiment creates such a calming and meaningful handmade card. I also love that the sentiment comes from the coordinating Relaxing Waterside Bundle, making it so easy to pair perfectly with the designer series paper.

For my next card I chose a completely different print from the Waterside Retreat Designer Series Paper, yet I used the exact same layout and technique as the first card. That is one of the reasons I love using printable card sketches for crafting — one sketch can give you endless creative possibilities simply by changing the papers and colors.

For this version, I switched up the mat and card base colors and selected the fun bicycle print from the collection. This particular design feels playful and youthful to me and would make fantastic cards for teenagers, kids, or anyone who loves outdoor adventures. Everyone loves bikes, making this print perfect for so many occasions including birthdays, celebrations, invitations, or even casual thinking of you cards.

The card base for this sample is Gray Granite cardstock with a Cajun Craze mat layer, which really helps pull out the warm tones in the designer paper. I love how these earthy colors give the card a fun but slightly rustic feel.

For the focal point, I used my 2 1/4″ circle punch to punch directly around one of the bicycle images from the designer series paper. This makes creating a focal image incredibly easy since the beautiful artwork is already done for you. If you do not have the circle punch, the Stylish Shapes Dies would work perfectly as an alternative.

The sentiment was added onto a banner die cut using the Stylish Shapes Dies and I layered a small strip of Cajun Craze cardstock behind it for a little extra contrast and dimension. Sometimes those tiny layered details are what really help a card come together.

I love how completely different this card feels from the first sample even though both cards were created using the same easy card sketches and layout design. That is the magic of card sketches — they give you a reliable foundation while still allowing your creativity and personality to shine through with every project you create.

Here is your Shopping List for Today’s Printable Card Sketches for Crafting from the Stamp Camp:

Relaxing Waterside Bundle (English) – 167928

Price: $46.75

Waterside Retreat 12″ X 12″ (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper – 167920

Price: $13.00

Adhesive-Backed Metallic Gems – 163780

Price: $9.50

Stylish Shapes Dies – 159183

Price: $30.00

2-3/8″ (6 Cm) Circle Punch – 161354

Price: $25.00

Basic White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 166780

Price: $14.00

Cajun Craze 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 119684

Price: $14.00

Gray Granite 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 146983

Price: $14.00

Misty Moonlight 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock – 153081

Price: $14.00

Cajun Craze Classic Stampin’ Pad – 147085

Price: $11.00

Misty Moonlight Classic Stampin’ Pad – 153118

Price: $11.00

Add All to Cart

Supply List

Click on any of the supplies you wish to purchase and add them to your shopping cart; I so appreciate any and all orders!

Here is the June Customer Appreciation:

Place a min.  $1–$49.99 Order in my Stampin’ Up! Store
You will receive:

• A Download PDF file with Step-by-step video tutorial for a Z-Fold Stair Step Card perfect for any occasion
• Four Card Sketches with Measurements and Step-by-Step Instructions (This month it is Card Sketches 56-59)

Want More Inspiration and Ideas for the Waterside Retreat Suite:

Place a min. $50+ Order (before shipping & tax)
You will receive:

• The Z-Fold Stair Step Card PDF file and video shown above.
• 4 Card Sketches with Measurements and Step-by-step instructions
• 4 Beautiful Cards using the Waterside Retreat Suite (one simple card and 3 fun fold cards)
• Step-by-step videos + PDF instructions for all 4 cards
• 8 bonus card PDF tutorials (cards not shown and no video tutorial but step-by-step instructions)
• Total 17 cards
  

Looking for a 3D Project or a Great One Sheet Wonder Project:

Place a min. $75+ Order (before shipping & tax)
You will receive:

• Everything in the $50 level PLUS
• 3 additional BONUS projects:
  • A Double Gatefold Pocket fun fold gift card holder
  • A One Sheet Wonder (9 cards) 3 are fun fold cards
  • A beautiful Gift /Treat Box with coordinating card
  • Total 28 cards plus a 3D box

I hope you enjoyed seeing all the projects I have ready to share using the beautiful Waterside Retreat Suite! I truly had so much fun creating these for you, and I know you’re going to love making them too.

If you’d like to get your hands on these tutorials, now is the perfect time to place your order and take advantage of this month’s Suite of the Month Class offerings.

 Simply place your Stampin’ Up! online order with me and you’ll receive all the coordinating projects based on your order level.

You can shop anytime in my online store here:

Have questions? I’m always happy to help—just send me a message!

Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your continued support of my small business. It truly means so much to me.

Happy Stamping!