Today I’m sharing how to cut and score a standard A2 card base.
This is the foundation for all of my My Simple Sketch card layouts.
You’ll see me use this in all of my Simple Sketch tutorials.
Cut 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock to 5 ½” x 8 ½”
Score at 4 1/4"
Fold to create your A2 card base
Here are the supplies I recommend:
Today I’m sharing three simple cards created using My Simple Sketch #1. This layout is one I reach for often because it creates a balanced card design with very little guesswork. In this tutorial I’ll show you the sketch, cutting guide, stamping technique, and three finished card ideas you can create using this layout.
My Simple Sketch layouts are designed to make cardmaking easy with clear measurements and simple layers that work beautifully with patterned paper and stamping.
These simple measurements create a balanced layout that works with many different stamps and patterned papers.
CARD #1 Thinking of You
Gather your supplies and using My Simple Sketch Card #1 as your guide cut your papers.
Start with Thick Basic White and cut the long side at 5 1/2" and score the long side at 4 1/4 so you have (2) card bases.
Cut your pattern paper 4 x 5 1/4
and add a Basic White 3x4 as your stamping space.
I stamped the swing in Smokey Slate at the bottom of our stamping space (3x4 Basic White piece) and then stamp the branch at the top making sure the swing chains are positioned behind the branch and the little bush in Old Olive Green Ink. Then use the Light and Dark Mossy Meadow to dot the leaves using the stamped images as your guide.
Use Smokey Slate Light Stampin Blend to add some shading to the swing. You don't need to color it all in, just add a little to the stamped image.
Adhere this stamped image to the card front and the pattern paper card. I made my card horizontal and added a sentiment to the inside rather than on the front of the card.
CARD #2 Anniversary Card
Different papers and stamp set but same Simple Sketch #1 gives you a whole new card!
Same cutting guide, but this time the stamp space is horizontal while the card base is vertical!
Use your stamping blends and color in the flower you stamped in Smokey Slate.
TIP: I stamp the sentiment TO THE HAPPY COUPLE in the top corner first, so I am sure I have room for my flower image.
Coloring Tip
I like to begin with the lighter color first, adding shading by following the stamped lines.
For this flower:
• Color the center with yellow
• Add Light Flirty Flamingo
• Then deepen the shadows with Dark Flirty Flamingo
This creates a soft dimensional look.
Card #3 Scenic Card
And this card needs no coloring and the Far Away Landscapes stamp does all the work. One of my favorite new stamps is the Fabulous Sayings. So many great options and good size titles with fun fonts.
I added a simple knotted ribbon to the bottom of the stamped shape and tuned the card horizontal too.
If you'd like to recreate these cards, you'll find the supply list below with the products I used. My Simple Sketch layouts are designed so you can easily substitute your own stamps and papers too.
Simple layouts make it easy to sit down and create.
SUPPLIES USED:
I hope this inspires you to try My Simple Sketch #1 with your own favorite papers and stamps.
If you ever need supplies, you can find them here.
Happy stamping! Hugs, Cara
Over the years my craft closets slowly grew! Shelves filled up, drawers multiplied, and before I knew it I had a room full of supplies. While it looked impressive, it also made creating feel more complicated than it should be.
Recently life shifted and my space became much smaller. At first I thought I wasn't able to craft without all the things. But what I discovered along the way was something unexpected — simplifying my supplies actually made creating more enjoyable again.
Instead of a full craft room, I now work from a simple three-tier supply cart with items I have picked carefully. Everything I need for my everyday cardmaking fits neatly into this small space, and it rolls easily wherever I want to create.
The goal was to keep only the supplies I reach for most often.
Top Tier – Basic Tools
My Stamps
My embossing folders
My favorite dies
Middle Tier – My Simple Sketch Card Kits
Pre cut card bases
pre cut pattern Paper
Paper Trimmer
Stampin' Scrub
Adhesives
I picked one ribbon and set of embellishments
Bottom Tier – Paper & Essentials
Stampin’ Blends markers
A small collection of coordinating cardstock
My die-cutting machine
Working from this small cart has changed the way I create.
I spend less time searching for supplies
My workspace stays tidy
I focus on using what I truly love
Creating feels relaxed again
It also fits perfectly with my My Simple Sketch approach to cardmaking — simple layouts, simple supplies, and beautiful results.
For many years I believed I needed a large space filled with supplies in order to create. What I’ve learned is that creativity doesn’t depend on the size of your craft room — it comes from having the right tools within reach and the freedom to simply sit down and make something.
Sometimes less really is more.
And for me, this little three-tier cart has become the perfect creative home.
