One of the most common questions I’m asked is: “How do you come up with all your card designs?”
The answer is simple—I use card making templates. Templates are my go-to tool because they make the design process fast, fun, and stress-free. Whether you’re brand new to stamping or an experienced card maker, templates give you the confidence to design beautiful cards without feeling overwhelmed.
My Step-by-Step Card Design Process
When I sit down to create with a new stamp set, I always start with the focal layer. For this particular set, there were five different sentiments and a coordinating label die. That was my starting point!
1. Stamp the Sentiments:
I die-cut five labels and stamped one sentiment on each piece.
2. Build the Focal Layer:
Next, I added die-cut accents(leaves, flowers, greenery) to complete each focal layer. At this stage, I had five finished focal pieces ready to use.
3. Choose Designer Series Paper (DSP)
Then I pulled out coordinating patterned paper that matched the colors and style of the focal layers.
4. Pick a Template
This is where the magic happens! I grabbed my box of card templates and started flipping through them to see which layouts would work best. I played with a few options and settled on five different templates.
5. Cut and Assemble
Using the cutting measurements written directly on each template, I cut my DSP and cardstock, layered the pieces together, and—bam! Five unique cards were completed. It’s a system that works every time. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I let the templates do the hard work so I can enjoy stamping.
Why Use Card Making Templates?
- Quick & Easy – No guessing about measurements or layouts.
- Endless Inspiration – One template can be used with any stamp set, any paper, and any color scheme.
- Consistent Results – You’ll always know your card will look balanced and polished.
- Creative Confidence – Templates take away the “where do I start?” overwhelm.
I share a new card template every week on my blog and YouTube channel, but if you want an entire library at your fingertips, I’ve put together two books—each with 48 card making templates. That’s 96 different layouts you can use over and over again!
Card Making Resources You’ll Use Again and Again
I’ve put together three different books filled with my most popular card templates and fun fold designs. These are my go-to resources for creating quick, easy, and beautiful handmade cards—and now they can be yours too!
Card Making Templates
48 simple templates with cutting measurements to help you design cards with confidence. Use any stamps, paper, and ink!
Creativity Made Simple
Another set of 48 layouts, so you’ll never run out of inspiration. Perfect for quick and easy card making.
Fun Fold Templates
54 unique fun fold templates with step-by-step cutting and scoring instructions. Take your card making to the next level!
January 2026 Specials & Happenings
Thank you so much for visiting my website today! I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy card making project. If you did, please leave us a comment below! If you have any questions, I would love to help you and answer them, just follow the link below to contact me. If you would like to place a Stampin’ Up! order, I would be thrilled if you selected me to be your demonstrator.
Contact Jackie | More Project Ideas | Card Tutorials | Stay Up To Date on Happenings
Browse Stampin’ Up! Catalogs | Shop Stampin’ Up! Products | Learn How to Shop at a Discount
Want more card making inspiration? Follow me on all my social channels.