If you’ve ever sat down to make a card and thought, Why does this feel harder than it should? — this project is for you. Today I’m sharing one simple card template that always works. It’s an easy layout you can rely on again and again, whether you’re brand new to card making or just want a no-stress project that looks great every time. This simple card template takes the guesswork out of designing. No complicated measurements. No overthinking. Just a solid, versatile layout that makes card making feel fun and doable — exactly the way it should be.
For my samples, I used three different stamp sets — Darling Dinos, Encircled with Love, and Pop-Up Petals — to show just how versatile this layout really is. Each set has a completely different style, yet they all work beautifully with the same simple card template. That’s one of the biggest advantages of using a solid layout like this: you can change the stamp set, sentiment, or paper and get a totally new look without redesigning the card from scratch.
Watch the Simple Card Template Video Tutorial
In the video below, I’ll walk you through this simple card template step by step so you can see exactly how it comes together. You’ll see how easy it is to use this layout with different stamp sets and how quickly you can create great-looking cards without overthinking the design. This is one of those templates you’ll want to save and come back to again and again.
CLICK HERE for the supply list to make all three cards using this simple card tempate.
*The products used in this project were available for purchase while filming the video and/or writing this post. If something does not show in the list it is no longer available.
Card Measurements & Template Layout
Below you’ll find the simple card template with measurements, followed by the specific card details for each of the three samples I shared. This makes it easy to recreate these cards exactly as shown or use the same template with your own stamp sets and supplies. Once you have the layout, you can mix and match products and colors while relying on the same tried-and-true design.
TEMPLATE MEASUREMENTS
- Card Base: 8 1⁄2” x 5 1⁄2”, scored at 4 1⁄4″
- Layer 1: 3 ⅝” x 4 ⅞”
- Layer 2: 3 ½” x 4 ¾”
- Strips: ½” wide
What are card templates?
Making handmade cards is simple when you use these templates to spark your creativity. Think of them as your “patterns” for designing cards—whether you want something quick and easy or prefer to step it up to any level of creativity.
Template Tips:
- Adjust the sizes or shapes of the layers to fit the stamps, dies, and punches you’re using.
- Cut layers from cardstock, Designer Series Paper, embossed cardstock, or specialty papers for different looks.
- Rotate the template to create either vertical or horizontal cards.
- Step it up by adding more layers, embellishments, die-cuts, or punches.
Card Supplies:
- Stamps: Darling Dinos
- Stampin’ Pad: Memento Black
- Stampin’ Blends:
- Pool Party
- Summer Splash
- Smoky Slate
- Cardstock/Paper:
- Basic White
- Smoky Slate
- Basic Gray
- Pool Party
- Summer Splash
Card Supplies:
- Stamps: Pop-Up Petals
- Stampin’ Pad:
- Pecan Pie
- Stampin’ Blends:
- Secret Sea
- Daffodil Delight
- Melon Mambo
- Granny Apple Green
- Cardstock/Paper:
- Basic Beige
- Basic White
- Melon Mambo
- Pecan Pie
- Granny Apple Green
- Daffodil Delight
Card Supplies:
- Stamps: Encircled with Love
- Stampin’ Pad: Melon Mambo
- Cardstock/Paper:
- Basic White
- Basic Black
- Melon Mambo
- Pretty in Pink
- Smoky Slate
- Basic Gray
Do you love templates?
If you love making card templates, don’t miss this month’s Creativity Made Simple Class—we share a fun, new card template every month to keep your cardmaking fun and inspiring!
Creativity Made Simple is our monthly online class that makes cardmaking fun and easy! Each class includes a stamping technique, a template, and a fun fold—complete with step-by-step instructions and video tutorials you can use with any stamps, ink, and paper.
There are two ways you can get the Creativity Made Simple: Techniques, Templates & Fun Folds Volume written tutorial:
- Place a $50 order in my ONLINE STORE I will send you the current month’s class for FREE!
- Or, you can purchase the class for just $16 in my TUTORIAL STORE.
April 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.
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I love this template! I can use it to get rid of some of my cardstock scraps! I can’t wait to try it!
I’m so glad you love it, it’s perfect for scraps!
This is a great template! I often have 1/2″ strips and don’t always know what to do with them. Now I have a great plan
Thank You!!
Yes, exactly! It’s perfect for those scrapes just laying around!