Do you ever sit down to create and feel completely stuck on where to start? Last week on my Live, I shared sketch inspired card ideas to help you break through that creative block. Whether you’re new to card making or just needing a fresh idea, sketches are a fantastic starting point.
I featured a couple of layout templates straight from page 24 of the Stampin’ Up! Annual Catalogue. These sketches can be easily adapted with your favourite colours, papers, and embellishments. For something extra, I added in a colour challenge too!
Here are the sketches featured on page 24:
Creating with Sketches and a Colour Challenge
In my Live on 19th June 2025, I created two cards based on different sketch layouts and used colours from the Colour INKspiration Challenge #189. The colour combo included:
- Darling Duckling
- Secret Sea
- Cloud Cover
- Melon Mambo
Here is the colour challenge from the Colour INKspiration Challenges .
You can see how these colours come together beautifully in the cards I made. I also showed how you can make small changes like switching up embossing folders or creating a stamped background, or changing an accent colour to create a different look between designs.
Here’s what I created:
Layered Thoughts with Melon Mambo:
This layered card uses the Layered Thoughts stamp set and Impressions of Bloom dies, with three floral elements representing key points on the sketch. The accent colour is Melon Mambo.
Layered Thoughts with Darling Duckling:
Here is the same card as above, but this time with the accent colour, Darling Duckling.
For my second card I used a different sketch. I also used the Textured Notes stamp set and the Spotlight on Natures dies.
Textured Notes with Melon Mambo:
For this card I have stamped with leaves in the background rather than dry embossing it.
Textured Notes with Darling Duckling:
This card is the same as above, but with Darling Duckling as its accent colour.
Did you notice the splatter around the stamped image on the second card? This gives some texture and interest to the card.
I love how using a sketch and a specific colour combo gives your creativity just enough structure to get going—but still leaves room to add your personal touch!
Watch the video replay to see how I made each card step by step and hear tips for layering, embellishing, and adjusting your sketch layout:
Here are the supplies I used in card 1 and here are the supplies for card 2.
If you’ve never used sketch templates before, I encourage you to give it a try. The ones on page 24 of the Annual Catalogue are a great place to start. You can use them just as they are—or adapt them like I did to suit your supplies and style. And if you’re up for an extra challenge, try combining your sketch with a colour challenge!
Enjoy working with sketches? My Monthly Card Sketch class offers fresh ideas and easy-to-follow guidance each month—available by subscription.
If you create something inspired by a sketch, I’d love to see it. Feel free to share it with me or tag me on social media. Let’s keep inspiring each other!