An Easy Handmade Card Inspired by a Sketch
An easy handmade card doesn’t always have to mean simple or predictable. Sometimes it just means starting with a strong foundation — like a good sketch.
This time I pulled a layout from Just Add Ink #779. I always enjoy working from a sketch now and then. It pushes me to think differently about placement and proportion, especially when I’m tempted to fall back on my usual layouts. There’s something refreshing about letting someone else decide where the elements go. And in case you're interested, all of the lovely stamps and other elements were pulled from the awesome Lovely Arrangements Bundle.
Pairing a Sketch Layout With a Bold Color Choice
To make it more interesting, I also challenged myself with a color combination. It’s one thing to follow a sketch. It’s another to commit to colors that might not be your first instinct. I have to admit, that part always makes me pause a little.
That’s where the Color Coach comes in. If you ever feel stuck choosing colors, it’s such a helpful tool. You can quickly test combinations without second-guessing yourself. Sometimes all it takes is seeing the colors side by side to feel confident about your choice.
This easy handmade card came together smoothly once the colors and then layout were settled. The structure did the heavy lifting. I just had to fill in the pieces.
I think that’s why I enjoy sketches so much. They remove some of the pressure and let you focus on design instead of starting from scratch.
Now I’m curious — do you enjoy working from a sketch, or do you prefer designing freehand?
If you’re in the mood to experiment, try pulling out a sketch and pairing it with a color combination you wouldn’t normally choose. You might surprise yourself.
Here's a homemade card idea that would be so easy to adapt to the supplies you already have on hand.
