If you’ve ever sat down to make a card, stared at your pretty paper pile, and thought, “Well… now what?” — friend, you are stuck at Step 1. And you are so not alone.

Today I’ve got three easy card templates that will rescue you from that stuck feeling and carry you all the way to “Look what I made!” They’re clean, simple, and work with any stamp set, any paper, any occasion. My examples use the Sweet Jar bundle and Jar of Joy stamp set by Stampin’ Up!, but you can plug in whatever you love.

Card Sketch 1: Cute & Cozy Right-Strip Layout

This one is for those days you want cute, cozy, and done in a hurry.

The bones of the layout:

• Slightly narrower card base so a strip of DSP shows on the right

• Embossed panel on the left side

• One large circle (or other shape) for your focal image

• A small die-cut (like a pine sprig) behind the sentiment

• A few embellishments to finish

In my example, the jar is filled with gingerbread men (yes please!), stamped and punched with the Sweet Jar bundle. But again — you can drop anything into that circle: a big greeting, a flower, a critter, a stack of books… whatever matches your occasion.

The hero of this template is that one-inch strip of DSP down the side. It lets you use your scraps, show off your favorite paper, and pull the whole color scheme together without fuss.

Card Sketch 2: Whimsical Jar on an Angle

If you like your cards a little playful (but still quick), this one’s your new best friend.

The bones of the layout:

• Card base with an embossed layer for texture

• A strip of DSP to peek out and add color

• A large die-cut shape (circle, square, label) at an angle

• One focal image layered on top (I used the jar with a tiny snowman)

• Optional snowflake or other die-cut tucked behind

The magic here is that tilted focal point. It instantly gives your card that “designer” look with almost no effort. In my sample, I mixed the Sweet Jar bundle with Jar of Joy to pop that little snowman into a jar and tucked a snowflake behind him.

To adapt it:

• Change the embossing folder to suit your theme.

• Use any stamped image that fits your die-cut shape.

• Tuck in leaves, hearts, stars, or tags behind your focal point instead of snowflakes.

Same layout, totally different vibe each time.

Card Sketch 3: Clean & Elegant Side Strip Layout

This is my “little black dress” of card templates: simple, classy, and always in style.

The bones of the layout:

• Standard A2 card base

• Elevated white (or light) panel for your focal stamping

• Skinny strip of designer paper (DSP) along one edge

• Matching narrow cardstock strip to “bridge” the layers

• Sentiment near the bottom

In my example, I started by rotating the design. Then I used the elegant hanging ornaments from Jar of Joy with a modern black-and-gold Modern Christmas DSP and that yummy black, white, and gold baker’s twine. But here’s the secret:

• Swap the ornaments for flowers, leaves, balloons, or butterflies.

• Swap the Christmas paper for birthday, thank-you, or even geometric patterns.

• Rotate the design so the strip is on the side, top, or bottom — the template still works.

Once you learn this template, you can make fast, classy cards for any occasion without overthinking a thing.

How to Use These Easy Card Templates with Any Supplies

Here’s your permission slip:

• Don’t wait for the “perfect” stamp set — use what you already own.

• Pick one template, grab a coordinating paper and cardstock, and just start.

• Make a little stack in one sitting: same layout, different papers and sentiments.

These three easy card templates will work for birthdays, thank-you cards, sympathy, holidays, new baby — you name it. Once you know the bones of the layout, the rest is just “dress up.”

Chat with Sally Stamper

And if you’re still stuck at Step 1? My AI assistant Sally Stamper is on call to help you choose a layout, colors, and stamps from your stash so you can actually finish those cards instead of shuffling supplies around your table. Click Here to chat with her.

Fun and Simple Crafting: Join the Sweet Jar of Joy Class

I demonstrated how to make all three card sketches during a Facebook Live. the video. In case you missed it, click below or click over to the YouTube Just Stamp with AnaMarie channel to catch the replay. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to the Just Stamp channel.

Even better! You can receive the Sweet Jar of Joy Class Kit absolutely free with any $50 purchase in my Online Stampin’ Up! store through Nov. 24. The kit includes pre-cut supplies for all three cards, ready to assemble so you can relax and enjoy the process.

You need the Sweet Jar bundle and Jar of Joy stamp set (or substitute a similar set you have on hand), your favorite adhesives, Memento Black and Real Red ink. I’ll guide you through every step.

✅ Orders $75+ will receive an bonus project.
✅ Now through Nov. 30, orders $50+ will receive an additional class PDF Tutorial — Cake Day Class.
✅ All orders receive an exclusive Fun Fold Tutorial as a Thank You.
✅ All orders of $20 or more receive 10% Rewards from Stampin’ Up!

Shop HERE.

Before you go, tell me in the comments:
Are you Team Elegant, Team Whimsical, or Team Cute & Cozy?

Save this post so you have these templates handy next time you’re staring at your paper pile, and be sure to watch the coordinating video and grab this month’s class kit if you’d like to craft along with me!

Here are the supplies I used to create the projects. Click on any image for detail.

One of the things I love most about cardmaking is how a simple tool can take your projects from “that’s pretty” to “wow, you made that?” The Stampin’ Up! Charming Day bundle already offers us gorgeous florals, versatile greetings, and coordinating dies, but when you pair it with a coloring tool like daubers, you unlock a whole new level of dimension and warmth.

Today I want to share how I used the Coloring with Daubers technique to create a stunning autumn-inspired card. Picture this: a rich, layered die cut colored in shades of Pecan Pie, Berry Burst and Blackberry Bliss set against a textured brick wall background. The greeting? “Hey, you made my day.”

It’s the kind of card that feels like a hug in an envelope—perfect for when someone lifts your spirits and you just want to let them know they matter.

Why Daubers Deserve a Spot in Your Toolbox

Daubers might look unassuming—just little sponge tips that slip on your finger—but don’t underestimate them. They’re one of my favorite tools for adding soft, controlled color to die cuts and stamped images. Unlike markers or brushes, daubers give you the flexibility to build color gradually, creating natural shading and depth.

Tip: Always start light. You can add more color with another layer, but you can’t take it away. Think of it like applying blush—you want a buildable glow, not a streak.

Step-by-Step: Coloring with Daubers

Here’s how I brought the autumn die cut to life:

1. Choose Your Palette – I went with Pecan Pie for warmth and Berry Burst/Blackberry Bliss for depth. Together, these shades remind me of crisp fall leaves against a cozy sweater.

2. Secure the Die Cut – Use a scrap piece of paper underneath to protect your work surface, and lightly tape down your die cut so it doesn’t wiggle while you blend.

3. Add Your Base Color – Starting with Pecan Pie, swirl the dauber gently in circular motions across the die cut. Aim for even coverage but don’t stress—it doesn’t need to be perfect.

4. Layer the Accent Shades – Bring in Berry Burst and Blackberry Bliss around the edges and into the creases of the design. This contrast adds instant depth and makes the design pop.

5. Blend Where They Meet – Go back with your Pecan Pie dauber to softly blend the transition between the two colors

   

Bringing It All Together: The Brick Wall Card

Once my die cut was colored, it was time to set the stage. A brick wall embossing folder  and snippet of coordinating patterned paper made the perfect backdrop. The texture adds contrast against the soft blended die cut, almost like a garden vignette captured on paper.

I layered the die cut with flat adhesive so it would the die cut labels could stand proud atop the scene. The greeting “Hey, you made my day” is more than a thank-you—it’s a celebration of those everyday moments when someone brightens your mood or shows up with a kindness you didn’t expect.

Imagine sending this card to:

• A friend who dropped by with soup when you weren’t feeling well.

• A sister who called out of the blue and made you laugh until your sides hurt.

• A neighbor who shared their lovely fruits from their orchard without being asked.

Sometimes a quick text doesn’t capture just how much those moments mean—but a handmade card does.

Tips for Using Daubers Like a Pro

• Dedicate One Dauber per Color Family – Keep separate daubers for warm tones, cool tones, neutrals, and dark shades. It saves cleanup and keeps your blends true.

• Play with Pressure – Light pressure = soft pastel tones. Firm pressure = deeper, saturated hues.

• Try Different Cardstocks – Smooth white will give you crisp blends, while textured or shimmer cardstock adds unique effects.

• Test First – Always test your colors on a scrap die cut before committing to your final piece.

The Joy of Handcrafted Connection

At the end of the day, this Charming Day project is about more than ink and paper. It’s about connection. Sending a handmade card with a thoughtful sentiment is a small act of kindness that ripples big in someone’s day.

And right now, I want to make it easy for you to experience that joy, too.

👉 Through Sunday, Sept. 1, you can get my Charming Day Class Kit absolutely FREE with any $50 order in my Online Store. This kit includes the supplies you need to create three beautiful projects featuring the Charming Day bundle. It will be delivered right to your doorstep. Click on the video below if you missed the Online Class demonstrating the Charming Day cards in the class kit.

So go ahead, grab your Charming Day bundle, pull out those daubers, and see how much magic you can blend into your next card. Shop HERE.

Because every swirl of ink is more than just color—it’s a way to say, “You made my day.” 💛

Here are the supplies I used to make this Charming Day card. Click on any picture for details.