Amber Autumn Cardmaking: From Simple to Simply the Best

A Season for Creativity

Don’t you just love how autumn brings out the cozy in all of us?  Warm colors, crisp air, a little more time at the craft table with a cup of tea or cocoa—this is my happy place!

And when I saw the Amber Autumn bundle, I knew right away it was going to be perfect for both quick makes and those show-stopping cards we all love to give.

Here’s what I really love: the greetings! “Blessed to Have You In My Life,”  “You’re Simply the Best,” “Grateful for You,” “Autumn Wishes,” and “Thanks.”

It works in so many ways—whether you’re encouraging a friend, thanking a neighbor, or reminding someone you love how much they mean to you.

Today, I’m walking you through three levels of cardmaking using Amber Autumn:

• A beginner card that’s easy, fun, and quick.
• A stepped-up card with tools and a few extra details.
• A WOW card featuring a Z-fold design that will have the recipient saying, “You MADE this?!”

Let’s dive in.

Start Simple: Beginner-Friendly “Grateful for You” Card

 

If you’re just getting started, this one’s for you. This simple card introduces my favorite tool to crop — a punch!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Card base: I used a rich regal Crushed Curry.
• One layer of patterned paper from the Gathering Together collection
• One patterned paper circle
• Sentiment stamp: “Grateful for You”
• Ink pad (Tuxedo Black)
• Watercolor brush and inks: Old Olive, Crushed Curry, Peach Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie

How to make it:

1. Fold your card base in half.
2. Layer your patterned paper onto the front.
3. Stamp the pumpkin harvest and watercolor.
4. Hand snip the image.
5. Stamp the greeting on a scrap of white cardstock.
6. Use a 2 3/8″ circle punch to crop a coordinating patterned paper.
7. Assemble with Dimensionls and Liquid Glue.

That’s it! You’ve made a handmade card that’s personal and heartfelt—no fuss, no stress.

 

Step It Up: Adding Tools & Layers

Let’s take a Cut & Emboss machine and add a little depth.

What’s different here:

• Use die-cut shapes from the coordinating dies, plus use the outline die to crop the acorns.
• Add texture by embossing a layer of cardstock with a fall pattern (leaves).
• Layer your pieces: base → mat → embossed panel → patterned paper strip → die cuts and acorns → sentiment.

Why it works:
By adding dimension with dies and embossing, you create a professional-looking card that still doesn’t take hours. This is where seasoned stampers love to play—but it’s not hard for beginners to try once they’re ready to add tools to their collection.

Go for WOW: The Amber Autumn Z-Fold Card

Here’s where the fun really happens—a self-standing Z-fold card that opens to display. It’s perfect for when you want your card to double as a keepsake.

How to build it:

1. Cut your card base 9” x 4 ¼”.
2. Score at 1 ¾” and 3 ½” to create the Z-fold.
3. Cut four 9” x ¾” strips and score at 5 1/2” and 7 1/4”
4. Attach the four strips to the card base.
5. Add coordinating panels of Gathering Together patterned paper to the two outer panels.
6. Stamp and die-cut the pumpkin harvest from the bundle. Watercolor.
7. Die cut a gold circle.
8. Stamp the “You’re Simply the Best” sentiment on a small circle.
9. Assemble with Dimensionals and Liquid.

Why it shines:
The Z-fold is one of those cards that looks complicated but is really just a couple of extra score lines. It’s a great way to impress someone special, and the Amber Autumn colors and patterns make it a true seasonal showpiece. Bonus! It folds flat to easily slip into the medium envelope and should require no extra postage in the U.S.

Encouragement Goes Both Ways

Here’s something I’ve learned after years of stamping: sometimes the person making the card gets just as much encouragement as the one receiving it. When I stamp “You’re Simply the Best” onto a card, I’m reminded of the beautiful friendships and connections that crafting brings into my life.

Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been at this for years, your handmade cards matter. They carry a little bit of your heart, your time, and your thoughtfulness into someone else’s day. And that’s worth more than anything from the store.

Ready to Create Your Own Amber Autumn Cards?

The Amber Autumn bundle gives you everything you need to make cards that are simple, stepped up, or WOW-worthy. My tip? Start with the beginner version, then try stepping it up when you’re ready. Before you know it, you’ll be folding and layering like a pro.

I’d love to know—which style card is your favorite: simple, stepped up, or WOW? Leave me a comment below! And if you’d like to grab the Amber Autumn bundle and start creating, head over to my Online Store. The Amber Autumn bundle debuts on September 3, 2025.

Because after all, you’re simply the best. 🍂