Three Easy Card Templates to Go from Stuck at Step 1 to Finished Project

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.