Use What You Have: Easy Clean & Simple Strip Card with Paper Scraps
I had so much fun making these projects! I really enjoy taking a simple, attractive card sketch, and changing it around in various ways to make different versions. This card sketch is sketch #27 from the Design Spark sketchbook: 30 sketches with 3 variations each, and all with measurements included!
For my first version, I used this piece of Artisan Sketched paper I colored way back in March at OnStage (and it’s been sitting on my desk since then!). I paired it with a Fresh Freesia ribbon for a simple finish.
For the words, I used one of the word stamps from the June 2026 Bikes and Blooms Paper Pumpkin kit. The stamp set in this kit has some really nice sentiments in a cool font.
Next, I made another version, this time keeping all the strips black and white, and using an image as the focal point. These papers are from the Beautiful, Ordinary Life paper pack.
And I love this little cluster of flowers from the Heirloom arrangements stamp set. I initially bought this set just for these flowers; I love this style.
My favorite color combo right now is the Berry Burst with Hydrangea Hue, so I went for that and accented with a few Hydrangea Hue In Color Butterflies.
On my Facebook Live, I made this project with the Lily of the Valley papers, using the papers both for the background and for the strips. I also used the Spotlight on Nature dies for the circle, adding that bit of detail around the edge to add a bit more to an otherwise quick and simple project.
Next, I went back to the June 2026 Bikes & Blooms Paper Pumpkin kit and used the cardstock and die cuts in the pack to create the strips. I stamped out the adorable little bike for the main image, and added the words included in the stamp set.
I did also add a few die cut flowers and pearls for embellishments. And for this sample, I used a strip of Vellum Cardstock as my horizontal accent. Vellum is great – it’s just enough to give the bike a landing place, but still keeps it all clean and simple.
And for this sample, I’ve used the Scenic Coast Suite. These papers are just so stunning with the details and the iridescent foils, that I kept the rest of it plain and simple, and left off the horizontal strip.
I’ve made a reel for this one, so I’ll share that in a few days and make a separate blog post, too.
If you’ve ever sat down to craft and thought, “I have the supplies… but no clue what to make,” this one’s for you.
Design Spark is your go-to digital sketchbook, packed with 30 card sketches, each with three layout variations—for a total of 120 designs to jumpstart your creativity. Whether you’re into clean and simple or love a good layered masterpiece, there’s inspiration on every page.
Because papercrafters come from all over the world, every vertical and horizontal card sketch includes measurements for both Letter and A4 card sizes—all in inches to keep things consistent and easy.
Please also enjoy this YouTube Live where I showcase making one of these projects, and
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Stuck on what to make? Design Spark is your go-to digital sketchbook with 30 card sketches (with measurements!) —each in three variations—for 120 total designs to spark your creativity. Whether you love clean and simple or layered and detailed, you’ll find inspiration on every page.
Happy crafting! ~Jacque
