A Calm, Texture-Rich Card That Feels Good to Make (Video)

Some cards aren’t about fancy embellishments or sparkle — they’re about layers, texture, and letting the paper do the work. This week’s project is exactly that.

This card uses a combination of cardstock layers, textured specialty paper, and Designer Series Paper to create depth and interest, all while keeping the overall look calm, neutral, and versatile. It’s the kind of card that feels grounding to make and meaningful to give.

If you love cards with visual interest without visual clutter, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love Recreating This Card

Here’s why this design works so well — especially when you want a relaxing creative session:

• Texture does the heavy lifting – layered papers, embossing, and torn edges add depth without extra embellishments
• A neutral, masculine-leaning design that works for sympathy, thinking of you, encouragement, or support
• Simple construction with a polished finish — impressive results without complicated steps
• Easy to adapt with different sentiments or papers while keeping the same layout

This is a layout you can come back to again and again when you want something that feels thoughtful, calm, and complete.

About the Design

For this card, I focused on building interest through layering and contrast:

• A deep, rich card base anchors the design
• Multiple layers of cardstock add structure
• Textured specialty paper brings subtle visual movement
• Designer Series Paper adds organic pattern and depth
• Die-cut leaf elements create dimension without bulk
• A clean sentiment label finishes the card without overpowering the design

Inside the card, the design continues with coordinating layers and texture, making the card feel just as finished on the inside as it does on the front — perfect for heartfelt messages.

Project Layers (Imperial):

• 4-1/4″ x 11″ Secret Sea CS
• 4″ x 5-1/2″ Old Olive CS- emboss and then trim to 5-1/4″
• 3″ x 4-3/4″ DSP
• 3″ x 4-1/4″ Secret Sea CS-die cut
• 3″ x 4-1/4″ DSP-die cut
• 2-1/2″ x 1-1/4″ Very Vanilla CS- die cut
• 2″ x 5-1/4″ Texture Specialty
• 4″ x 5-1/4″ Old Olive CS4″ x 5″ Very Vanilla CS- tear one side

I have created a printable recipe with the complete supply list and cut dimensions for you. Simple click the button below to access the printable file.

Want to give this one a try? I walk through this entire project step by step in the video below, sharing tips for layering, texture placement, and how to keep designs like this feeling balanced instead of heavy.

Watch the video replay below and be sure to leave me a comment.

Don’t forget to share the video with your crafty friends! While you are watching, I would appreciate you subscribing to my YouTube channel.

(note if viewing this post via email subscription, you may need to click the post name to display the video)

Did this spark new ideas for your next project?
Who would you send a card like this to?

I love hearing how you make these designs work for your crafting style.

Don’t forget to join me for some papercrafting every Tuesday at 12:30PM ET on my YouTube Channel where we will play with some new goodies from the current Catalogs! Jump on over and follow me now. Looking forward to seeing you and your crafty friends for our next papercrafting class!

Hope you enjoy!

Love this project? Here is your shopping list so you can re-create this idea on your own…just click on the images below to add them to your cart. 

Shopping List 

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