
Sometimes the simplest cards…
are the ones that make the biggest impact.
If you’ve ever felt like your cards were a little too plain or missing something — this project is a great example of how to change that without adding complexity.
This card uses a few simple elements:
• layered cardstock
• designer series paper (DSP)
• a stamped focal image
• a die-cut banner with a sentiment
And yet, it feels complete, balanced, and polished.

WHY THIS WORKS
The key isn’t adding more.
It’s using what you already have in a more intentional way.
The Wood Grain Wonders designer paper adds texture without needing embossing.
The stamped images create interest without adding bulk.
And the small details — like the twine and punched heart — give it personality without overwhelming the design.



IF YOU’VE EVER THOUGHT…
“My cards feel too simple…”
This is exactly the kind of project that helps bridge that gap.
Because it shows you how to:
- add interest without adding complexity
- create a polished look quickly
- use what you already have

WANT MORE LIKE THIS?
This is actually one of the bonus projects inside my April Cultivated Creativity kit.
Each month, I design projects like this for you — so you can sit down and create without having to figure everything out on your own.
Click HERE for all the details.

Whether you’re making one card or a whole stack, this project proves that simple layouts + beautiful paper = cards you’ll love every time.
If you’ve been holding onto your patterned paper waiting for the “perfect” project — this is it.
Project Layers (Imperial):
- 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ Pecan Pie CS
- 3-3/4″ x 5″ DSP
- 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ Early Espresso CS
- 3-7/8″ x 5-1/8″ Very Vanilla CS
- 1-1/2″ x 2″ Real Red CS-punch
- 3-3/4″ x 1″ DSP
- 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ Very Vanilla CS- die cut
- Approx. 14″ Twine
I have created a printable recipe with the complete supply list and cut dimensions for you. Simply click the button below to access the printable file.
Ready to get started? Check out the full video tutorial to see the card come together step by step. 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)
Wasn’t that super easy?
Did this layout spark any ideas for your next card? I’d love to know—what paper, colors, or theme would you try first? Drop a comment below and tell me what you’d make.
Don’t forget to join me for some LIVE 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 LIVE 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
This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase.
Live in the US…CLICK HERE to shop my online store and have your Stampin’ Up! supplies shipped straight to your door!
Don’t forget: Orders of $20 or more now earn 10% back in Stampin’ Rewards—just make sure you’re logged into your account and have opted into the rewards program at checkout. Stampin’ Up! tracks your rewards for you!
Need some assistance placing your order? No problem!
Call/text me at 336-671-1959 or send me a message on Facebook. I am happy to help.


Awesome April is BACK!
For a limited time, you can turn your order into FREE crafting goodies!
When you shop with me April 1–30, you’ll earn FREE retired Stampin’ Up! products from my personal stash (and yes… bundles are included 👀).
- Spend $35 → Choose 1 FREE item
- Spend $70 → Choose 2 FREE items
- Spend $105 → Choose 3 FREE items
- Spend $140 → Choose 4 FREE items
- Spend $150+ → Get 5 FREE items (includes BONUS!)
No limits—the more you shop, the more you earn!
But don’t wait…
This is first come, first served, and the most popular items (especially bundles!) go FAST every year.
- Step 1: Shop your favorites HERE
- Step 2: Browse the stash + details HERE
Once you place your order, simply email me at wendy@creativeleeyours.com your wishlist and I’ll take care of the rest!

Grab This Month’s $5 Product of the Month!
Want a fun bonus with your order? When you spend $75+, Stampin’ Up! lets you add this month’s Product of the Month for just $5 — and it’s an item you can’t get anywhere else!
It’s limited, exclusive, and the perfect little extra to treat yourself while you craft.

Want to earn EXCLUSIVE video tutorials once a month featuring the latest Stampin’ Up! product suites? Each month you will receive 12 tutorials all bundled together when you place a qualifying $50 or more order with me through my online store for FREE!
You may also purchase individual tutorials HERE.

I’m sure you agree…papercrafting can bring so much joy. Whether you use it for stress relief, to share your creativity, or have meaningful cards and gifts always at your fingertips, papercrafting has value that goes far beyond the projects.
There’s so much we can give our attention to and spend our time doing today, but what if you had something at your fingertips that allows you to create memories and express yourself instead of watching Netflix? That’s where our paper crafting kits come in!
The April 2026 Cultivated Creativity Kit features the
Cutest Crew Bundle from Stampin’ Up!’s Online Exclusives — Think sweet little pets, soft watercolor textures, and projects that are fun to create and fun to share.
This month’s kit is all about playful scene building and simple, stress-free coloring. You’ll create 3 full-size handmade cards with clean, layered designs, a set of 3 mini note cards (perfect for quick notes or gifting), and a coordinating treat bag with topper — great for gifting (or keeping)
You’ll learn how to color with watercolor pencils (simple + beginner-friendly), add personality with spots, stripes, and shading, build playful critter scenes without overwhelm, and use patterned paper to ground your designs.
This kit is all about creating something that makes you smile—while building your skills and confidence along the way.
Ready to craft? Register no later than April 20, 2026 (while supplies last) to have this delightful kit mailed to you!


Something exciting is coming…
If your craft space has been feeling a little overwhelming lately, I’m going to be part of a special event designed to help you:
- simplify your space
- use the supplies you already have
- enjoy your creative time again
Mark your calendar: April 24–26
I’ll be sharing more details soon — and you’ll want to grab your spot through my link when registration opens

12 EXCLUSIVE tutorials each month for FREE!
I am offering the monthly Exclusive Project Tutorials FREE to my email subscribers. Yes! The Exclusive Projects team is comprised of a talented group of Stampin’ Up! demonstrators sharing great ideas. There will be a wide variety of projects featuring multiple stamp sets each month that you will get for FREE…if you are a subscriber to my newsletter… Whoo Hoo!
Not yet a subscriber? Sign up HERE
What others’ are saying about the Exclusive Tutorial Bundles:
Thank you! Each and every one of your cards are wonderful! I love having the tutorials printed out. I flip through the pages and always find something that would be fun to make! Thanks again!
-Mary D
*****
“Thank you so much – I always enjoy the fresh design options – you make card making fun again.”
-Kathleen L
*****
“I LOVE and appreciate this special offer you give to your email subscribers. I always find lots of inspiration from the demonstrators and enjoy replicating their beautiful designs.”
-TY Barbara D
CreativeLee Yours,

OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS AND INFORMATION:
- Join my Stampin’ Up!® Diemonds team and get the awesome customizable starter kit HERE. It’s the best bundle ever!
- Ready for a fun, monthly craft kit delivered directly to you, so you get all the joy of creating without having to do all the research, design and prep? Cultivated Creativity is for you! Click HERE to get started.
- Join my Online Forget Me Not (FMN) Card Club and elevate your hand made cards HERE.
- Follow my blog by email and receive a FREE Exclusive monthly PDF tutorial bundle when you subscribe to email list HERE.
- Join Paper Pumpkin and get FREE PDF Tutorials with alternate projects each month.
- Shop my Tutorials to spark your creativity as I guide you through creating beautiful projects HERE.
- Earn Exclusive BONUS tutorials with my rewards program. CLICK HERE for details.
![Cutest Crew Bundle (English) [ 167149 ] Cutest Crew Bundle (English) [ 167149 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167149s.jpg)
![Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 161717 ] Pecan Pie 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 161717 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/161717s.jpg)
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![Wood Grain Wonders 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167428 ] Wood Grain Wonders 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Designer Series Paper [ 167428 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/167428s.jpg)
![Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161665 ] Pecan Pie Classic Stampin' Pad [ 161665 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/161665s.jpg)
![Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147114 ] Early Espresso Classic Stampin' Pad [ 147114 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/147114s.jpg)
![Real Red & White Baker's Twine [ 164051 ] Real Red & White Baker's Twine [ 164051 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/164051s.jpg)
![Bee Builder Punch [ 162553 ] Bee Builder Punch [ 162553 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/162553s.jpg)
![Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ] Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [ 149653 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/149653s.jpg)
![Nested Essentials Dies [ 161597 ] Nested Essentials Dies [ 161597 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/161597s.jpg)
![Paper Trimmer [ 152392 ] Paper Trimmer [ 152392 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/152392s.jpg)
![Bone Folder [ 102300 ] Bone Folder [ 102300 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/102300s.jpg)
![Stampin' Seal [ 152813 ] Stampin' Seal [ 152813 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/152813s.jpg)
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