Hello crafty people! Today’s cards were created with another card sketch, Crafty Al’s Sheetload of Cards, where we are given a sketch and directions to use a few pieces of patterned paper to make 6 or more cards. This month’s sketch is designed to make eight A2-sized cards. While it was originally designed to use 4 pieces of patterned paper, I cheated a little and used some scraps of autumn-y paper to make these cards. I also decided to substitute some ink smooshed watercolor paper for the background instead of colored cardstock.
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But what are the advantages of using a challenge such as this one when creating cards? These sketches take a lot of the decision-making and guess-work out of the creative process. This can be especially helpful when you don’t have a lot time, are feeling less inspired/creative, or are facing decision fatigue.
Another thing I love about Sheetload of Cards is that there are directions to make multiple cards (as I did for this month), but also directions for making a singular card with the same sketch. They are also a great way to use scraps of patterned paper!
Another thing I really appreciate about the sheetload of cards concept is that all of the directions, measurements, and even some tips on trimming the paper are laid out for you, so if you want to get crafty with minimal time spent making a lot of decisions, this may be the way to go.
You have the basic layout ready to go, and then you get to put your stamp on the cards (pun intended) by deciding the colors, paper, sentiment and other ways to individualize. Once those decisions are made, you can batch the cards and make some really pretty creations in a lot less time!
The flower and wheat came from the same stamp and die set, while the sentiment came from a different set. I used an orange and light brown ink for all of the stamping and ink smooshing. The flower petals were watercolored with the orange ink mixed with a sparkly liquid.
The stem and center of the flower along with the wheat are colored in with markers.
I also used a shimmery spray to mix with the ink when creating the ink smooshed background panels.
Some autumn-colored sequins were used to add a little flair to the cards.
These cards would be great to make as a gift set for friends or families since they are similar but not the same.
I hope that you are inspired to try this sketch or other sketches when you need a little inspiration!
Anna York is from Oregon, US. She has been writing for TPC since 2023. Anna started paper crafting in 2008, had a break while her kids were small and started cardmaking again in 2019. Anna mostly makes cards. Her paper projects are often made in sparkly, whimsical style and she loves colors.