Sometimes the hardest part of cardmaking isn’t the stamping or the coloring—it’s figuring out where to start.
That’s exactly where templates come in.
Today I’m sharing a simple and versatile layout I call the Side Swipe Design Template. Once you see how it comes together, you’ll be able to use it with just about any supplies you already have in your craft room.
Watch the Tutorial
Why This Template Works
The Side Swipe design is built around two overlapping panels that “swipe” alongside each other on the front of the card. It’s a clean layout, but it has just enough movement to keep things interesting.
Think of it like a recipe.
Once you know the basic structure, you can change the ingredients to create something completely different every time—different papers, different stamps, different embellishments. The layout stays the same, but the end result can look brand new.
That’s what makes this kind of template so powerful, especially if you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of how to put a card together.
The Basic Layout
The Side Swipe design starts with a standard card base and builds upward using layered panels.
You’ll create:
- A long vertical panel (Layer 1)
- A slightly smaller panel layered on top (Layer 2)
- A focal panel that overlaps both (Layer 3 and Layer 4)
From there, you can add ribbon, embellishments, or keep it clean and simple.
If you’re missing any of the basics—cardstock, adhesive, inks, or embellishments—you can find them in my online store.
If you like having exact measurements and a printable guide, you can find the full cut map and template inside my Inspiration Vault.
Let’s Look at the Variations
One of the best ways to understand a layout is to see it used in different ways. Here are a few variations using the exact same side swipe design template.
This first version stays very close to the original design. Designer Series Paper was adhered to cardstock and then embossed to add texture and interest. This is a great option when you want a cohesive look without adding a lot of extra elements.
In this version, the second layer was embossed before being adhered to the base layer. The focal image was die cut directly from Designer Series Paper, which keeps the stamping minimal while still creating a polished card.
Here, Designer Series Paper takes center stage. The focal image was fussy cut from the paper and then enhanced with watercolor pencils and blender pens. This is a great way to stretch your supplies and add a little extra detail without needing additional stamps.
For a completely different look, this version uses a more industrial style. The background was created by stamping images in random patterns to mimic Designer Series Paper. Layer 2 was crumbled and smoothed out before adhering to create a distressed, vintage feel, and a sponge dauber was used to add subtle shading around the edges.
Same layout. Four completely different results.
A Few Helpful Tips
When working with embossed layers, liquid glue is your best friend. It gives you a little wiggle room to get everything lined up and helps prevent tearing that can sometimes happen with stronger adhesives.
Another simple trick is to stamp off once before stamping your image. This creates a softer, more subtle look—perfect for backgrounds or layered elements where you don’t want the color to overpower your design.
Make It Your Own
The real goal here isn’t to copy these exact cards.
It’s to take the side swipe design template and use it with what you already have.
Change the paper. Swap out the stamps. Add more layers or simplify it. Once you understand the structure, you can adapt it for any occasion—birthdays, thank you cards, sympathy cards, or just because.
Want the Measurements and Template?
If you’d like the full printable template with all the measurements (in both imperial and metric), along with step-by-step guidance, you’ll find it inside my Crafty Collective Inspiration Vault.
Inside, I share new templates and tutorials regularly so you always have something to spark your creativity and take the guesswork out of designing your cards.
Templates like this are one of the easiest ways to build confidence in your cardmaking. You don’t have to start from scratch—you just need a good starting point.
This one is simple, flexible, and one you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.