Have you ever sat down to make a card only to spend more time deciding on a layout than actually creating? If so, you’re definitely not alone! That’s exactly why I love working with design templates. They take the guesswork out of card making while still giving you plenty of room to be creative.
In this week’s video, I’m sharing my Stacked Rectangles Design Template—a simple layout built entirely with straight cuts. No fancy dies. No complicated measurements. Just an easy design that you can customize using the stamps, papers, and embellishments you already have in your craft room.
Be sure to watch the video below, and if you enjoy card making tutorials like this one, I’d love for you to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you never miss a new project each Thursday.
Start with the Stacked Rectangles Template, Then Make It Your Own
One of the biggest misconceptions in card making is that every project has to start from scratch. The truth is, once you have a layout you love, you can use it over and over again while creating cards that look completely different.
Think of it like your favorite brownie recipe. The basic recipe stays the same, but sometimes you add chocolate chips, nuts, caramel, or frosting. Card sketches work exactly the same way.
The Stacked Rectangles template gives you a solid foundation that you can easily customize by changing:
- Designer Series Paper
- Embossing folders
- Focal images
- Sentiments
- Ribbon
- Embellishments
- Color combinations
With just a few simple changes, one layout becomes dozens of unique cards.
I’ve included the complete Inspiration Sheet below with all of the measurements, layering dimensions, and additional ideas. If you’d like access to this week’s Inspiration Sheet—as well as my growing library of weekly inspiration sheets—you can join the Crafty Klock Inspiration Vault. It’s a wonderful resource for card makers who love having layouts, measurements, and fresh inspiration all in one place.
Card #1 – Elegant Floral Birthday
For the first card, I paired the template with beautiful floral Designer Series Paper, subtle embossed cardstock, and a fussy-cut floral arrangement. A touch of shimmer on the flowers and leaves adds just enough sparkle without overpowering the design. Layering the sentiment on dimensionals gives the finished card extra depth and creates a polished look.
Products Used
- Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper
- Dainty Diamonds 3D Embossing Folder (retired)
- Phrases & Frames Stamp Set
- Shimmer Pens
- Basic Rhinestone Jewels
Card #2 – Stars, Swirls & Ribbon
The second variation shows how a few small changes can create a completely different look. By adding ribbon, switching to a different embossing folder, and using a smaller sentiment, this card feels fresh while still following the exact same layout.
It’s a great reminder that you don’t have to reinvent every design. Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impact.
Products Used
- Artisan Sketched Garden Designer Series Paper
- Swirls of Magic Embossing Folder
- Black Iridescent Ribbon
- Sending Salutations Stamp Set
- Basic Rhinestone Jewels
Card #3 – Simple Layers with Beautiful Details
This version simplifies the layout even further by removing one of the layered rectangles and allowing the punched foliage to become the focal point. It’s proof that “simple” never has to mean boring.
Clean layers, beautiful texture, and thoughtful embellishments create a card that’s elegant without requiring a lot of extra work.
Products Used
- Simply Leaves Stamp Set
- Simple Leaf Punch
- Wood Grain Wonders Designer Series Paper
Card #4 – Sweet Old Friends with Two Designer Series Papers
This variation shows another fun way to use the Stacked Rectangles Template by replacing the cardstock layer with a second piece of Designer Series Paper. It’s a simple change, but it gives the card a completely different look while keeping the same basic layout.
For the focal point, I die cut Owl directly from the Silly Old Bear Designer Series Paper, so there was very little stamping required. A simple sentiment and a few In Color butterfly embellishments finish the design without taking away from the beautiful artwork in the paper.
It’s a great reminder that sometimes the Designer Series Paper can do most of the work for you!
Products Used
- Silly Old Bear Designer Series Paper
- Sweet Old Friends dies
- Sweet Words and Labels Stamp Set
- 2026-2028 In Color Butterflies
Card #5 – A Sneak Peek of Christmas in July
Of course, I couldn’t resist sharing a little Christmas inspiration!
This festive version uses the brand-new Festive Cheer products along with one of the new embossing folders from the Trio Embossing Folder collection. By simply changing the paper, colors, and focal image, the exact same template transforms into a beautiful Christmas card.
If you’re joining me for my Christmas in July Experience, you’ll be seeing more projects like this very soon!
Products Used
- Festive Cheer Stamp Set
- 2026-2028 In Color Gingham Gallery Designer Series Paper
- Seasonal Cheer Mini Embossing Folders
- Rhinestone Basic Jewels
Shop the Products
One of my favorite things about the Stacked Rectangles template is that it encourages you to use what you already own while still giving you inspiration to create something fresh.
If you’d like to recreate any of today’s projects or add some of these products to your craft room, I’d love for you to shop through my online Stampin’ Up! store. Every purchase helps support my business and allows me to continue creating free tutorials, inspiration sheets, videos, and classes for our crafting community.
Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little time crafting with me today. I truly appreciate your support, whether you’re watching my videos, reading the blog, or creating along with me.
Now I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and tell me which of today’s four cards was your favorite. I always enjoy seeing which designs speak to you the most, and your comments help inspire future tutorials.
Until next time… happy crafting!