Kylie Bertucci

Sometimes a simple card design is all you need to let the colours, shapes and patterns do the work.

For this simple handmade thank you card, I kept the layout uncomplicated with a gingham background, three large stamped leaves and a small sentiment. The combination of Early Espresso, Peaceful Pine and Pecan Pie adds plenty of contrast without needing lots of extra layers or embellishments.

Starting with Peaceful Pine gingham

I started with a Peaceful Pine card base and added a layer of Peaceful Pine Designer Series Paper from the 2026–2028 In Colour Gingham Gallery Designer Series Paper collection.

Using the same colour for the card base and the gingham paper keeps the background cohesive, while the gingham pattern adds just enough interest behind the leaves.

Stamping the Simply Leaves

Next, I took a piece of Basic White and stamped one of each of the large leaves.

• The top leaf was stamped in Early Espresso.
• The middle leaf was stamped in Peaceful Pine.
• The bottom leaf was stamped in Pecan Pie.

I then cut each of the leaves out using the coordinating punch.

Once they were ready, I adhered all three leaves to the front of the card using dimensionals. I changed the direction of each leaf as I worked my way down the card rather than lining them all up exactly the same way.

It's a small change, but it gives the arrangement some movement while still keeping the overall design nice and simple.

Adding a simple thanks sentiment

To finish the card, I stamped the “Thanks” sentiment in Peaceful Pine.

I cut tightly around the sentiment and adhered it over the middle leaf using dimensionals. Keeping the sentiment small means it doesn't compete with the three leaves for attention, but it still stands out clearly against the Peaceful Pine leaf.

Simple card making doesn't need to be plain

I like how much you can get from just a few elements on this card. The gingham gives you pattern, the three ink colours provide contrast and changing the direction of the leaves adds movement.

It's also a good reminder that simple card making doesn't have to mean plain. When you have a strong focal image and a patterned background, you can give those elements some breathing room rather than feeling as though you need to keep adding more.

If you'd like more ideas for keeping your projects creative without making them complicated, you'll find more Stampin' Up! Australia card making ideas and inspiration here on my blog.