Easy Fall Thank You Card with the Elegant Leaves Stamp Set

This Easy Fall Thank You Card with the Elegant Leaves Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up!® started with something I sometimes forget I can do: stamp right on top of Designer Series Paper! Instead of starting with plain cardstock, I used a subtle pattern from the Autumn Opulence Specialty Designer Series Paper. It gave me a little color and pattern before I even picked up a stamp.

Then I could simply add the leaves and let the paper become part of the finished design. That’s a pretty easy way to get a card that looks like you did more work than you actually did. And you know I’m always in favor of that!

When we buy beautiful Designer Series Paper, our first instinct is usually to cut it up and use it exactly as it is. But take another look at those quieter patterns in your paper packs.

A subtle pattern can make a wonderful stamping surface because you’re not starting with a blank piece of cardstock. You’ve already got a little interest in the background, and your stamped images add another layer right over it.

For this card, I used several leaf images from the Elegant Leaves Stamp Set across the Autumn Opulence paper. The existing pattern still peeks through, but now the paper feels completely different.

Blackberry Bliss, Petal Pink, and Golden Glow aren’t your typical fall trio, and I think that’s exactly what makes them so pretty together. Blackberry Bliss gives us the deep, rich color we often want on a fall card. Golden Glow brings in the warmth of autumn leaves. Then Petal Pink softens everything.

Instead of another dark or earthy color, that gentle pink keeps the card feeling light and gives the deeper leaf images plenty of contrast. And once you add that warm Copper Hot Foil sentiment? Everything comes together. It’s definitely fall, just without relying on the usual orange, brown, and green.

Once the background was finished, I didn’t want to cover it up. That’s one of those cardmaking moments when it’s good to know when to stop! Instead of adding another large focal image or several more layers, I kept the front of the card simple and let the sentiment become the focal point.

The Classic Greetings Hot Foil Dies were perfect for that. That shiny Copper Foil “thank you” gives the card something special without hiding all those leaves underneath it. The shine catches your eye immediately, but the background still gets to be part of the design. Learn more about our Hot Foil System here.

There’s one more reason I like making thank-you cards. We don’t have to wait until someone does something enormous to send one.

Maybe a friend brought in your garbage cans while you were away. Someone checked on you after a rough week. A neighbor shared tomatoes from her garden. Or somebody simply did something kind that made your day a little easier.

Those are exactly the moments worth noticing. And a handmade card showing up in her mailbox a few days later says, “I noticed. And I appreciated you.” That’s a pretty good reason to make a card.

If you’d like to make this one, I’ve put the measurements and project details together for you in the free tutorial above. Then while your stamps are already out, make a second thank-you card. You probably already know someone who deserves it.

Let’s fill those mailboxes with stamping sunshine! 🐝

I appreciate you dropping by! My mission is to inspire you with card tutorials that are as fun to make as they are to give. If you’re curious about the specifics of crafting today’s design, just send me an email.  Want more papercrafting ideas?  Join my Facebook Community today.

Supplies Used On This Project: