Simple Thinking of You Card using Simply Leaves

This simple Thinking of You Card using Simply Leaves by Stampin’ Up!® is proof that a card doesn’t need lots of layers or complicated techniques to look finished. With one stamped image, a simple sentiment and a few small details, you can create a card that’s quick to make but still feels special enough to send.

And that’s really the sweet spot, isn’t it? We want to make pretty cards, but sometimes we don’t have two hours and half the craft room to do it. 😊

One of my favorite things about this card is how much open space there is. Instead of filling the entire card front, I stamped three leaves down one side of a Basic White panel. The Perennial Postage Dies give that simple panel an interesting edge, which adds detail without making the design feel busy.

That’s a handy little cardmaking trick to remember. When your stamping is simple, try giving the cardstock itself an interesting shape. A die-cut edge can make a very basic design feel much more finished without adding another technique or a pile of embellishments.

The leaves may look like they required more work than they actually did.

I first inked the leaf stamp with Crushed Curry, then sponged just a little Pumpkin Pie ink onto the stamp before stamping it onto the cardstock. That’s it!

That little bit of Pumpkin Pie breaks up the solid Crushed Curry and gives each leaf some natural variation. You get more depth and interest while still making each leaf with a single stamped impression.

It’s a great technique to try anytime a solid stamped image feels just a little too flat. And because you’re adding the second color directly to the stamp, you don’t need extra layers or detailed coloring to get the effect.

Crushed Curry gives this card its golden warmth, while Pumpkin Pie adds a richer orange tone to keep the stamped leaves from looking flat. Early Espresso provides the deep contrast the other two colors need and grounds the whole combination.

Together, they remind me of those first fall leaves when the yellows and oranges start mixing together but haven’t quite turned brown yet.

And using Pumpkin Pie for the card base brings that warmth around the entire design while letting the Basic White panel keep everything fresh and modern.

How To Make This Card

You’ll find the full supply list and step-by-step instructions below.

I wouldn’t technically call this a beginner card because you’ll need a Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine to create the Perennial Postage die-cut panel. But I would absolutely call it a very simple card. Once that panel is cut, there isn’t much to it: stamp the leaves, add the sentiment, pop on two gems and you’re done.

So if you already own a Cut & Emboss Machine, this is exactly the kind of design to keep in your back pocket when you need a beautiful card without a lot of fuss. I especially love simple designs for Thinking of You cards because these aren’t cards we usually plan weeks ahead.

Someone pops into your mind.
A friend is having a hard week.
You realize it’s been far too long since you’ve talked to someone.
That’s when you need a card you can sit down and make without turning it into a major project.

Because the important part isn’t how many layers are on the front. It’s writing a few words inside and getting that card into the mailbox. So the next time someone crosses your mind, don’t wait for a reason to send a card. Thinking of you is reason enough.

Supplies Used:

If you enjoy simple, cozy cardmaking like this, you’d love the creative support we share inside the Creative Living Room. If you have questions about today’s tutorial, please email me for detailed steps. Inspire your craft with more ideas—join me over on Pinterest!