Free Card Making Sketches

You wouldn't think so, but the layout and placement of your card making materials can be one of the most time-consuming parts to card making itself. It is for this reason that so many card makers participate in sketch challenges each week. Pre-made card layouts alleviate hours of frustration for paper crafters working to find the best placement of their card components so they are able to devote all of their creativity to the more important parts of the card.

A card sketch is made up of three very basic components: matting paper, designer paper, and embellishments. Matting paper is typically, but not always, cardstock, and is used to frame the designer paper to make it pop. Designer paper is available in many different brands, colors, and sizes and will be the most crucial part in the design of your card. The rubber stamps, ribbons, buttons, brads, or "embellishments", you choose to use for your card are often based on the theme of your designer paper.

Below are ten of my own favorite card making layouts that I have used in one way, shape or form for dozens of my handmade cards. These sketches do not need to be copied completely, but rather, are used to jump-start your creative process. These free layouts, along with your creativity, are sure to combine into the most perfect handmade cards you can add to your collection.

Make sure you check out my Handmade Greeting Card Layouts hub for more sketches. Feel free to use, save or print any of my card sketches for your personal use. If you decide you like using card sketches, there are many more places you can visit to grow your collection.

You may also decide you would like to take part in the many daily blog challenges that are centered around sketches. To play along, simply create a project using the provided sketch as a reference. At the end of the week, the host chooses a winner and prizes are distributed.

Below is a list of websites that offer free sketches and/or sketch challenges.