July 13, 2026

3 Easy Handmade Fall Cards with the Simply Leaves Bundle (Plus a Stunning Emboss Resist Technique!)

 

Fall is one of my favorite seasons to create handmade cards. The warm colors, cozy textures, and beautiful leaves make it so easy to create cards that feel heartfelt without being complicated.

If you're anything like me, you're looking for projects that are beautiful but still fit into a busy schedule. This week's cards do exactly that! I created three simple fall-inspired cards using the Simply Leaves Bundle from the July Online Exclusives, and each one offers something a little different—from quick and easy to a technique that looks far more difficult than it really is.

The best part? You don't have to be an experienced card maker to recreate any of these.

Card #1: Add Texture with Two-Tone Cardstock

Sometimes the simplest techniques create the biggest impact.

For the first card, I paired Pumpkin Pie Two-Tone Cardstock with a leafy embossing folder, then lightly sanded the raised areas to reveal the lighter core underneath. It's an incredibly easy way to add instant texture and depth.

A few layered leaves, a linen thread bow (because you know I love my linen thread!), and a simple sentiment finish the card beautifully.

Beginner Tip:
If you don't own a sanding block, borrow a small piece of sandpaper from your husband's toolbox! Any fine grit works perfectly.

Card #2: Let Designer Paper Do the Heavy Lifting

Not every beautiful card needs lots of layers.

This cheerful "Thinking of You Often" card features the gorgeous new gingham Designer Series Paper from the 2026–2028 In Colors collection. The bold pattern becomes the star of the show while a cluster of simple punched leaves adds just enough interest.

This layout is perfect when:

  • You need a quick card.
  • You want to showcase beautiful Designer Series Paper.
  • You're building up your confidence with layering.

Sometimes less really is more.

Card #3: Try the Emboss Resist Technique

If you've never tried the Emboss Resist Technique, this is the perfect project to start with.

It may look fancy, but the steps are surprisingly simple:

  • Blend several ink colors onto Basic White cardstock.
  • Stamp your leaf images with Versamark Ink.
  • Cover with Clear Embossing Powder and heat set.
  • Roll a dark ink (Early Espresso) over the entire background with a brayer.
  • Wipe the embossed leaves clean and watch those gorgeous fall colors come to life.

This technique creates dramatic backgrounds that look like you spent hours making them—even though the process is actually quite relaxing.

It's one of those classic techniques I learned years ago, and I find myself coming back to it every fall because it never disappoints.



Simple Cards Can Still Wow

One thing I hope you take away from this week's projects is that beautiful cards don't have to be complicated.

Whether you're embossing, sanding cardstock, or simply layering pretty paper with a few punched leaves, each small detail adds up to something special.

Handmade cards aren't about perfection—they're about sharing kindness, encouragement, and a little piece of your heart with someone else.

And honestly? That's what makes this hobby so rewarding.

I'd love to know—which card was your favorite this week?

Was it the textured embossed card, the bright gingham design, or the colorful Emboss Resist background?

Leave a comment below and let me know! If you'd like the complete measurements and step-by-step tutorial, be sure you're on my email list so you never miss a week's inspiration. As always, happy stamping!


Product List
Add All to Cart
Posted by at
Labels: , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
09 10 Code line 7 9 is for loading jQuery library. Remove this line if you’ve already loaded it somewhere else in your blog. Hint: If your blog has an image slider, carousel or something with fading effect running, chances are it is powered by jQuery. If this widget doesn’t work, the first thing you want to do is comment out or remove this line. To use your own button, replace the URL in line 3 with the direct link URL to the image. Make sure to keep the quotes. To reposition the button, replace