Fall is the perfect time to slow down, appreciate the people around us, and send a handmade card that says, “Thank you.” For this project, Rick, combines colorful die-cut leaves, dry embossing, and simple ink blending to create a warm Fall Thankful For You Card. The rich autumn color palette and mix of CutCardStock cardstocks give this A2 card plenty of dimension without making the design feel complicated.
This card is a great project for beginner and intermediate cardmakers alike. You’ll learn how to create visual interest with a small embossed panel, layer die-cut leaves, and use coordinating cardstock colors to make a simple card design feel finished and intentional.
Choose a Warm Fall Color Palette
For this card, I wanted the colors to feel like the leaves you might see during a beautiful autumn walk. I chose a combination of warm reds, golden yellows, greens, oranges, and deep brown.
The card base and several layers use Cougar White Smooth CardStock 110 lbs. Its clean white surface gives the fall colors plenty of room to stand out.
For the colorful die-cut leaves, I used DCS Habanero Red Cardstock, DCS Green Curry Cardstock, and DCS Yellow Jacket Cardstock. I also added Pop Tone Hot Fudge Cardstock and Pop Tone Orange Fizz Cardstock for additional contrast.
I picked these cardstocks for the color palette and the mix of textures. Together, they create a classic fall look while giving the finished card plenty of visual depth.
Create the A2 Card Base
Start with a sheet of Cougar White Smooth CardStock 110 lbs. Cut it to 4 1/4″ x 11″.
Score the cardstock at 5 1/2″ and fold it in half to create a top-folding A2 card measuring 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″.
Using a heavier cardstock for the card base gives the finished handmade card a sturdy foundation. Be sure to use a bone folder or similar tool to create a crisp fold.
Add Texture with Dry Embossing
Next, cut two pieces of Cougar White Smooth CardStock 110 lbs.
- Cut one piece to 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″.
- Cut the second piece to 1 1/2″ x 5″.
Use your Falling Leaves 3D Embossing Folder to add texture to the 1 1/2″ x 5″ panel. The raised leaf pattern creates a subtle background that adds interest without overwhelming the design.
Now bring in your matching fall-colored Distress Inks. Lightly apply ink over the embossed panel. Start with a small amount of ink and build the color gradually. This makes it easier to highlight the raised areas without covering the entire panel.
For the mat layer, cut DCS Yellow Jacket Cardstock to 1 3/4″ x 5 1/4″. Layer the embossed piece onto the yellow cardstock. The narrow border adds a pop of color and helps the textured panel stand out against the white card base.
Die Cut and Layer the Fall Leaves
Now comes the fun part!
Using DCS Habanero Red Cardstock, DCS Green Curry Cardstock, DCS Yellow Jacket Cardstock, Pop Tone Hot Fudge Cardstock, and Pop Tone Orange Fizz Cardstock, die cut several leaves with the Artsy Leaves Thinlits.
I also cut the small center pieces for the leaves. Rather than using every piece to build a single leaf, I scattered some of these small pieces around the card. This is an easy way to repeat the colors throughout the design.
When arranging the leaves, avoid placing everything in perfectly even rows. A little variation in direction and spacing makes the design feel more natural. You can also try overlapping a few pieces to create additional dimension.
Add the Thankful Sentiment
For the sentiment, I used the Simple Says Die Set to create a layered “Thankful for You” greeting.
Cut the shadow layer from Cougar White Smooth CardStock 110 lbs and cut the sentiment itself from Pop Tone Hot Fudge Cardstock. Layer the two pieces together so the white creates a clean outline around the dark brown sentiment.
This contrast helps the greeting remain easy to read while tying it visually to the darker fall leaves.
Assemble the Card
Once all the pieces are ready, arrange the embossed and matted panel on the card front. Add your die-cut leaves and small leaf centers around the design.
Use liquid glue for the pieces that need a flat finish. For selected elements, add thin foam adhesive to create a little extra dimension.
Finally, position the “Thankful for You” sentiment across the front of the card. The large script greeting becomes the focal point while the colorful leaves frame it and reinforce the fall theme.
The finished card measures 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, making it a standard A2 handmade card.
A Simple Tip for More Dimension
One of my favorite things about this project is that you don’t need a lot of embellishments to create a dimensional card.
Let your cardstock and techniques do the work.
The dry embossed background adds texture. Ink blending emphasizes that texture. Die-cut leaves add color and shape. Layering the sentiment creates another level of dimension.
When all three techniques work together, even a relatively simple card layout can have plenty of visual interest.
Make It Your Own
This fall card design would be easy to adapt for other occasions. Try changing the sentiment for a birthday, friendship, Thanksgiving, or general thank-you card.
You can also change the leaf colors to match your favorite season. The same layout would work beautifully with spring greens, summer colors, or winter neutrals.
The key is to choose a small group of coordinating cardstock colors and repeat them throughout the card. That simple design decision helps everything feel connected.
Share Your Fall Cardmaking Ideas
I hope this Fall Thankful For You Card inspires you to pull out your favorite fall colors and experiment with die cutting, dry embossing, and ink blending. What colors would you choose for your own version of this handmade card?
Leave a comment and tell us your favorite fall cardmaking color combination, or share this project with another cardmaker who loves creating handmade cards for friends and family.