How to Use Pattern Paper to Create a Custom Color Palette for Cardmaking

One of my favorite ways to remove the guesswork from coloring stamped images is to let my pattern paper do the heavy lifting—and today’s Warm Wishes clean & layered card is a perfect example of that approach. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to decide which Copic markers to use, this technique is a total confidence booster, especially for beginner to intermediate cardmakers.

For this card, I started with a holiday-themed pattern paper pack and used it to create a non-holiday card design that feels cozy, polished, and completely usable year-round. The key is pulling colors directly from the paper and matching your markers to those shades for a cohesive, intentional look.

Using Pattern Paper as Your Color Guide

Instead of coloring first and hoping everything works together, I flipped the process around. I chose my pattern paper panels first, then selected Copic markers that closely matched the colors already in the paper. This simple shift makes coloring feel far less stressful and helps your finished card look more professional without extra effort.

On this card, the soft pinks, warm oranges, and teal tones from the paper guided every coloring choice—from the little girl’s pajamas to her cozy blanket. Because the colors are repeated across the card, everything feels balanced and pulled together.

This approach works beautifully if:

• You want consistent results without overthinking color theory

• You’re stretching your supplies by using themed paper in new ways

• You prefer clean, layered designs that don’t feel busy

Clean & Layered Design with Stamps and Dies

The stamped image from the Henry & Twila Cocoa Stamp Set by C. C. Designs is the star of this card. I stamped the image using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, which is my go-to for Copic coloring, and kept the coloring soft and approachable—no complicated techniques required.

To frame the image, I used the Nested Stitched Flat Ovals Dies to create a strong focal point while still keeping the design clean. Matting the oval with Midnight Black 110 lb Smooth Cardstock adds contrast and helps the image pop against the lighter background.

The sentiment was stamped with Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink, giving me a crisp, bold impression that stands out beautifully on the white cardstock.

Turning Holiday Paper into an Everyday Card

One of my favorite things about this project is how versatile it is. Even though the pattern paper comes from a holiday collection, the colors and small-scale designs make it easy to use outside of the season. By focusing on color instead of theme, you can get so much more value from your paper pads.

This card design would work for:

• Thinking-of-you cards

• Warm encouragement cards

• Cozy winter greetings that aren’t holiday-specific

Why This Technique Builds Confidence

Using pattern paper as your color palette removes so much pressure from the creative process. You’re no longer guessing or second-guessing—you’re making informed choices based on what you already see. It’s a simple technique, but it’s one that helps you create cards that feel polished, intentional, and repeatable.

That’s something I always aim for in my cardmaking: designs that look special without being overwhelming.

Supplies Used

Full list of supplies listed below in the Supply List!

Stamps

• Henry & Twila Cocoa Stamp Set – C. C. Designs

Dies

• Nested Stitched Flat Ovals Dies – SBC

Pattern Paper

• Gingerbread A2 Pattern Paper Pad – SBC

Inks

• Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (image stamping)

• Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink Pad (sentiment stamping)

Cardstock

• Neenah Ultra Thick Cardstock (card base)

• Midnight Black 110 lbs Smooth Cardstock (mat layers)

Coloring Tools

• Copic Markers (full list of colors used below in the supply list)

Video Tutorial:

If you’d like to see this card come together step by step, be sure to watch the coordinating YouTube video where I walk through the stamping, coloring, and assembly process in real time. This is a great technique to revisit whenever you want fast but thoughtful color decisions for your handmade cards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZxd_evYbo0

If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking Here!

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Materials Used:

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Happy Crafting,

Rick Adkins

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