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Three Card Layouts That Work: Video Tutorial | C. C. Designs

Writer's picture: Rick AdkinsRick Adkins

Have you ever sat down to make a card, stared at your supplies, and felt completely stuck? I’ve been there more times than I can count. Sometimes, the hardest part of card making isn’t the stamping, coloring, or embellishing—it’s figuring out a layout that actually works. That’s why I love having a few go-to designs that I know will look great every time. Today, I’m sharing three tried-and-true card layouts featuring the adorable Tiny Winter Stamp Set from C. C. Designs. These layouts are versatile, beginner-friendly, and perfect for stretching your supplies. Plus, I’ve got a video tutorial to walk you through each design step-by-step!


Three illustrated cards with cute winter characters on a light background. Text reads "Three Card Layouts That Work, Video Tutorial | C.C. Designs."

Three Card Layouts That Work:

Diagonal Strip Layout: Adding Movement to Your Cards

The first layout is all about movement. Have you ever noticed how diagonal elements naturally guide the eye across a design? It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference. For this card, I used patterned paper from the Fresh Snow 6 x 8 Paper Pad (Simple Stories) and cut it into strips before layering them on my background. To keep the design cohesive, I stuck with a soft wintery palette of blues, pinks, and neutral woodgrain tones.


Cute snowman character in pink hat and dress on card with wood and green snowflake background. Text: Frosty kisses. Festive mood.

To frame my focal image—a sweet little snow girl from the Tiny Winter Stamp Set—I used a stitched rounded rectangle die. This subtle detail adds just enough texture without overwhelming the design. The sentiment is placed neatly at the bottom, letting the image remain the star of the show. A few Glacier Jewels add just the right amount of sparkle, making this layout perfect for holiday and winter-themed cards.


Pro Tip: If you struggle with patterned paper coordination, stick to a single paper pack. Designers do the hard work of matching colors for you, making it easy to create polished, cohesive designs without second-guessing your choices.


Grid Layout: Clean, Simple, and Always Balanced

If you’re someone who loves symmetry, this layout is for you. Grid designs provide instant structure and balance—no more worrying about whether elements are perfectly placed! For this card, I started with a stamped background using the penguin from the Tiny Winter Stamp Set. Using Memento Desert Storm Ink on Neenah 80 lbs cardstock, I repeated the image in a soft, tone-on-tone pattern. This creates interest without being overpowering.


Cute penguin in earmuffs on card with teal frame, snowy background. Text reads "You're cuter than a penguin's toes." Cozy winter vibe.

To break up the grid and add a focal point, I used a circular die-cut and layered my colored penguin on top. The sentiment sits on a slightly offset banner to create movement while keeping the design structured. A deckled-edge rectangle frame adds a bit of texture without straying from the clean, modern feel of the card.


Pro Tip: When creating a stamped background, use a stamp positioner to keep things even and aligned. If you don’t have one, lightly drawing a grid in pencil before stamping can help keep spacing consistent.


Framed Color Block Layout: Elevating Your Backgrounds

For the final card, I wanted to highlight the adorable bear and snowman duo from the Tiny Winter Stamp Set. This layout uses layered, deckled-edge frames to create a color-blocked look with plenty of depth. The background features a snowflake patterned paper layer from the Fresh Snow Paper Pad, giving the design a soft, textured effect.


Cute bear and snowman in winter attire on a card with "Friends warm the heart" text. Snowflake pattern background, festive ambiance.

What makes this layout work is its mix of organic and structured elements. The deckled frame provides a rustic, slightly imperfect touch, while the centered focal image keeps things balanced. To add warmth, I chose a woodgrain pattern for the outer frame and soft snowflake paper for the background. The sentiment is tucked just below the main image, ensuring it complements rather than competes with the design. A sprinkle of Glacier Jewels ties everything together with a hint of sparkle.


Pro Tip: Layering different textures—like torn edges, stitched dies, and smooth cardstock—adds depth to your cards without making them bulky. If you’re ever feeling like a card is missing something, try mixing up the textures for extra dimension.


Three holiday cards featuring cute winter characters, snowflake patterns, and messages like "Frosty kisses." Green and white theme.

Final Thoughts

These three layouts are my go-to designs when I need a starting point for a card. Whether you love movement, symmetry, or layered textures, these designs are easy to customize for any occasion. If you want a closer look at the process, be sure to check out my video tutorial where I walk through each layout in detail. And if you try these designs, I’d love to see what you create—let me know in the comments which one is your favorite!


Three Foolproof Card Layouts You Need to Know Now Video Tutorial:


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


(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!

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 Stampin'

Rick Adkins














Rick Adkins

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