One Sketch, 3 Ways

Using one sketch, 3 ways is an easy, stash-friendly trick that helps you create more while using what you already have. Today I’m sharing 3 projects I created using the sketch below as my inspiration.

A good sketch takes the guesswork out of card design. Use the basic layout as-is, then swap in patterned paper scraps, leftover sentiments, or die cut pieces from your stash. Rotate the sketch, flip it, or change the focal point to get multiple projects from the same idea—perfect for quick makes or last-minute cards.

Stampin’ Up! issues a challenge every month over on Facebook and the January challenge is a sketch challenge. When I saw this sketch, I knew it would be perfect for using scraps from my stash. Let’s take a look.

Project #1

For the first card I stuck pretty closely to the sketch. I thought the little blocks of colour from the Celebratory Sips dsp would work perfectly for the layers and they were already cut which was a bonus. It was like they were waiting for this project! However, these blocks could easily be replaced by scraps of pattern paper or card stock.

Measurements:

• Thick Basic White: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″
• Basic White: 4″ x 5-1/4″ embossed and scrap for greeting
• Celebratory Sips DSP: 1/2″ x 5-1/4″ ; fussy cut coloured blocks and drinks
• White Twine: 8″
• Sequins: x2

Project #2

The second project I’m sharing follows the sketch pretty closely as well. However, instead of using pattern paper to create the border, I used stamps from the Gears & Textures stamp set. This set is PERFECT for adding textural images to your backgrounds. Especially for masculine cards!

Measurements:

• Basic Beige: 8-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ scored at 4-1/4″; 3-3/4″ x 5″
• Celebratory Sips DSP: 3/4″ x 5″
• Basic White: 4″ x 5-1/4″ (inside)
• Secret Sea: 2″ x 4-1/4″ for greeting
• Secret Sea Ribbon: 5″
• White Twine: 8″
• Moody Palette Dots: x2

If you love this card, be sure to check out the Gears & Textures card tutorial.

I walk you through creating these first two projects in the video linked below.

Project #3

That same sketch can easily translate to a scrapbook page like I’ve done here. I also chose to use a mirrored version of the sketch. So instead of having my strip down the left side of the page, I did it down the right side.

I replaced the strips of pattern paper with tiny little envelopes that I created using scraps of pattern paper. Everything on this layout is from my stash – scraps of music paper, ledger paper, pattern paper, retired embellishments, lace and a random piece of pattern paper. The only new product is the stamp set I used for the camera and words. It’s a new set that will be released to customers in March 2026 called Capturing Smiles.

Sketches are a great resource when you want to dig into your stash. A solid sketch gives all those “too good to toss” scraps a purpose. Mix patterns, textures, and colours you already own, and suddenly your scrap pile turns into finished projects instead of clutter.

One sketch. Endless possibilities. Fewer leftovers.
That’s a win for creativity and your craft stash.

For additional tips on using your stash to create beautiful projects, check out this blog post.

Until next time,

Supply List

Click on any of the images to shop my Canadian online store or to find out more information about any of these products. In addition to these, I also used some sequins from my stash, a new bundle (to be released in March) called Capturing Smiles; an old retired number set and papers from my stash.