Hello, crafty friends! I don’t know about you, but the second I feel that first hint of autumn in the air, I’m ready to pull out all my fall-themed stamps and stencils. There’s something about the season that just begs for earthy colors, cozy layers, and that little extra sparkle. Today, I’ve created a card with The Rabbit Hole Designs’ Autumn Is Calling Stamp Set and the Torn Paper Stencil, both perfect tools to bring out the warm, inviting tones of fall. I wanted to make a design that feels like a well-loved, dog-eared book—a little worn and inviting, full of stories and memories.
Another Turned Page:
A Perfect Fall Focal Point: The Autumn is Calling Stamp Set
The Autumn Is Calling Stamp Set features a beautiful open book bursting with a bouquet of autumn leaves. It immediately caught my eye, because what says “fall” more than a good book and colorful leaves? I stamped it onto Neenah Solar White 80 lbs Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. This cardstock holds ink wonderfully, giving a crisp impression that’s ideal for coloring, and Tuxedo Black Ink is always my go-to for alcohol marker coloring.
It always amazes me how a stamped image can capture so much atmosphere! With this book image, I wanted to use colors that evoke warm, quiet afternoons—muted oranges, browns, and a hint of spearmint green.
Creating the Perfect Background with Distress Oxide Inks and Torn Paper Stencil
Next, I went for a softly blended background using The Rabbit Hole Designs’ Torn Paper Stencil and Distress Oxide Inks. Here’s where I had a bit of fun! I layered Antique Linen, Scattered Straw, Brushed Corduroy, and Frayed Burlap to create a warm, aged-paper effect. Distress Oxides blend so smoothly, and these colors combine to give that cozy, worn look reminiscent of old parchment.
Pro Tip: When using multiple shades of Distress Oxide Inks, start with the lightest color first to get that soft base, then add your darker colors to deepen the shadows. Antique Linen and Scattered Straw give the warm glow, while Brushed Corduroy and Frayed Burlap add that lovely, vintage depth.
After removing the stencil, I flicked some water over the background to lift the ink slightly. The water reacts with Distress Oxides to create a beautiful, almost “weathered” texture, perfect for adding that extra bit of charm. Dabbing up the water with a paper towel gives a unique effect each time—no two backgrounds turn out exactly alike, which I love!
Adding Sentiment and Coloring for Autumn’s Storybook Charm
Once my inked panel was dry, I stamped the sentiment in Versafine Nocturne Ink. I wanted the words to be bold and sharp against the soft, earthy tones. For the coloring, I used my Ohuhu Oahu Markers in a muted pastel palette. Sometimes when we think of autumn, we reach straight for deep oranges and reds, but this time, I wanted something a bit more subdued to complement the background.
Pro Tip: Try using muted tones or pastels with autumn themes! The softer shades can make your focal points look modern and fresh, while still bringing in those cozy, nostalgic vibes.
I colored the book image and leaves in layers, using gentle shadows to add depth and keep the overall look relaxed yet engaging. I imagine this card like a “page turned”—each element is meant to feel as though it has a story to tell, waiting for someone to open it up.
Pulling It All Together with a Simple Die and Finishing Touches
To frame the design, I used one of the dies from The Rabbit Hole Designs’ You’ve Been Framed Die set to cut out the card front. This particular die gave the card a nice, polished edge that draws your eye inward, almost like a picture frame for a cozy autumn memory.
For my card base, I matted the ink-blended panel onto a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Paper Bag Cardstock—a warm, rich brown that complements the muted fall colors beautifully. Then, I attached everything onto an A2 top-folding card base cut from Neenah Solar White Ultra Thick Cardstock, giving the final piece a sturdy, high-quality feel.
Of course, I couldn’t resist adding a few final touches. White gel pen highlights give the book and leaves a little extra pop without overwhelming the soft, storybook palette. And the finishing sparkle? A sprinkle of Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots from The Rabbit Hole Designs, placed here and there, to catch the light like a hint of early morning frost.
A Card for the Book and Fall Lovers Alike
There’s something so satisfying about combining fall themes with the magic of a good book. With each element—stenciling, ink blending, coloring—I wanted this card to feel like turning the pages of a beloved novel. I love how The Rabbit Hole Designs’ Autumn Is Calling Stamp Set and Torn Paper Stencil bring out that cozy, nostalgic feel while giving us the freedom to experiment with colors and textures.
If you’re like me and you’re always looking for ways to blend your love of fall with a little extra card-making magic, I hope this project inspires you! Give it a try with different color combinations or stencils, and don’t forget to let your creativity shine as the seasons change. Happy crafting, and here’s to all those beautifully turned pages ahead!
Oahu Markers Color Combinations:
Below you will find my color combinations for today's project. Today's project features color combinations using my Oahu Markers. In the image and below I have listed the color combinations in order from the lightest color in the color combo to the darkest. You can save the image below to your favorite Pinterest board for alcohol marker coloring combos.
Orange Leaves - YR496, YR596, YR593, YR687
Pink Leaves & Berries - R194, R195, R193
Purple Leaves - R189, R186
Golden Leaves - Y190, E293, Y291
Brown Leaves - E182, E180, E262
Blue Violet Leaves - V289, V287, V381
Book Spine & Ribbon - G189, G284, G271
Book Pages - E188, E262, E356
Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.
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
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