Hello, crafty friends! Today, I’m excited to share a Halloween card design that’s both spooky and simple—because who says Halloween cards have to be all about cluttered layers and intricate details? Sometimes, clean and simple is the way to go, and this card showcases just how striking minimalism can be while keeping that fun, festive vibe. I used the Spooky Sightings and Jack of All Faces Stamp Sets from The Rabbit Hole Designs, and I think you’re going to love how it all came together!
Clean & Simple Happy Halloween Card:
Finding Balance: Spooky Meets Simple
I’ve always loved a challenge when it comes to card designs, and balancing spooky with simple can definitely be one of those! I knew I wanted to keep this card minimal but still capture that eerie Halloween essence. So, when I saw the floral bouquet with a spider web image in the Spooky Sightings Stamp Set, I knew it would be the perfect focal point. Combining florals with Halloween imagery might seem odd at first, but adding a web to those flowers instantly brings it into Halloween territory.
Here’s a little tip: If you’re ever struggling to combine themes (like spooky and elegant), look for images that can connect both worlds. In this case, the spider web added just the right amount of Halloween without overwhelming the design. I stamped the floral image in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink because I love how crisp the lines turn out, especially when paired with a clean layout.
Bringing the Image to Life with Ohuhu Markers
For the coloring, I grabbed my Ohuhu Honolulu Brush Markers. I know some of you might be thinking, “A Halloween card with flowers?” But trust me, adding unexpected elements to a seasonal card can make it stand out. I chose colors that would hint at Halloween—soft oranges, purples, and a little green—but I didn’t go too traditional with it.
Pro tip: When coloring for a clean and simple card, try not to overthink it. Use just a few shades to keep the design light and airy. With less color, each shade gets a moment to shine.
I wanted the focal point to really pop, so I created a glowing effect behind the bouquet using Twisted Citron Distress Ink and my trusty CottonTail Blending Brush. I masked off a large circle using the Background Basics Stencils from Penny Black, which gave me a clean, defined area to blend around. This is one of my favorite tricks—adding a soft halo of color can ground the focal image without cluttering the design.
Shadows and Sentiments: Small Details Make a Big Difference
After blending, I felt like the bouquet could use just a little more depth, so I went in with some cool gray markers to add a subtle drop shadow. This step might seem small, but it really makes the image pop off the card. If you’re like me, you know it’s these little touches that can take a card from nice to wow!
Next, I stamped the Happy Halloween sentiment from the Jack of All Faces Stamp Set. I wanted it to have a bold, crisp finish, so I used Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. One of the best things about this ink is that it gives solid coverage, especially for sentiments, making sure every detail shows up sharp and clear. If you’ve ever struggled with getting a good, clean impression, I highly recommend this ink!
Matting and Layering for a Polished Look
For the card front, I cut a piece of Pitch Black Cardstock to 4" x 5 1/4" and adhered it to my ink-blended panel. Adding a black matte like this gives the clean design a little more presence without making it too busy. Then, I attached everything to a top-folding A2 card base, which is my go-to for cards like this.
Pro tip: When using black cardstock in clean designs, be sure to pair it with just one or two accent colors. That contrast will make your focal point shine without overpowering the simplicity.
Finishing Touches: Customizing Embellishments
I always love adding a little something extra to my cards, and this one was no exception. For some highlights, I reached for my Uni-ball Signo White Gel Pen to add a few pops of white to the floral image. It’s amazing how just a few strokes can give the image more dimension!
Now, for my favorite part: embellishments! I had some Matte White Enamel Dots from The Rabbit Hole Designs in my stash, but I wanted to customize them to fit my Halloween theme. So, I colored them with alcohol markers! I used orange, black, and violet to match my card. It’s such a simple trick, but it allows you to get the exact colors you need without having to buy new embellishments every time.
Pro tip: If you ever need embellishments in specific colors, don’t be afraid to alter what you already have! Alcohol markers work great on enamel dots, and it’s a fun way to make sure all your elements match perfectly.
Wrapping It Up: Clean, Simple, and Spooky
And there you have it! A clean and simple Halloween card that combines spooky elements with an unexpected twist. This design is great for anyone who loves a minimalist approach but still wants to capture the essence of the season. It’s proof that even for Halloween, sometimes less really is more.
I hope this card inspires you to try something a little different with your Halloween designs this year. Don’t be afraid to experiment with combining themes and adding your own personal touch—whether it’s through custom embellishments, creative color choices, or fun stamp sets.
Ohuhu Honolulu Brush Markers Color Combinations:
Purple Flowers - V060, V250, R11
Orange Flowers - YR090, YR3, YR190
Blue Green Leaves - G324, PB10, G4
Drop Shadow - CG020, CG2, CG050
Black Flowers - NG06, NG07, NG09
Green Leaves - GY4, GY5, GY8, GY42
Flower Centers - YR1, Y8 (yellow centers); NG6, NG7 (black centers)
Thanks so much for stopping by! If you give this design a try, I’d love to see how it turns out!
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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 Stampin'
Rick Adkins
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