As Halloween approaches, I always find myself getting a little more creative in the craft room. There's something about the spooky season that brings out the magic in card making. This year, I wanted to create a set of Halloween cards that even a beginner could easily recreate, while still packing that wow factor. I turned to the Hocus Pocus Stamp Set from Simon Says Stamp, a favorite of mine, for its whimsical and fun designs.
These cards are a joy to make, and what's more, they're simple, one-layer designs—no need to fuss with multiple layers or complicated techniques. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a quick project, these cards will make your Halloween crafting a breeze.
Halloween Cards Even A Beginner Can Make:
The Magic of One-Layer Cards
One-layer cards are often underestimated. I used to think they were too plain or boring, but I’ve since realized that they offer a unique opportunity to focus on the art of stamping, coloring, and blending. These cards show just how impactful a well-placed image or a pop of color can be.
For this set, I kept everything on the card base itself. This not only makes the cards simpler to create but also more cost-effective—no extra cardstock or embellishments needed. The simplicity of this approach also means there's less room for error, which is always a plus, especially for beginners.
The Hocus Pocus Stamp Set: A Halloween Favorite
The Hocus Pocus Stamp Set is a must-have for Halloween crafting. It’s filled with adorable witchy characters, and each one brings its own personality to the card. I loved the versatility of this set—you can mix and match the witches, add in the cute little cats, or even create a magical scene with the stars and broomsticks.
When I first got my hands on this set, I knew I wanted to keep the designs clean and simple. Sometimes less really is more, especially when you're working with such fun, detailed images.
Creating the Cards
For these cards, I started by stamping the images directly onto A2 card bases using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. This ink is my go-to for any coloring projects because it doesn’t bleed with alcohol markers, which is key when you’re working on a one-layer card.
Pro Tip: Always give your stamped images a few seconds to dry before you start coloring. This helps prevent any smudging or unwanted blending.
Each card features one or two characters from the Hocus Pocus set, and I made sure to place them strategically to allow space for the sentiment and a bit of background stenciling. Speaking of stenciling, I reached for my trusty Background Basics Stencil Set to add some simple but effective designs around the edges of the cards. A little green, yellow, or orange ink blended around a stencil can create a beautiful, glowing effect that frames your stamped images perfectly.
I remember the first time I tried ink blending—I was so nervous! But trust me, with a light hand and a good foam blending tool, it’s easier than you think. Start with less ink and build up the color gradually. This will give you more control and help you avoid any harsh lines.
Coloring with Spectrum Noir TriBlend Markers
Now, let’s talk about coloring. For these cards, I used my Spectrum Noir TriBlend Brush Markers. If you’ve never tried these markers, they’re a game-changer, especially for beginners. Each marker has three shades of the same color, making it incredibly easy to achieve beautiful blends without having to juggle multiple markers.
Pro Tip: Start with the lightest shade and gradually move to the darker shades. This allows you to build depth and dimension in your coloring without overdoing it.
I had a lot of fun coloring in these cute little witches. Each one has its own personality, and it was a joy to bring them to life with a bit of color. Whether it’s the witch flying on her broomstick or the one sitting on a pumpkin, these characters really pop when you add in some shading and highlights.
Finishing Touches
Once all the stamping and coloring were done, I added the sentiments using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. This ink gives such a crisp, clean impression—perfect for sentiments that you want to stand out. I’m a big fan of bold sentiments on simple cards; they tie everything together and make the design feel complete.
As a final touch, I added some light ink blending around the edges of the card bases, matching the color to the stenciled background. This little step makes a big difference in tying the whole card together and gives it that polished, finished look.
Why These Cards Are Perfect for Beginners
If you’re new to card making, these one-layer Halloween cards are a fantastic way to get started. They’re simple yet effective, and they don’t require a lot of supplies or complicated techniques. Plus, the designs are easy to replicate, so you can make a whole batch of them in no time.
But even if you’re an experienced card maker, I think you’ll find these cards to be a fun, creative challenge. Sometimes, it’s good to strip things back and focus on the basics—stamping, coloring, and a bit of ink blending.
Conclusion: Get Crafty This Halloween
I hope this post inspires you to try your hand at these Halloween cards. Whether you're making them for yourself, to give to friends and family, or even to send to someone special, they’re sure to bring a smile. And don’t forget—if you want to see exactly how these cards came together, check out the video tutorial. I walk through each step, sharing tips and tricks along the way.
Happy crafting, and have a spook-tacular Halloween!
4 Easy One Layer Halloween Cards 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
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