There’s something about fall crafting that makes my heart feel a little softer and a little slower. Today’s project is all about warm neutrals, soft stenciling, and the beauty of simple gratitude. If you love creating cards that feel warm, comforting, and heartfelt, this Grateful Pumpkin Card is going to be a new favorite.
Let’s take a closer look at the details behind this cozy seasonal make!
🎃 A Palette Filled With Warm Fall Comfort
For this card, I wanted a soft autumn look without going too bold or too bright. Instead of saturated oranges and deep browns, I leaned into:
- warm pumpkin tones
- buttery cream neutrals
- fresh leafy greens
- subtle stenciled beige for texture
- rich espresso brown for contrast
This combination makes the finished piece feel rustic but refined, perfect for fall cards, Thanksgiving greetings, or anytime you want to send someone a little gratitude.
🧡 Pumpkins That Steal the Show
The focal point of this card is the pumpkin pair, one warm and earthy, one soft and creamy. I colored these using alcohol markers, making sure to add:
- rounded shading on each segment
- subtle shadowing near the stems
- warm undertones for a harvest feel
Layering the pumpkins slightly offset helps them feel nestled together, like a tiny still-life arrangement on a crisp fall morning.
A cluster of leafy green die-cuts rests behind them, bringing a pop of freshness that breaks up the warm tones.
🌿 Soft Stenciled Texture for the Background
The background is one of my favorite parts, the delicate geometric stencil pattern adds interest without overwhelming the card. I lightly ink-blended a warm beige tone through the stencil to create a subtle, almost linen-like texture.
Here’s why it works so well:
- It adds detail without adding bulk
- It reinforces the cozy, rustic feel
- It allows the pumpkins to remain the hero
- It keeps the card clean and elegant
Texture without chaos is one of my favorite ways to elevate a fall design.
🎀 A Rustic Bow for the Perfect Finishing Touch
To add softness and dimension, I tied a small neutral linen ribbon bow and placed it right beneath the pumpkin cluster. This simple touch gives the whole card a homey, handcrafted feel, like something you’d see tied around a harvest bouquet or a farmhouse basket.
It’s amazing how a tiny embellishment can completely finish a card!
🤎 Sentiments That Speak From the Heart
The card includes two layered sentiments:
- “Grateful” as the main headline
- “Thankful for You” in a clean, modern strip
Together, they make this card perfect for:
🍁 Thanksgiving
🍁 Autumn birthdays
🍁 Teacher appreciation
🍁 Thinking-of-you
🍁 Hostess thank-yous
🍁 Gratitude notes anytime
Simple words. Big heart.
✨ Putting It All Together
Here’s the assembly flow if you’d like to recreate this card:
- Die-cut and color your pumpkins.
- Cut leafy accents in fresh green tones.
- Lightly stencil the background with warm beige ink.
- Layer your pumpkins slightly overlapping.
- Add the die-cut leaves behind the pumpkins.
- Tie and adhere a linen bow beneath the pumpkin cluster.
- Add your “Grateful” and “Thankful for You” sentiments.
- Mount the panel onto a deep brown card base.
Simple layers that feel rich and thoughtful, the best kind of crafting.
🍁 Why I Love This Card for the Season
Fall is the time of year when we slow down, reflect, and appreciate the people around us. Handmade cards are such a beautiful way to say:
“I’m grateful for you.”
“You matter.”
“Thank you.”
This design is warm, peaceful, and inviting, everything I love about autumn creativity. I hope it inspires you to pull out your inks, pumpkins, bows, and cozy fall colors and make something that makes your heart feel full.
📌 Save This Post for Later
If you want to try this project soon, don’t forget to:
✔️ Save this post
✔️ Pin it to your Pinterest board
✔️ Tag me @sunshine.stamper if you create your own version!
Sunshine Stamper 
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