Have you ever wondered where the best greeting card ideas come from? Sometimes the answer is simpler than you think…
Whether it’s from the world around you or a simple online search, inspiration can be found everywhere, let me show you what I mean!
Let’s get started with a quick peek at where today’s inspiration takes us?

Would you like to see how these techniques come together? Click HERE to watch at YouTube.
This post is part of my Take 2 Series with Altenew, which means you get double the inspiration, and if you want to see MORE ideas like this, CLICK HERE.
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#FINDINGINSPIRATION
As cardmakers, we all have those moments when we’re staring at a blank sheet of paper, wondering, “Where do I even start?” Inspiration can come from just about anywhere, and today, I’m sharing two ways you can find that creative spark for your next project.
Idea #1: Design-Inspired Card Ideas
Sometimes, inspiration strikes from the everyday designs around us. Whether it’s a pattern on a piece of clothing, a design on a plate, or a unique print on your kitchenware, these subtle designs can offer the perfect jumpstart for your cardmaking.

For my first bird-themed card, I drew inspiration from a beautiful fine bone china plate.

The monochromatic blue-on-white pattern sparked the design for my card, and I loved how it kept things simple yet elegant.

Where Else to Look for Inspiration:
- Pottery & Earthenware: Think about the intricate designs of Chinese pottery – these patterns can provide a wonderful starting point for your card designs.
- Magazines: Advertising in magazines often features striking colour combinations, patterns, and layouts that can be adapted for your cards.
- Clothing: Draw inspiration from the colours and patterns in clothing. A floral dress, a striped shirt, or even the rich designs of a Japanese kimono can give you plenty of creative ideas.
- Linen: Bed linens often feature bold florals or geometric prints, offering a wealth of inspiration for unique card designs.
Pro Tip: When you find a pattern or design you love, take a photo of it! Having a collection of these images can make it easier to come up with fresh ideas when you’re ready to craft.

Idea #2: Online Searches to Spark Card Ideas
Another great way to find inspiration is through the power of the internet. If you have a specific stamp set, die, or image in mind, start with a quick online search. This can lead to fresh colour combinations and design ideas that are easy to adapt to your own cards.

For example, by gathering inspiration from these resources, I was inspired to create a fun, whimsical watercolor bird card with hand-drawn birthday hats. It allowed me to give the card a lively, playful feel, while still keeping it simple and fun!

Where to Search for Card Ideas:
- Online Searches: (Scroll down to find out how!) Start with simple keyword searches like “greeting card, bird, colourful, masculine” to find designs that match your theme. This can lead to a treasure trove of creative ideas and colour combos.
You can even step up the search a little further by adding a specific technique, such as ‘ink blending, stamping, watercolouring’. - Stamp Set Inspiration: If you have a specific stamp set, like these bird stamps, search for designs created by others using that same set. Many stamp companies host galleries on their websites where you can explore what fellow crafters have created for fresh ideas.
- Designer Work: Check out your favorite designers’ work for inspiration. If they’ve used similar products, you may find unique colour schemes, layouts, or design elements that you can adapt for your own cards.

Pro Tip: Don’t feel like you have to reinvent the wheel. Inspiration for specific stamp sets is already out there waiting for you to discover.
Feel free to copy or CASE (Copy and Share Everything) in your own style. Just remember to give credit where it’s due, and if possible, link to the original designer. They’ll love to see how their work inspired your creations!

Don’t Know HOW to Search?
If you’re new to online searching, don’t worry! It’s easier than it sounds. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Open Your Internet Browser: This is the program you use to browse the web, such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge.
- Type Keywords into the Search Bar: At the top of the page (Google, Safari, etc.), you’ll see a search bar. Click in that bar and type words that describe what you’re looking for. For example, you might type “bird stamp card ideas” or “bird card ideas with watercolor.”
- Use Quotation Marks for Exact Phrases: If you want to search for a specific phrase, put it in quotation marks. For example, typing “bird stamp set” will search for that exact phrase.
- Look for Image Results: Once you search, switch to the “Images” tab to see pictures related to your search. This will give you visual ideas, such as different card designs, colours, and layouts.
Whether you’re looking to designs around you or searching the web for ideas, there’s always a way to get inspired. I hope today’s tips help you find new ways to spark your creativity. I’d love to hear how you find inspiration in your cardmaking – let me know in the comments below!
Happy crafting, and don’t forget to check out the video for more details on these bird-themed cards!

Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄
P.S. Need supplies? Here are the links to the products I used today (some of these are affiliate links, so I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase—thanks for supporting my channel 🥰)!
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Other Supplies:
Altenew Inks: Eastern Sky.
Fine Liner Pens: 02
![]() Chickadee Chirps ALT | SSS | ![]() Festive Triangles ALT | SSS | ![]() Magnificent Magnolias ALT | ![]() Birthday Builder ALT | SSS |
![]() Watercolor Paper Set ALT | ![]() Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | ![]() Obsidian ALT | SSS | ![]() Lapis Lazuli ALT | SSS |
![]() Artists Watercolor 24 Pan Set ALT | ![]() Fine Watercolor Brushes ALT | SSS | ![]() Watercolor Brushes Round ALT | SSS | ![]() Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |
![]() Mini Blending Brush Storage ALT | ![]() Fine Liner Pen Set ALT | SSS | ![]() Pure White Spray ALT | ![]() Perfect Picker ALT | SSS |
![]() Tweezers ALT | SSS | ![]() Mechanical Pencil Papermate HB#2 (0.7) AMZ | OTH | ![]() Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS | ![]() Stampwheel ALT | SSS |
![]() Bone Folder ALT | ![]() Score Board ALT | SSS | ![]() Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | OTH | SB US | ![]() BetterPress SB ALT | SSS | SB US |
![]() 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ | ![]() Glue Tape ALT | SSS | ![]() Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS | ![]() Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |
![]() Satin Masking Tape ALT |
Who wouldn’t love to celebrate another birdday with these lovely chickadees?
Fun card inspiration ideas, Therese.
BTW your cards often spark my creative juices! Thanks, my friend!
=]
You are so sweet, thank you my friend x
Beautiful cards and great ideas for finding inspiration.
Thank you Lisa, so glad you like them!
I like your inspiration for both darling cards, Therese! Those chickadees are sweet!
Thank you Lisa, they are such cute birds!
I seem to pick up ideas from everywhere, in my local shopping centre or simply just out and about really and now I’ve started to design my own designs now, ideas are coming thick and fast.
Love you inspiration and ideas and you explain things so perfectly. Your makes are so pretty and stylish too. Hugs xx
You are the sweetest and an inspiration to me too! Thank you Angellica!
You are my inspiration! Two fabulous cards and oh so different thank you for once again inspiring us all.
Marie
Thank you Marie x