🍁 Framing Memories: A Cozy Autumn Leafy Frame Keepsake Card with Gina K. Designs

Hello Lovelies! 🧡✨

A little fall color, a little Copic magic, and a memory worth framing!

Sometimes a handmade card is meant to be read, smiled at, and tucked onto a mantle. Other times, it becomes a literal keepsake—a custom framed moment that celebrates an unforgettable adventure with a dear friend.

Today, I’m sharing an autumnal memory-keeper card inspired by the gorgeous decorative frames from Gina K. Designs. Using the stunning Leafy Frame from the October release, rich Copic marker blending, and an array of botanical and wildlife die-cuts, this Leafy Frame Keepsake Card doubles as a gift that will be treasured long after the leaves have fallen!

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   Some memories are made for framing.

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Key Supplies for the Leafy Frame Keepsake Card

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Click HERE for the full list!

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LEAFY FRAME PHOTO FOLIO - Stamping, Die-cutting and Copic Coloring

Size: ~5 1/2" x 8 1/2"

Happy moments on display!

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COLOR PALETTE

Warm Autumn Glow in Copic Markers

To bring that crisp, golden-hour October energy to life, I reached for a vibrant selection of Copic markers:

• Rich Maple Reds: R24, R29, and R39 for punchy crimson and deep garnet leaves.

• Warm Golden Oranges & Yellows: Y11, Y17, YR04, YR07, YR12, YR16, and YR18 to create glowing transitions from bright yellow to fiery amber.

• Earthy Foliage Greens: YG17, YG93, and YG99 for muted moss, olive, and deep forest-green accents.

• Woodland Browns & Neutrals: E30, E31, E33, E35, E37, and E47 for the woodgrain frame, acorns, pinecones, and feathered details.

Blending lighter yellows into deeper burnt oranges and garnets directly on the stamped leaves gives the frame natural, multi-toned movement, just like real fall foliage turning on the branch.

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

🛒 Featured Supplies

• Gina K. Designs: Leafy Frame Stamp & Coordinating Die Set (October Release)

• Sentiment: "Thankful For You" Die-Cut Sentiment

• Coloring Medium: Copic Sketch Markers (Reds: R24, R29, R39; Oranges/Yellows: Y11, Y17, YR04, YR07, YR12, YR16, YR18; Greens: YG17, YG93, YG99; Browns: E30, E31, E33, E35, E37, E47)

• Cardstock: Heavyweight White Cardstock, Rich Espresso/Chocolate Brown Cardstock

• Personal Touch: 2.5" x 3.5" (approx.) Printed Keepsake Photo

🖼️ Crafting the Memory-Keeper Frame

The centerpiece of this project is the Leafy Frame. Rather than leaving the center open for just a stamped greeting, it is sized to frame a favorite photograph:

1. Stamp & Color: Stamp the full sheet of botanical elements and the Leafy Frame onto alcohol-marker-friendly cardstock using a Copic-safe black ink.

2. Bring the Border to Life: Color the intertwined oak, maple, and birch leaves around the perimeter with your autumn palette, using a soft warm tan (like E30 and E31) to fill in the inner wooden frame border.

3. Frame the Photo: Carefully die-cut the photo frame using the coordinating die. Back the window opening with a cherished photo—here, a vibrant vacation snapshot surrounded by bright red architectural gates that mirror the crimson leaves in the frame!

4. Matting for Contrast: Mount the entire framed photo panel onto a rich espresso-brown card base for dramatic seasonal contrast.

🍂 Layering Botanical & Woodland Accents

To give the card interactive dimension and storybook charm, the coordinating stamped elements from the set were colored, die-cut, and clustered across the design:

• The Monarch Butterfly: Perched right along the bottom right corner of the photo frame, this showstopper was colored with radiant golden-yellows and oranges, with crisp white gel pen accents along its bold black wing borders.

• Forest Friends: A sweet songbird colored in warm robin-breast tones and acorns are nestled along the left panel, balancing the visual weight of the frame.

• Floral & Pinecone Clusters: Petite mums, dimensional pinecones, and glossy red berry sprigs are clustered near the bottom edge of the card, anchoring the layout and adding rich tactile interest.

• The Sentiment: A crisp, layered "THANKFUL FOR YOU" sentiment die-cut sits proudly at the top left, reminding the recipient of exactly how cherished they are.

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UP CLOSE AND CRAFTY

I love the unpredictability of layering inks!

A space for a new memory with my favorite beach bestie!

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LAST LOOK

💡 Why Memory-Keeper Cards Make the Best Gifts

• Ready to Display: Because this card is built on an easel or standard A2 card base, the recipient can display it directly on their desk or bookshelf as seasonal decor.

• Completely Personal: Combining handmade coloring with a real photo transforms everyday papercrafting into a meaningful keepsake that captures a shared memory forever.

Because some memories deserve a little extra handmade love! Do you love incorporating real photos into your handmade cards, or do you usually stick strictly to stamped scenes? Let me know in the comments below! 👇🍂❤️

Thanks for stopping by today! Drop me a comment and say hi!

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SUPPLIES:

I listed the products that I have used below. Please note that these are compensated affiliate links, used at no cost to you. I really appreciate your support. All stamps used today were part of my maker package from Gina K. Designs. Click on the icons below each product picture to shop with SimonSaysStamp.com.