Groovy Vibes – A Retro Card - Monday Sketch Cards

There’s something irresistibly joyful about the retro era. The bold colours, playful patterns, and timeless fashion feel just as fresh today as they did decades ago. This card is a little love letter to that vintage spirit—and a reminder that retro style never goes out of fashion.

Inspired by the iconic looks and graphic design of the 1960s and 1970s, the focal point of this design is a chic mod figure dressed in a classic go-go ensemble. Her tailored coat, patterned tights, and stylish hat capture that confident, fashion-forward vibe perfectly. She stands proudly against a backdrop of groovy patterns—record-inspired circles, kaleidoscopic florals, and geometric shapes in a vibrant colour palette from the Groovy Vibes collection.

The sentiment “retro” is framed in a pastel sunburst that adds a cheerful pop and pulls the whole design together. Metallic teal strips bring in a bit of shimmer and a modern touch, proving that retro can still shine today. This card makes me smile—it’s bold, nostalgic, and full of personality. Perfect for birthdays, encouragement, or simply saying hello to a fellow vintage lover, it celebrates style, self-expression, and the joy of looking back while creating something new.

How to Make the Card

1. Create the Base
Start with an A2 card base. Cut a piece of green patterned paper from the collection to the same size and adhere it to the front of the card to create your background.

2. Add the Retro Pattern Strips
Choose three bold retro papers with different designs—think abstract shapes, records, and florals. Cut them into strips measuring 1" x 4.25". Adhere the strips vertically on the card front, leaving a 3/8" border on the sides and a 5/8" border at the top.

3. Add the Mod Figure
Fussy cut the vintage mod woman image and adhere her slightly left of center over the patterned strips. Use foam adhesive to give her dimension and make her pop.

4. Add Metallic Accents
Place three metallic teal strips (or washi tape) horizontally across the card, tucking them behind the figure. This adds shine and helps ground the design.

5. Create the Sunburst Sentiment
Use a circle die or punch to create the sentiment base. Form a pastel sunburst by piecing together narrow wedges of colored paper around the circle’s edge. Stamp or print the word “retro” on a white circle and adhere it to the center. Attach the finished sentiment to the lower right of the card using foam adhesive.

You can find the entire Groovy Vibes collection on the Relatively Thoughtful website.

Crafty hugs,

Alisa