Thursday, June 11, 2026

ROUND AND ROUND WE GO! ADDING SPINNING ELEMENTS TO YOUR CARDS

Hi Stampers!

I think we all enjoy cards featuring an element that moves in some way. Whether the element pops up, pops out, slides or spins, this special feature guarantees the recipient will smile.  Today we are going to create a card with an element that spins / turns. There are commercially available products that attach to images on your card and allow them to spin and turn around, but we are not going to use those. We’ll use something you just might have on hand! It is an easy way to add a little fun to your cards. We’ll be using a simple card layout to showcase our spinning element. Let’s take a look at the cards:



VIDEO





CARD LAYOUT # 2623



WHAT YOU NEED
* Cardstock -A-2 card base (8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded along 8 1/2” side at 4 1/4” or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded along 11” side at 51/2); cardstock for inside panel - white or light colored cut ay 5 1/4”x 4”; cardstock for mats - cut one at 4” x 3”and one at 3 1/4” x 3”; backing - cut one at 3 1/4’x 3”; cardstock for greeting, images, and washers. 
* Patterned paper - cut one at 3 3/4” x 2 3/4” and another at 3”x 2 3/4”
* Paper piercing tool (AKA pokey tool) and piercing mat or notebook or something  to place under cardstock while poking a hole through cardstock
* Brad 
* 1/2” circle punch or die (optional)
* Dimensionals, foam tape, other adhesives of your choice
* Stamps, Ink, alcohol markers, embellishments, etc 

WHAT TO DO
* Cut cardstock and patterned paper pieces. Score and fold card base. The card is landscape orientation.
* Stamp, color, and die cut image you want to make spin around. Die cit a blank image from white cardstock.Stamp greeting and mat it if desired. Stamp inside panel.
* Add mat to panel 2. Adhere this piece to the left side of the card front making sure the top, bottom, and left borders are equal. 
* Adhere remaining piece of patterned paper to the backing piece of cardstock. Decide where you want your spinning image. Use the pokey tool and mat to poke a hole through the patterned paper piece.
* Poke a hole in the center or near center of the blank die cut image. Put the brad through it.
* Use the 1/2” circle punch to punch out 2 circles. Glue them together. Poke a hole through the center of the circles. Place the brad through the punched hole. This will act as a washer to help the image turn more easily. Open the prongs on the brad just enough to keep everything in place.
* Adhere the image to the blank, making sure to keep the adhesive on the edges and away from the brad. 
* Close the prongs of the brad, and put the brad through the hole of the panel.
* Open the prongs and push them down. Use the pokey tool to gently lift the center area of each prong. Use the edge of a bone folder or ruler to push down each end of the brad keeping the center area lifted. 
* Test to see if image turns easily. 
* Put dimensionals or foam tape on the back of the panel, keeping the area around the brad clear.
* Peel backing off the foam and adhere panel to its mat.
* Put adhesive on back of piece and put on card front centered on larger panel with a border on the tight side that is equal to the border on the left side of the larger panel.
* Add greeting.
* Add embellishments.
* Adhere inside panel.

CHILL BIRTHDAY


(Stamp with dies - Catherine Pooler;  Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

HAPPY HIPPO


(Patterned Paper - Scrapbook.com; Embellishments - Mini Jewels - Doodlebug Design; All other - Stampin’ Up!)

GEARS & SPLATS


(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD



SUPPLIES
Below are links to the main items I used to create the video card.All items were current and available at time of posting. 


* I also used several colors of Stampin’ Blends alcohol markers, Memento Tuxedo Black Ink, a brad, and liquid adhesive. 

NOTE: I do not receive compensation from or am I affiliated with any company or manufacturer. I list supply links for the video card as a reference only. 

TODAY’S CARDS


So, now we know how to make an element on our cards rotate! It’s easy, isn’t it? Best of all it takes something I already have. Of course you can use the commercial product and I will leave the link below for the ones I purchased. 

That is all for today. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .
Stamp Happy!

Kim

Thursday, June 4, 2026

SAY IT’S NOT FAUX! WINDOW CARDS THE EASY WAY.

Hi Stampers!

I do enjoy making the classic window card. Basically, an opening is cut in the card front and the image inside the “window” is actually on the inside of the card. There are all types of variations. The focal image can be suspended and spin when the card is open, the window can be covered with a window sheet (acetate) for the look of a glass panel, etc. Window cards are not difficult to create, but they do require some precise cutting and measuring to ensure everything lines up just right. Sometimes I just don’t feel like doing that, so I make a faux window card. It has a similar look without the fuss. Today I have several faux window cards to share, and I will share a “faux faux” window card for times when you need a card in a hurry! Here is a look at today’s cards:






VIDEO





CARD LAYOUT # 2621




WHAT YOU NEED
* Card Base- A-2 size which is 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” along the 8 1/2” side or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2” along the 11” side.
* Mat Layer - Cardstock or patterned paper cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
* Inside Panel - white or light colored cardstock  cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
* Other Cardstock - for window frame same color as card base; for window panel white or light colored; cardstock needed for stamping images for die cutting (optional)
* Embossing Folder, Stencils - to add dimension and texture to mat layer (optional)
* Layering or Nesting Dies - for cutting window and making frame - shape of choice
* Adhesive - double sided foam adhesive such as foam tape, dimensionals, adhesive strips, etc
* Other - stamps, inks, embellishments, liquid glue other adhesive, etc.

WHAT TO DO
* Cut, score, and fold card base. Go over fold with bone folder.
* Cut mat layer. Select die for window and place on cardstock about 3/4” or so from top of panel and center left and right. Secure die with low tack tape and run piece through die cut machine. Remove die. If you will be replacing the center piece just cut out with another color of cardstock, die cut that piece now. 
* Cut frame by using the die for the window plus a die 1 - 2 sizes larger. Place the larger die on the cardstock then place the smaller on inside it, center it, and use low tack tape to hold dies in place on the cardstock, run through die cut machine, remove tape and carefully remove frame from dies.
* Use the embossing folder to add texture to the panel. (Optional)
* Stamp greeting on center circle piece, stamp inside panel, stamp focal image(s) and die cut or fussy cut them.
* Adhere inside panel.
* Place foam tape on back side of mat layer, adhere to card base centered on all sides. 
* Adhere frame around window.
* Put adhesive on back side of window panel and gently put it in place inside the window.
* Add focal images and embellishments to complete your card.

FLIP FLOPS


I used square dies to cut the window and frame for this card. The flip flops are die cuts. I used an embossing folder on the mat. First I die cut the window, then I used the embossing folder.  I was really pleased with this card.

(Greeting and flip flop dies - Honey Bee Stamps; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

FLUTTERBY


The idea for this card came to me one night when I just could not sleep. I used circle dies for the window and frame. After I cut the window from the focal panel, I used an embossing folder to add the daisies. I used an alcohol marker to add the yellow centers to the daisies. The butterflies were stamped and punched. 

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

FISHY WISHES


I used layering stencils to create the design on the background panel. I popped the die cut piece back in the window. I just liked the way it looked. Creating your own patterned paper with stencils or stamps ensures your card is one of a kind!

(Fish stamp, greeting, dies, stencil, inks - Catherine Pooler;  All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

ALL AMERICAN


Any shaped layering dies will work to create a window and the frame. I used star shaped dies to create this patriotic card.   I added no focal image to the card. I kept it simple, and I really like it.

(Greeting - Honey Bee Stamps; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

SEAHORSES


I used patterned paper for the background panel on this card. I embossed the background panel with a regular embossing folder. 

(Stamps and dies for images - Catherine Pooler; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

DAD’S DAY


Here is a landscape version of the card. Once again I added no focal image. The panel is stamped. I used the repeating greeting technique to fill in the center panel.

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

THE FAUX  FAUX WINDOW CARD


Looking for an even simpler version of the window card? Try the faux faux window card! It is so easy. Simply select a white or light colored card base. Die cut a frame. Add the sentiment and a focal images. You have a similar look with no muss or fuss!

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD


SUPPLIES 
* Cardstock - Basic White and Basic White (thick). Pumpkin Pie - Stampin’ Up!
* Inks - Pumpkin Pie; Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blend (alcohol marker) - Stampin’ Up!
* Stamps - All Aflutter (bundle - includes stamp set and punch) - Stampin’ Up!
* Embossing Folder - Lazy Daisy - Stampin’ Up!
* Dies - Stylish Shapes (circles) - Stampin’ Up!
* Stampin’ Dimensionals - Stampin’ Up!
* Foam Tape - 2mm - Scrapbook.com
* Liquid Glue - Bearly Art

LINKS

(At time of posting  all supplies were available from the outlets mentioned.)

Links are provided as a resource. I am not affiliated with, nor do I receive compensation from any manufacturer, retailer, or other entity. 

THIS WEEK’S CARDS




There you have it the faux window card and the faux faux window card. This design is so versatile. Create portrait or landscape versions, use embossed cardstock, stenciled cardstock, stamped cardstock, or patterned paper for the mat. The window can be square, rectangular, round or even star shaped. Any shaped layering dies will work for the window! So many possibilities. Want an even faster version of the card? Try the faux faux window card. So easy!

Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!
Kim

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

CHOPPED PANEL CARD LAYOUT - SUPER EASY

Hi Stampers!

Today’s card layout is quick, easy, and full of possibilities.  Simply cuts 3 3/4” x 5” piece of patterned paper into three sections, adhere them centered on an A-2 card base. Add a matted focal panel full of fun images and a sentiment to complete the card.  The card can be created in either portrait or landscape orientation. Try substituting contrasting cardstock for the patterned paper. Step it up a notch by using an embossing folder on the cardstock. Make it fancy by substituting specialty papers (glimmer paper, vellum, foils, etc) for the patterned paper / cardstock.  Let’s look at the sample cards:


 

 VIDEO





CARD LAYOUT # 2021



WHAT YOU NEED
* Card Base - A-2 size (8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 41/4” pm 8 1/2” side or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2” along 11” side).
* Panel - Patterned Paper(or cardstock or specialty paper) cut at 5” x 3 3/4”
* Focal Panel - Cardstock (white or light colored cardstock)cut at 4”x 2 1/4”
* Focal Panel Mat - cut cardstock at 4 1/4” x 2 1/2”
* Inside Panel - cut white or light colored cardstock at 5”x 3 3/4” 
* Stamps, inks, dies, adhesives, embellishments, and other supplies needed to complete the card.
* Tools - paper trimmer, score board (optional), 

WHAT TO DO
* Prepare card base
* Cut 3 3/4” x 5” panel - put in trimmer with 5” side at top of trimmer. 
* Slide the panel over to 3 3/8” and cut. This piece is the bottom piece for the portrait card, or the piece for the right side of the landscape card.
* Finally slide the panel to 1 5/8” and cut. The piece to the left is the top piece for the portrait card and goes on the left of the landscape card. The remaining section is the middle piece for either card orientation. This piece is slightly larger than the other two.  (The measurements for the pieces are 3 3/4” x 1 5/8”,  3 3/4” x 1 3/4”, and 3 3/4” x 1 5/8”.)
* Arrange the sections on the on the front of the card base leaving a border on all sides of the three pieces. 
* Prepare the focal panel - stamp images and / or greeting, adhere panel to focal mat, add to card. Add embellishments.
* Prepare inside panel and adhere to inside of card.

TIP
If measuring 8ths stresses you out - score the cut lines first, then cut. I use my score board for this scoring, because the 8ths marks are easier for me to see. This method is a nice confidence booster. It really helps if a piece requires multiple cuts. Just score and then cut on the score lines! Think of it as a measure twice cut once kind of thing. Here is what to do:
* Place your panel in the trimmer with the 5” side at the top and making sure the piece you want at the top or the left side of your card is to the left.  Use your score blade and score at 1 5/8” and 3 3/8”.
* Now cut on the two score lines. Remember the slightly larger piece goes in the middle.” 




WAVIN’ HELLO CARD


(Stamps and patterned paper - Catherine Pooler; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


BE-LATED WISHES


(Octopus stamp / die - Hero Arts; Star embellishment - Altenew; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

BEST FISHES
(Landscape Version)


(Stamps and ink - Catherine Pooler; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


VIDEO CARD


INSIDE CARD


SUPPLIES I USED
* Stamp Sets - Spe-shell Friend (and dies) - Catherine Pooler; inside sentiment and sand dots - Inquisitive Seagull - Waffle Flower.
* Cardstock - Basic White and Bubble Bath - Stampin’ Up!
* Patterned Paper - Ocean Wonders - Catherine Pooler
* Inks - Tutti Frutti - Catherine Pooler; Bubble Bath, Pecan Pie, Crumb Cake, Balmy Blue - Stampin’ Up!

OTHER
* Adhesive of choice
* Dimensionals, foam tape, etc.

TOOLS
* Paper Trimmer
* Score Board (optional)
* Blending Brushes
* Die Cut Machine

PRODUCT LINKS

NOTE - I received a request to list the specific supplies I use on cards. I have done this in the past, especially when I was a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. These days I do not always use current products, so listing them and the source is not always that helpful. So, I came up with a bit of a compromise. Starting with today’s post the video card will be created using current products from various companies. (Current is defined as available through one or more outlets at the time of posting.) I will list the individual products with the source and provide links if possible. I am not affiliated with any manufacturer or company, and I receive no compensation for any product I use, link, or recommend.

TODAY’S CARDS


There you have it - the chopped panel card layout. It’s quick, easy, and full of wonderful creative possibilities. Why not give it a try? That is all for today. Thanks so much for stopping by. 
Until next time . . .  
Stamp Happy!

 Kim