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

Bearly Art Glue

Foam Tape

Dimensionals

Stylish Shapes

Lazy Daisy

All Aflutter

Pumpkin Pie Ink

Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blend

Basic White Cardstock

Basic White Thick Cardstock

(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

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

Spe-Shell Friend

Ocean Wonder

Tutti Frutti

Inquisitive Seagulls

Basic White Cardstock

Bubble Bath Cardstock

Balmy Blue Ink

Bubble Bath Ink

Crumb Cake Ink

Pecan Pie Ink

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

LET’S TRY A SQUARE ANGLED Z FOLD CARD

Hi Stampers!

Last week I talked about creating cards of different sizes other than our usual A-2  can help grow our creativity. This week let’s take that one step further, and try a fun fold. I promise the card is easy to create. Have you ever made a Z Fold Card? There are many variations. I have given most of them a try. I enjoy making them. I also enjoy making 4 1/4” square cards - so, I put the two together and came up with a square Z fold card.  Is this an original creation? I have no idea. I simply modified a full sized angled Z fold card.  I am sharing what I came up with. Let’s take a peek at the cards:

VIDEO

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card Base - cut cardstock at 4 1/4” x11”

* Mats - cardstock or patterned paper - front panel cut at 2 3/4” square; middle panels  for front and inside - cut 2 at 4’ x 3 1/2” ; inside mat - cut 1 at 4”x 4”

* Stamps, dies, punches, inks, adhesives, embellishments, and other supplies needed to complete card.

* Other - paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil

* A-2 size card base for mailing.

WHAT TO DO

* Refer to the diagrams below. Yes, the top one has a lot of information, but it will make sense as we go.

* Score the cardstock on the 11” side at 4 1/4’and 8”.

* Turn the cardstock so the 4” side is horizontal and the smaller scored section is at the top - place it in the trimmer at 2”. Use the score blade or stylus to make a small mark. You can also use a pencil. 

* Line up the mark and the second score line in the cutting tray. Cut from the mark, past the first score line, and stopping at the second score line. The card base is ready to be folded.

* The narrower scored section (past the 8” score line) is the card front and will be positioned to the left with the wider section to the right. Starting at the left the first score line is a mountain fold. The second s ore line is a valley fold. Go over the folds with a bone folder. 

* Adhere mats to the panels. There will be three mats on the “front side of the card base and one on the back side (middle section). The 4” x 4”mat needs no trimming. Simply adhere it in place. (See diagram below.)

* For the angled mats - position the mat on its section centered left to right with an approximate 1/8” border on each side. Push the mat up so there is a 1/4” border along the bottom. Hold the mat in place with one hand turn the cardstock over and with a pencil draw a line on the mat along the card top. Cut along the line with scissors or a trimmer. You can skip the line drawing and use scissors to trim the mat. Repeat this process for the remaining two panels.

* Add images, greetings, and embellishments.

* This card fits in an A-2 envelope.

SQUARE ANGLED Z FOLD CARD 

CUTTING MEASUREMENTS AND SCORING

MARKET BASKET SQUARE Z FOLD

TECHNIQUE FOCUS -I die cut two of the market bags, adhered the veggie to one, then adhered the second market bag to the first, except for the handles. This add a touch of dimension and interest to the card. I have done the same with die cuts of gift bags, hat boxes, stockings, etc. 

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

SEA SHELLS SQUARE Z FOLD

TECHNIQUE FOCUS - I created my own patterned paper by stamping the sea shell images on white cardstock. I stamp more images and fussy cut them to use on the card front. I had three images remaining, so I used 1mm thick foam tape and adhered them over a matching image on the panel on the right (see photo below). The 1 mm thick tape gives a slight lift and does not interfere with the how the card closes. I often use the 1mm tape with the 2mm to create various layers of dimension. That is how I created all the different layers for the focal image on the front of the card. I will put a link to the foam tape options I use at the end of this post.

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

BUTTERFLY SQUARE Z FOLD

TECHNIQUE FOCUS - You might have noticed the top butterfly is above the top of the card base. Most of the time this would be a problem, but not in this case. The height of our card base is 4 1/4”.It will be put in an envelope that accommodates a card that is 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”. As long as the top butterfly does not exceed the 5 1/2” limit, all is well. Because the butterfly die is symmetrical I was able to add one on each side of the middle panel. I adhered them together with dimensionals.

(Large butterfly die and patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; Embellishments - Simple Stories; 

All other supplies- Stampin’ Up!”)

SENDING FLOWERS SQUARE Z FOLD

(Embellishments- Simple Stories; Patterned Paper- Crafter’s Companion; 

All other supplies- Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD

We walked through this card in the video.  After the video I added the embellishments. There are three dots on the front middle section. I added two more small ones on the middle inside panel. I was happy with them. 

Here is what the card looks like opened.

One last photo.

(Patterned Paper - Crafter’s Companion; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

THIS WEEK’S CARDS

So, what are your thoughts about the SQUARE ANGLED Z FOLD CARD? I enjoyed making the sample cards. The card design offers so many possibilities for decorating and embellishing. I hope you enjoy creating your own versions of this card!  Thank you so much for stopping by today. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

The video below shows how to create a full sized diagonal Z fold card. It also discusses how to create templates for the mats (layers). The measurements are different from the ones for today’s card, but the process is the same.

TEMPLATE

LINKS TO FOAM TAPE I USE:

1mm foam tape

2 mm foam adhesive