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

THE LAYERED LOOK; ADD MORE VARIETY TO YOUR CARDS

Hi Stampers!

When you think of card layers (or mats) does your mind automatically go to 5 1/4” x 4”, and then right to 5” x 3 3/4”? Those layers are classic, and that 1/8” border always looks great! Definitely a go to look! But, sometimes we get in a rut. One way to escape that card making rut is to consider the layers we routinely use. Why limit ourselves to just a couple of layer sizes? There are so many other options available! For today’s cards I have used two layers of cardstock. The first layer is 5” x 3 3/4”. We use this size layer a lot, but not usually as the first layer. The top layer is 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”. This serves as the focal panel. I stamped repeated images on the focal panel to create a background, but this layer could also be embossed with an embossing folder to add interest. Patterned paper could also be used for this layer. I completed the card front by adding a die cut focal image and greeting. The inside panel measures 4 1/2” x 3 1/4” to complement the layering on the card front. Let’s take a look at the sample cards: 

VIDEO

WHAT YOU NEED

* Cardstock - card base - A-2 size; cut cardstock at 8 1/w” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”; cardstock for layers - one at 5” x 3 3/4” and one at 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”; cardstock for inside panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 4 1/2” x 3 1/4”; cardstock for focal image and greeting.

*Stamps, ink, adhesives, embellishments, and other items needed to complete your card.

WHAT TO DO

* Cut and score card base, cut layers, and inside panel. 

* Prepare focal panel - stamp pattern on it (optional), stamp and color focal image and punch, die cut or fussy cut it. Stamp and prepare greeting, stamp inside panel.

* Assemble card. Place focal image on left side near the bottom. Place greeting on card along top. 

* Add embellishments.

CARD LAYOUT # 2618

FLIPPIN’ AWESOME

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

MERMAZING

(Stamp and die - Trinity Stamps; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

CARD LAYER MEASUREMENTS 

I made this “layering tool” using cardstock and a binder clip. I started by cutting a piece of cardstock at 5 1/2” x 4 1/4” - the measurements for the front of an A-2 sized card. For the next layer I subtracted 1/4” from the length and 1/4” from width, and did the same for each consecutive size. I wrote the measurements on each piece. I wrote the measurements in landscape orientation, because there was more space to write. Of course the layer measurements are the same for either landscape or portrait cards.   I lined the pieces up along the lower left edge and clipped them together with a binder clip. The clip not only holds the layers together, it also allows the tool to sit up, making it easy to store on a desk or a shelf.  Below you will find the measurements for each layering piece.

piece. 

LAYERS FOR A-2 CARDS

TODAY’S CARDS

Isn’t it amazing what a small change in layer size can do for your cards? I challenge you to shake up the layers you use on your cards.  It is an easy way to add a little variety and step out of a card making rut. Why not give it a try? That’s all for today. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

AN IMPRESSIVE CARD FOLD THAT’S LOTS OF FUN & EASY TO CREATE

Hi Stampers!

Last week my card layout featured a gate fold card. This week the card layout is identical to last week’s, but the inside of today’s card is totally different! Today’s card is one of my favorite fun folds. It is one that always impresses the recipient no matter how many times they have seen the fold. Today we’ll build on the gate fold by adding a mechanism inside. This turns the gate fold card into a shutter card. Let’s take a look at the sample cards:

I absolutely love this fun fold. I promise, it is easy to create. The inner workings of the card require several steps, but none of the steps are difficult. After you create one or two of the cards a lot of the steps will just come naturally. In the “What To Do”section, I have tried to include as many tips I could think of, and I covered some in the video. So let’s give this a try! I promise it is worth it.

VIDEO

LAYOUT # 2613

INSIDE

WHAT YOU NEED

* Cardstock

- card base cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” score at 2 1/8” and 6 3/8” on 8 1/2” side (or 2 1/8” on each end)

- inside panel - cut at 3” x 5 1/2”

- mechanism - cut 2 at 4” x 3 1/2” score along 4” side at 3 1/2”

- one piece of white or light colored cardstock at 2 3/4” square

- white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4” for back panel (optional)

- cardstock for focal panel , focal image, etc.

* Patterned Paper

- front panels - cut 2 at 5 1/4” x 1 7/8”

- inside panel cut at 5 1/4” x 2 3/4”

* Die or punch for window - diameter or width about 2 1/2” (I used 2 1/2” and 2 5/8” circle dies)

* Dimensionals or foam tape

* Strong adhesive for mechanism tabs - tear n tape, red tape, Stampin’ Seal +, etc. Liquid glue will work just give it a little time to dry before opening and closing the card

* Tools - ruler, pencil, scissors

* Stamps, inks, embellishments, and other supplies needed to finish your card.

WHAT TO DO

* Cut and score cardstock, cut patterned paper, cut or die cut pieces for focal piece.

* Construct the mechanism pieces - find the center point of the pieces

  1. Place one of the mechanism in the trimmer with the 4” side at the top and the score line to the left, move it to the 2” mark. Close the trimmer arm, place the pencil in the cutting slot and make a mark and inch or so long somewhere close to the middle.

  2.Turn the cardstock so the 3 1/2” side is at the top of the trimmer with the score line at the top. Slide the cardstock over to the 1 3/4” mark, close the arm, and mark with a pencil as for the 4” side - where the two lines meet is the center point.

  3. Using the scored side of the piece as the top, use a ruler to draw a diagonal line from the center point to the bottom left corner and another line from the center point to the lower right corner.

  4. Use scissors and cut along the lines to remove a wedge from the piece.

  5. Repeat the process for the second piece or simply use the constructed one as a template and trace the area to cut out, then use the scissors and remove the wedge. 

  6. Blunt the points - just cut the pointed tips of the pieces. I put one on top of the other and cut both at the same time. Just snip off a 1/4” or so. This helps the mechanism move more smoothly. 

* Adhere the two patterned paper panels to the front of the card.

* Adhere the patterned paper to the 3” x 5 1/2”panel, use circle die to cut window centered top to bottom as best you can. You can save the die cut for another project. 

     NOTE -If you are using a circle punch, first make a template by punching the shape from a piece of scrap cardstock. Position the template on the panel where you want your window. Trace around the template. Line the punch up with the template and punch. 

*  Place dimensionals or foam tape along the top and bottom edges of the panel. Remove the backing from the dimensionals along the top only.

* Center the inside panel and adhere only at the top.

* Adhere the mechanism pieces. 

   1. Use the side of the pieces that have no pencil marks - just flip them over. Fold the score line, reenforce with a bone folder, then lie flat and place the strong adhesive on the flap. 

   2. Slip the piece under the inside panel, keep the tab flat with adhesive side up, place it along the edge of the score line for the card front. Be sure the mechanism is lined up with the window, and close the card front flap to adhere the mechanism to the card.

3. Repeat for other side, making certain the two mechanism pieces are evenly lined up.

* Create the center image or greeting by moving the 2 3/4” square of cardstock up under the center panel and the shutter mechanisms. The card should be open. Move the cardstock up enough so it completely fills the space. The image and / of greeting can be stamped at this point, but if that feels uncomfortable, use a pencil to outline the area where you can stamp, remove the cardstock and do the stamping. 

  NOTE - the area for stamping is a diamond shape approximately 2” tall x 2 1/4” wide at the points. Smaller stamps and greetings work best.

* Once the 2 3/4” piece is stamped, place regular adhesive on the back. Carefully move it under the inside panel and the shutter pieces. Once you have it where it belongs, press down to adhere. 

* Remove the backings from the bottom of the inside panel and adhere to the card. 

* Close the card and open to be certain the mechanism is working properly. 

* Create the focal image for the outside of the card. When adhering, be sure to put the adhesive only on the back of the left side of the focal piece, so as not to glue the card together.

* If using the panel for the back of the card, stamp the greeting and / or images on it, then adhere centered to the back of the card. 

BUTTERFLY SURPRISE

INSIDE

OPTIONAL BACK PANEL

(Birthday die - Moonstone Dies by Hunky Dory; Embellishments - Simple Stories; 

All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LEMON TEA CUP

INSIDE

I used no back panel for this card as I put a sentiment inside the card, and the patterned paper is light enough in color I can use the bottom area to write a short message and sign my name.

(Sentiment - Pink and Main, All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

WATERMELON THANK YOU

I liked the two patterned papers for this card. This card, like gatefolds are great for showcasing two different patterned papers!

INSIDE

BACK PANEL

Oops! I managed to get some red ink where I did not want it! I’ll figure out something to do about that.😉

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!”)

HIPPO DANCE

INSIDE

I used two colors of cardstock to create this card, and I added frames to the front and inside focal panels. 

BACK PANEL

(Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

ONE MORE CARD

Can patterned paper be used to create the shutter mechanisms? I believe so. For this card I used lightweight cardstock which is just barely heavier than my patterned paper, but not as heavy as my cardstock. Light weight cardstock can be used just like patterned paper. For this card I used it like cardstock for the inside panel and the shutter mechanisms. It works great and looks great!

INSIDE

BACK PANEL

(Checked papers - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARDS

FATHER’S DAY FISHIN’

INSIDE

BACK OF CARD

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

 I HERD BIRTHDAY

INSIDE

BACK PANEL

(Happy Birthday - Scrapbooking.com; Cow stamp & die - Sunny Studio; Checkered paper- Pink & Main; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

TODAY’S CARDS

So what do you think? Have you made one of these cards before? I know there are a lot of steps, but as I mentioned earlier, once you create one or two, things will go more quickly and you will learn some short cuts, like making the template for the shutter mechanisms. Make it once and use it multiple times. This is one of those cards that everyone loves, especially kids. It is refreshing that in this high tech world, a very low tech greeting card amazes everyone! 

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

Stamp Happy!

Kim