Dimensional Window Card: A Step-by-Step Tutorial | Perfect Pairings with Jaycee

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another Perfect Pairing! Sometimes, the best views are the ones that are beautifully framed. Today, we’re adding dimension with a clever window cut-out card and turning a simple hydrangea bloom into a show-stopping focal point.

Ready to see how this "Pop-It-Up" layout comes together? Let’s dive in!

We're diving into the details in this blog, but feel free to take a look at the video over on Altenew's YouTube channel too! 

To start this project, we need two main pieces of cardstock:

1. The Base: A smooth white panel cut to 10" x 7".

2. The Front Panel: A thinner white cardstock cut to 5" x 7".

To ensure perfect alignment for our "window" effect, I’m using the Stampwheel 2.0. By turning the stage 180°, I can use a small 1/2" cardstock offcut as a "bumper" on the left. This creates a consistent margin so our stamps aren't tucked too deep into the corner.

I centered the large hydrangea branch from the Pop-It-Up: Blooming Hydrangea Stamp & Die Set at the bottom of the 5" x 7" panel and stamped it in Olive Grove Fresh Dye Ink. Without moving the stamp, I swapped in the 10" x 7" panel (the card base) and stamped the same image in the same spot. This ensures the inside and outside of our card match perfectly!

Before we get to the flowers, let's dress up the foliage:

• The Halo: Using Silver Sprout and Sagestone inks, I blended a soft green gradient onto the bottom third of the front panel.

• The Coloring: I used Cottage Garden Artist Markers (Misty Sage, Pistachio, and Mossy Meadow) to add feathery strokes to the leaves.

• The Background: To fill the empty space at the top, I used the Geometric Botany stamp. The flowy, circular lines complement the hydrangea blooms beautifully.

For that classic hydrangea palette, I chose a trio of colors: Iceberg, Soft Lilac, and Baby Pink.

1. Gradient Blending: On a separate 4.25" x 5.5" panel, I blended these three colors in rows.

2. Die Cutting: I ran the "Pop-It-Up" die through my machine. Pro Tip: The alphabet etching on these dies makes assembly a breeze! A is at the top (background layers), and Z is at the bottom (foreground layers).

3. Adding Life: Before gluing, I used the 8mm Ball End Petal Shaper to gently curl each petal. This small step adds incredible realism.

To create the "view," I used the second-largest die from the Nesting Circles Die Set. By taping the die to the front panel and the card base and running them through the machine simultaneously, I achieved two perfectly aligned windows.

The Assembly Process:

• Score & Fold: I used the Altenew Crafter’s Essential Scoring Board at the 5" mark for a sturdy, side-folding portrait card.

• Alphabetical Order: Following the etched guide on the die set, I adhered the petals from A to Z using liquid adhesive.

• The "Hello": I stamped a small "hello" in Mossy Granite in a small gap in the frame—this way, the sentiment is visible whether the card is open or closed!

To pull the whole look together, I added Mossy Granite Enamel Dots to the center and front for extra texture. Finally, I closed the card and applied a generous amount of Iridescent Shimmer Ink Spray splatter with a watercolor brush. By keeping the card closed, I ensured the inside remained clean for a handwritten message.

Final Look: Dimensional, textured, and perfectly framed. This hydrangea window card is proof that a few extra layers can make a world of difference!

What flower would you like to see me "Pop-It-Up" next? Let me know in the comments below! Until next time, happy crafting!