I have been asked by several folks to do a tutorial on how I create my open window projects, cut the card base and how to insert the window die on the inside of the card. I thought I would do a complete tutorial from the start of the window card to the finishing decorations. In this project I hung a green gingham shade and decorated the window with a woodsy Christmas theme of pinecones, holly and pine. Get a cup of coffee, a snack and get comfortable because this is a long post.
Supplies: Assorted Cardstock, Window Die, Foliage Dies and Punches, Rolled Flower Die, Crimper, 1/8” Hole Punch, Glossy Accents, Sponges, Mounting Tape, Paper Piercer (for holding and arranging foliage), Craft Knife, Needle Nose Pliers, Adhesive , Ruler, Stylus, Mat You will see the exact list of all the tools I used at the bottom of the post.
The Windows
1, Cut two French doors and apply adhesive down the center back side of the doors
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2. Attach a strip of cardstock over the adhesive to secure the doors closed.
3.Center the window on the card base and then draw lines using the window as a template so you can see where you need to cut the opening.
4. Use a ruler to help keep your craft knife cutting in a straight line. Cut just a little outside the lines to make the opening larger than your pencil lines so the window will totally cover the opening.
5. Attach mounting tape to the back side of both windows and attach one to the card front.
6. Cut a piece of paper just a little larger than the opening for your window, crimp, apply adhesive and attach on the inside of the card.
7. Attach the second window on the inside of the card making sure to line up perfectly with the front window.
The Decorations
1. Start attaching foliage to the outside of the window and work your way into the center.
2. Repeat the same steps starting on the other side of the window and work your way to the center.
3. Apply a few more pieces to the center until it looks full.
4. Prepare additional foliage by shaping with a stylus and mat. These pieces will be inserted after you attach the pinecones.
5. Die cut a rolled flower using kraft paper and sponge with brown ink. I think the pinecones look more real with the lighter brown paper and different levels of ink applied for depth of color.
6. Roll your flower around your needle nose pliers to shape and soften the paper.
7. Apply liquid glue right in the center of the flower and start rolling.
8. Apply a little glue every other turn or so to keep the form of the cone and stop and cut when your pinecone is as large as you want it. You can start another pinecone with your leftover section of flower. I made all of these pinecones using two flowers.
9. Attach the pinecones into the arranged pine foliage using a liquid glue and allow to dry well.
10. Add the additional holly and pine foliage and finish off with a touch of red berries. The berries were made using a 1/8'” circle punch and formed with a small stylus.
See how nice it is to see through the open window. Placing the second window inside the card creates the perfect finish so the card is as pretty inside as it is out. All that is left to do is add your sentiment or write a lovely holiday note.
Paper: Retired SU Designer Paper, White, Garden Green, Kraft Ink: Distress Ink Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain Accessories: Poppy Stamps Grand Madison French Doors Die, Martha Stewart Branch Punch, Impression Obsession Twig Wreath, Border Duo 1, Memory Box Scalloped Posie, Crimper, 1/8” Hole Punch, Glossy Accents, Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool, Mounting Tape, Paper Piercer (for holding foliage), Craft Knife, Needle Nose Pliers, Stylus, Mat, ATG, Big Shot
