Happy Thanksgiving and Open Window Tutorial with Decorations

Happy Thanksgiving.  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.

I hope you are enjoying your day and being blessed with your family and friends.  Happy Thanksgiving.  Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

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

Comments

[Jo Billups]

1.

Thanks for another wonderful tutorial!

[Marleen]

2.

Dit is ongelooflijk mooi !
Bedankt voor de uitleg.

[Tami G]

3.

Wonderful tutorial. Thank you for taking the time to do one. I adore your window cards.

[Monica]

4.

Oh Kitie
Always love your card...But today is something special. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us. And what a great tutorial.
You make amazing cards !!!!
Hugs from Spain

[Evelene]

5.

Thank you ever so much for this detailed and well-done tutorial. It's very much appreciated, Kitty. Now I can proceed to work on my window dies which I just purchased after seeing some of your stunning window cards. This lovely tutorial made my day!!

[sarahwrightdesigns]

6.

Thank you for this amazing tutorial

hugs Sarah x

[Francine]

7.

Perfectly done!
Many thanks. It is so generous to you.
You are such an inspiration.
Merci beaucoup
Francine from Montreal. Canada

[[email protected]]

8.

Thank you Kittie! I've waited for this. You are such an inspiration. Happy Thanksgiving!

[Jan D.]

9.

There's no greater gift than the sharing of art. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you.

[Stephanie Bonin]

10.

I just love all your perfect details. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Judy I, St. Louis MO]

11.

Kittie,
Thanks for the awesome tutorial. I really enjoy your work and thank you for sharing your talent. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

[Shirley L]

12.

Your work is amazing and it always starts my day with a smile. Love, Love, Love it.

[MaryAnn]

13.

Love your Card,Love your tutorial,Happy Thanksgiving...

[Myrna]

14.

Thank you so much for a great tutorial on how to do this lovely card.
Myrna

[judy Anderson]

15.

Thank you, beautiful card and tutorial by one of my favorite artist.

[Val]

16.

Thank you for an awesome tutorial! Your card is beautiful!!

[Millie]

17.

Another tutorial so well done young and old can follow. Thank you once again. One more card to start a great day. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[Pattie Jns]

18.

Happy Thanksgiving, Kittie, this a perfect Thanksgiving gift. what a wonderful tutorial for us. I will definitely do this one. you are so inspiring, and thoughtful to do this at a busy time. May you and your family have a wonderful blessed Thanksgiving.....Hugs and smiles.

[Elly]

19.

Great card Kittie!! You're an inspiration!!

[Lesley at Grenouille]

20.

A lovely card, Kittie, and a great tutorial. Hugs Lesley

[Donna]

21.

Wonderful card Kittie, thanks for showing how you did it!! Would love to see that on some of your flowers!!!
Happy Turkey Day, hope you have a wonderful Holiday weekend.
hugs
Donna

[Lau W]

22.

Thanks for this super tutorial !
xxx

[Anne-Marie B.]

23.

Wow Kittie this card is beautiful! The tutorial was so clear and helpful, thank you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am very thankful I found your wonderful blog!

[Margaret Davies]

24.

I love all of your cards Kittie. Thank you for the tuturial.

[Rosetta]

25.

Oh Kittie: So beautiful. Thanks for the tuts. They are done very well and soooo clear. The greenery and pine cones are really nice.! Great job...as usual...MEOW!

[Gabriele]

26.

thank you for this great tutorial. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this. I know there is such a difference in just making the card and stopping every few minutes and taking a picture of the process. You are very generous to share your talent this way.

[conniecrafter]

27.

Very cool, thanks so much for sharing your work!

[Sankari]

28.

I am soooo blown away by your cards and this one just is amazing - love the way you made the pine cones - so many amazing details in this card - truly a work of art!!!

[Kathy Ethington]

29.

I never thought of using another window or door inside. It is just that perfect little detail that you do. Thanks so much for the complete tut. I love all your fabulous cards.

[Izzwizz]

30.

Thank you for all the lovely details. My favourite is crimping the paper for the blind, I will definitely try that next time I make a window card, it looks so much like a real blind! Maddy x

[Ellen Taylor]

31.

Fantastic tutorial Kittie! TFS

[margotte]

32.

bonjour j'aimerai savoir les dimensions de la fenetre car vos cartes m'ont donne envie d'en faire
bravo super carte