Creative Chelsey: Double Z Fold Card + Easy Watercolor Technique!

Welcome back to Paper Pumpkin Week here on Creative Chelsey! Today I’m sharing my fourth alternative card idea using the March 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit, and this one is such a fun one!

This card features a double Z fold design, which gives it that interactive look when opened, plus a soft watercolor background technique that makes the hummingbird really stand out.

I love how this card feels both artsy and dimensional, but it’s actually very simple to create!

For this design, I focused on:

● Creating a double Z fold card base

● Adding a soft watercolor background

● Highlighting the hummingbird focal point

● Keeping everything light, airy, and layered

The watercolor effect adds such a beautiful softness behind the stamped images, and the fold makes the card feel extra special.

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Supplies

Add All to Cart

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• Multipurpose Liquid Glue [110755] —— https://bit.ly/3IaGF9S

• Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995] —— https://bit.ly/3ajQSo5

• Stampin' Dimensionals [104430] —— https://bit.ly/3IbzezA

• Mini Glue Dots [103683] $7.25 —— https://bit.ly/3anAcw3

• Stampin' Pierce Mat [126199] —— https://bit.ly/3IjEq4d

• Simply Shammy [147042] —— https://bit.ly/3bQH7hE

• Paper Snips [103579] —— https://bit.ly/3ulT6tV

• Take Your Pick [144107] —— https://bit.ly/3IeYxR9

• Bone Folder [102300] —— https://bit.ly/3uhErzZ

• Clear Block D [118485] —— https://bit.ly/3uuabSs

• Paper Trimmer [152392] —— https://bit.ly/3abvykH

• Stampin' Cut & Emboss Machine [149653] —— https://bit.ly/3ujz8zU

Measurements

Smoky Slate Cardbase - 4-1/4" x 11"

Smoky Slate Cardstock - 3-1/4" x 10"

Basic White Cardstock - (2) 2-1/2" x 3" & 4-1/4" x 3"

Light Gray Cardbase* - 4” x 5-1/4”, 2-1/2” x 4” (from the center of the 4” x 5-1/4” piece) & 2-1/2” x 4”

Have a... Label* - scraps

Beautiful*

2 Hummingbirds*

Glitter Dots*

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Score the Double Z Fold Cardbase

Start with your 4-1/4" x 11” cardbase and score it at 2-3/4” x 5-1/2” to create a Z fold.

Then score the second 3-1/4" x 10” piece at 2-3/4” x 5-1/2” to create the double Z effect.

Fold along all score lines into a Z shape.

2. Add the Background Panels

Cut the Light Gray Cardbases into th

ree sections - see cutting guide.

The sizes you want are 4” x 5-1/4" with the middle removed - the size should be 2-1/2" x 4”. Cut a second 2-1/2" x 4” piece.

Color each piece with the Light Pool Party Stampin’ Blend Marker to give a slight blue hue.

Add these to the Larger Cardbase. The 4” x 5-1/4" in the third panel and the other two in the first two panels.

3. Create the Watercolor Background

Take one of the Basic White pieces and add a watercolor wash using Lost Lagoon, Flirty Flamingo & Berry Burst ink. See the video for more detailed instructions:

● Begin by adding ink to a clear block.

● Spritz with water.

● Press the ink mixed with water onto the cardstock and move around.

● Dab with a tissue to remove any puddles and clean the clear block.

● Repeat with another color on the same piece of cardstock.

● Let dry - you can use a Heat Tool to speed up the drying time if needed.

Repeat on all three Basic White pieces.

👉 Tip: Keep it soft and blended—this isn’t about perfection, just adding a gentle wash of color behind your focal images.

4. Stamp the Flower Garden Image

Once the Watercolored Panels are dry, stamp the Flower Garden in Basic Gray once on the first panel in the bottom right corner.

Then stamp again twice on the large (third) panel in the bottom right corner.

Attach the soft watercolor pieces to each section of the Smaller Cardbase. This helps define each fold and creates a cohesive look.

5. Attach the Cardbases Together

Adhere the Smaller Cardbase inside the Larger Cardbase by adding the 3-1/4" x 4-1/2" section to the center of the 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" section. It should cover up the gap in the center.

DO NOT add adhesive to the center panel!!

Close the card completely. Adhere the first panel of the Smaller Cardbase (only about 1” of adhesive behind the left edge) to the first panel of the Larger Cardbase. Make sure it can fold flat!

6. Add the Remaining Elements

Add one Hummingbird to the top left area of the first panel with dimensionals. Add the second Hummingbird to the third panel on the right side with dimensionals.

Add “Beautiful” Die Cut with dimensionals in the center of the first panel below the Hummingbird. Add “Have a” above “Beautiful” and “Mother’s Day” below with dimensionals.

Add 3-5 Glitter Dots to the areas you can see when the card is closed.

Why I Love This Card

The double Z fold is such a fun way to make your card feel interactive, and when you combine it with the soft watercolor background, it really elevates the entire design.

It looks like a more advanced card, but it’s actually very beginner-friendly—which makes it perfect for trying something new with your Paper Pumpkin kit.

Video Tutorial

Be sure to check out my step-by-step video tutorial where I show you exactly how to create this double Z fold card and walk you through the watercolor technique.

If this project inspires you to create something, I would love for you to tag me on social media using @creativechelsey | #creativechelsey or email me at chelsey@creativechelsey.com.

I hope you enjoy making this card. See you tomorrow for Alternative Card #5.

Have a creative day,
Chelsey

Pages

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Double Z Fold Card + Easy Watercolor Technique! | March 2026 Paper Pumpkin Alternative