The Best Way To Use the Window Die Cut from the May 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit - Alternative Card Idea

I'm so excited to share Alternative Card #2 from the May 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit!

If you've followed me for a while, you know I love adding interactive elements to my cards, and this one is definitely a favorite! Instead of using the beautiful window die cut the way it was intended, I transformed it into a fun shaker card that looks like you're peeking through a window at a spectacular fireworks celebration.

The sequins sparkle behind the window, adding movement and lots of excitement every time the card is picked up. There are also a few little details hidden throughout this card that really make it feel special—from the weathered wood background to the sentiment that stretches across both window panes.

This card is surprisingly easy to make and is a wonderful way to stretch your Paper Pumpkin supplies into something completely different!

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Have You Joined the Paper Pumpkin Cut Club Yet?

If you love making alternatives each month and want exclusive perks, make sure you join my Paper Pumpkin Cut Club on YouTube! For only $4.99/month, members receive:

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The Cutting Guide is one of the most requested resources I create—it shows exactly how to cut your cardbases/gift boxes to make all of my alternatives. Cut Club members get it EVERY MONTH.

You can join here → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCS397ptot3vJdvLCirTg/join

 

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🎁 A multi-demonstrator PDF tutorial packed with 7–10 alternate ideas

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Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

Wonderful Scenes Dies (English)

[168665]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock

[159229]

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack

[155475]

Blending Brushes

[153611]

Window Sheets

[142314]

Itty Bitty Bokeh Mix

[164618]

Foam Adhesive Strips

[141825]

Add All to Cart

———————— My Favorite Supplies ————————

• Stampin' Seal+ [149699] —— https://bit.ly/3Ibz8YK

• 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

Night Sky Cardbase* - 4-1/4" x 5-1/2"

Thick Basic White Cardbase - 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"

Window Sheet - 3-3/4" x 5"

White Baker’s Twine - 18"

Shaker Elements - Itty Bitty Bokeh Mix

Window without cut outs*

Half Firework Die Cut*

2- Small Silver Fireworks Die Cuts*

Window Ledge Label*

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Cut Pieces from the Kit

Cut the Night Sky Cardbase to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" and add to the front of the cardbase.

Cut the Window Frame to 4” x 5-1/4" by removing 1/8" from left & right sides and 1/4" from the bottom. Do not cut from the top.

 

If you want to add a little extra color around the Window Frame use a Blending Brush and Misty Moonlight and lightly add a little extra color.

2. Build the Shaker

Use the Firework Die Cut from the Wonderful Scenes Dies and cut two Fireworks in the center of the Window Sheet. Because of the thickness of the Window Sheet it will not cut all the way through - it will look more like an embossed image - this is what you want.

Use Tear & Tape adhesive on the back of the Window Frame along the edges of the opening. Adhering the Window Sheet behind the window opening. Place it so the two Fireworks you “embossed” are in the center.

On the back add Foam Adhesive Strips around the entire open window, make sure there are no gaps. This keeps the shaker filling contained while also supporting the delicate window frame.

Place your shaker elements in the center of your cardbase. Remove the paper backing from the Foam Adhesive Strips and lay it in the center of the cardbase on top of the sequins.

3. Create the Card Front

Open the Window carefully along the scored lines. Adhere the Half Firework Die Cut to the inside left of the window with a dimensional on the right and tear & tape on the left.

Add the Two Silver Fireworks inside the Window near the top right area with dimensionals.

4. Add the Sentiment

Only ink “Celebrate” from the “Time of Celebrate” stamp in Misty Moonlight and stamp on the Ledge Label.

Only ink “You” from the “You are invited” stamp in Misty Moonlight and stamp on the Ledge Label.

Trim the Ledge Label ends to about 2-1/2" in length and add to the center of the window with dimensionals.

5. Tie it all together with Twine

Cut 18” of White Baker's Twine in half and wrap around the center of the two window shutters and tie it into a simple bow.

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Why I Love This Card

Interactive cards always bring a smile, and this shaker design is no exception!

The window die cut is already such a beautiful element in the kit, but turning it into a shaker completely transforms it into something unique. The fireworks behind the window almost feel alive as the sequins dance around with every movement.

It's one of those cards that people won't want to put down because they just have to shake it one more time!

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Watch the Video Tutorial

Be sure to watch my YouTube tutorial where I'll show you:

●      How to build a shaker using the window die cut

●      My tips for placing the foam adhesive around all of the window panes

●      How to create an embossed look on Window Sheets

●      All of the little finishing details that make this card come together

If you love getting more ideas from your Paper Pumpkin kits, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and join my Paper Pumpkin Cut Club! Members receive exclusive cutting guides, early access to videos, members-only live streams, and even more inspiration each month.

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Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope this interactive window shaker inspires you to try something new with your May Paper Pumpkin Kit. It's a fun way to turn a beautiful die cut into a card that's sure to wow anyone who receives it.

If you recreate this project, I'd love to see it! Be sure to tag me on social media using @creativechelsey | #creativechelsey or email me at chelsey@creativechelsey.com.

Have a creative day,
Chelsey