I'm excited to share Alternative Card #8 from the May 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit!
One of my favorite ways to get more from a Paper Pumpkin kit is by looking at each die cut differently. Instead of using the large fireworks exactly as they were designed, I cut them apart and spread the pieces around the card to create the look of a full fireworks display. It's an easy technique that stretches your supplies while giving the card lots of movement and interest.
The finished design looks like a
beautiful night sky filled with fireworks, even though it uses just a few
carefully placed pieces.
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:
✨ Loyalty badges & custom emojis
✨ Early access to all my Paper Pumpkin alternative
videos
✨ Member shout-outs
✨ The Exclusive
Monthly Cutting Guide
✨ Members-only livestreams & behind-the-scenes
sneak peeks
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
Want to Subscribe to
Paper Pumpkin?
If you’re not
already receiving Paper Pumpkin, now is a great time to join! My subscribers
receive:
🎁 A FREE
exclusive card kit designed by me each month
🎁 The
Exclusive Monthly Cutting Guide
🎁 A
monthly live crafting session
🎁 A
multi-demonstrator PDF tutorial packed with 7–10 alternate ideas
🎁 And of
course—my support, tips, and creative inspiration!
Subscribe here and select me as your
demonstrator (Chelsey Christensen–CO):
https://www.stampinup.com/products/paper-pumpkin-subscription/?demoid=2042902
Supplies
———————— 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
String Lights Cardbase* - (4) 1-3/4" x
1-3/4"
Thick Basic White Cardbase - 5-1/2" x
8-1/2" scored at 4-1/4"
Basic White - 1/2" x 3-1/2"
Ribbon - 13"
Silver Embellishments*
Large Grouping of Fireworks Die Cut* -
leftover
Small Silver Firework Die Cut*
Card Assembly Instructions
1. Create the Grid Panel
Cut the String Lights Cardbase into four
1-3/4" squares
Stamp the Star image in Misty Moonlight
in each square.
Add them to the cardbase with
dimensionals, leaving small white gaps between each section.
The spacing creates a clean geometric
design while allowing the fireworks to flow naturally across the panels.
2. Stretch the Firework Die Cuts
Here's the fun part!
Instead of leaving the firework die cut
whole, carefully trim it into separate sections. You can watch the video below
to see how I did it.
Adhere the pieces with dimensionals so they overlap several of the background panels, allowing the straight sides to match with the squares and other areas to extend across the grid.
This creates the illusion of several
large fireworks bursting across the night sky while using only a few die cuts.
It's an easy way to stretch your kit
supplies and gives the card a completely different look.
3. Add the Greeting
Stamp the “Wishing you happiness”
sentiment in Misty Moonlight ink on the White Strip. Cut into two separate
pieces.
Layer "Wishing you" above
"happiness," slightly offsetting them for added interest in the
bottom right square. Pop the sentiment pieces up with Stampin' Dimensionals to
create depth.
Adhere one of the smaller Silver Firework
die cuts, with dimensionals, near the greeting to balance the composition.
5. Finish the Card
Finish with a few embellishments
scattered around the panel to mimic stars sparkling in the night sky. I used
the Silver Faceted Snowflakes.
Wrap the white/iridescent ribbon around
the lower portion of the card front and tie a soft knot toward the right-hand
side.
This gives the finished card a polished
look without distracting from the fireworks.
My Favorite Design Detail
I love how cutting apart the fireworks
completely transforms the design.
Instead of one large focal image, the
pieces become part of a much larger scene, making it feel like fireworks are
exploding across the entire sky. It's a simple trick that helps stretch your
supplies and creates a custom look that's very different from the original kit
design.
Video Tutorial
I’ve also created a step-by-step video
tutorial showing exactly how this card comes together. If you’d like to
craft along with me, be sure to watch the video!
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope
this project inspires you to look at your die cuts a little differently.
Sometimes cutting them apart opens up a whole new world of creative
possibilities—and helps you get even more cards from your kit!
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
![Paper Pumpkin Subscription [ 166815 ] Paper Pumpkin Subscription [ 166815 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166815s.jpg)
![Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ] Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/159229s.jpg)
![Iridescent 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Striped Trim [ 163299 ] Iridescent 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Striped Trim [ 163299 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/163299s.jpg)
![Faceted Snowflakes [ 166077 ] Faceted Snowflakes [ 166077 ]](https://assets1.tamsnetwork.com/images/EC042017NF/166077s.jpg)