Sunday, July 5, 2026

Make Your Fireworks POP - My Last Alternative Card Idea with May 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit

I'm so excited to share my ninth and final alternative from the May 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit!


I wanted to finish this month's alternatives with a card that really celebrates the beautiful fireworks theme. The star of this design is the firework die from the Wonderful Scenes Dies. By placing colorful cardstock behind the die cuts, the fireworks instantly come to life! It's a simple technique that creates lots of contrast and makes each burst stand out against the dark nighttime sky.

This card is clean, elegant, and lets the fireworks do all the talking.


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

Paper Pumpkin Subscription [ 166815 ]
[166815]
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]
[159229]
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 166780 ]
[166780]
Silver & White 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Sheer Ribbon [ 162149 ]
[162149]
Coastal Cabana 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 131297 ]
[131297]
Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 115320 ]
[115320]
Daffodil Delight 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 119683 ]
[119683]
Pumpkin Pie 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock [ 105117 ]
[105117]
Adhesive Sheets [ 152334 ]
[152334]
Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [ 141897 ]
[141897]
Faceted Snowflakes [ 166077 ]
[166077]
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

String Lights Cardbase* - 2-1/2" x 3-3/4"

Night Sky Envelope* - front 4-1/8" x 5-3/8"

Thick Basic White Cardbase - 4-1/4" x 11 scored at 5-1/2"

Basic White - 2-5/8" x 3-7/8"

Coastal Cabana - scraps & 1/2" x 2"

Melon Mambo - scrap

Pumpkin Pie - scrap

Daffodil Delight - scrap

Ribbon - 13"

Silver Embellishments*

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Prep the Background

Cut from the coordinating Envelope to the Night Sky Cardbase a 4-1/8" x 5-3/8" piece.

Stamp the Stars in Misty Moonlight link randomly in the corners. Add it to the center of the cardbase.

Wrap the white/iridescent ribbon around the center of the card front and tie a soft knot on the right side.


2. Create the Firework Panel

Using the Wonderful Scenes Dies, die cut three fireworks from the String Light Cardbase piece. I did add Adhesive Sheet to the back before cutting to make adding the color cardstock easier.

Behind each die cut opening, adhere small pieces of brightly colored cardstock. I used Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie & Daffodil Delightl to mimic colorful fireworks bursting across the sky.

This simple layering technique instantly adds depth and makes the fireworks stand out beautifully.

3. Add Dimension

To add a little extra sparkle - I colored over each opening and followed each stitched line with Wink of Stella.

Mat the firework panel onto a Basic White layer before attaching it to the card with dimensionals.

The white border helps frame the focal image while giving it even more contrast against the background.


4. Add the Greeting

Stamp “You are” in Misty Moonlight ink on the Coastal Cabana piece and flag the ends. Add it near the knot with dimensionals.

Cut out two "Wonderful" die cuts from Coastal Cabana cardstock with adhesive sheet on the back. Layer them together to create a thicker die cut.

Adhere it below “You are” at an angle.

The layered greeting becomes the focal point without covering too much of the fireworks.

5. Finish the Card

Scatter a few embellishments around the fireworks to resemble sparkling stars in the night sky. I placed them in the middle of each firework.

These tiny accents add just enough sparkle without overwhelming the clean design.

My Favorite Design Detail

Adding colored cardstock behind the die-cut fireworks completely changes the look of the dies.

Instead of seeing only the cut lines, each firework becomes bright, bold, and full of life. It's an incredibly simple technique, but it creates such a dramatic effect. Best of all, you can completely customize the colors to fit any occasion or color palette.

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!

Thank you so much for following along during this month's Paper Pumpkin alternatives! I hope these nine projects have inspired you to look at your kit pieces in new ways and encouraged you to stretch your supplies even further.

Whether it's cutting apart die cuts, adding colorful layers, creating fun folds, or trying simple techniques like this one, there are so many ways to make each Paper Pumpkin kit your own.

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

at No comments:

Saturday, July 4, 2026

One Firework Die Cut…Multiple Elements! Another Alternative with May 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit

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

Paper Pumpkin Subscription [ 166815 ]
[166815]
Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Thick Cardstock [ 159229 ]
[159229]
Iridescent 1/2" (1.3 Cm) Striped Trim [ 163299 ]
[163299]
Faceted Snowflakes [ 166077 ]
[166077]
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

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

at No comments:
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