All About Layering & Half-Bow Technique - A December 2025 Paper Pumpkin Alternative Card Idea

Welcome back to Creative Chelsey! 

Today I’m sharing my second alternative made with the December 2025 Paper Pumpkin Kit called Watercolor In Bloom. This card is a soft and elegant thank you card that combines beautiful watercolor-style paper with layered die cuts and a clean sentiment. This design feels calm and peaceful while still having lots of dimension—perfect for heartfelt thank you cards that feel special but aren’t complicated to make.

The blended blues and greens create a soothing background, and the floral cluster adds just enough detail to make this card stand out.

If you recreate this card, be sure to tag me @creativechelsey or use #creativechelsey so I can see your version!

Below you’ll find the full step-by-step tutorial, measurements, and supplies so you can create along with me.

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.

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Tutorial

———————— Supplies ————————

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

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

[159229]

Abundant Joy Dies

[167855]

Shaded Spruce 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[146981]

Bubble Bath 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[161718]

Pretty Peacock Classic Stampin’ Pad

[150083]

12 Days Of Crafting Advent Calendar (English)

[167335]

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

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

Shaded Spruce Cardstock - scraps for die cutting

Bubble Bath Cardstock - scraps for die cutting

(2) 5" of Baker’s Twine - any coordinating color

Envelope White Scraps*

Blue to Green Watercolor Cardbase*

Vellum Rectangle* - 2-3/4" x 5-1/2"

Square White Label*

Medium White Flower*

Large Fern & Leaves Die*

Adhesive, Dimensionals, Glue Dots

 

✂️ CUTTING TEMPLATE – get it here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qXtNZAUcESOJwaRjMbv0TaLGO7TGMrEi/view?usp=sharing

 

How to Make This Card

1. Cut the Cardbase

Cut the Blue to Green Watercolor Cardbase to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2".

Add it to the front of the Thick Basic White Cardbase.

2. Vellum

Cut the Vellum down to 2-3/4" x 3-1/4".

Add horizontally to the left side of the cardbase about 1” from the top.

3. Create the Greeting

Stamp your greeting in the center of the Square Label in Night of Navy ink. Add it to the right of the Vellum piece with even spacing along the top, right & bottom.

Add with dimensionals.

4. Build the Floral Cluster

Add the Large Fern & Leaf Die to the bottom left corner of the Square Label with dimensionals.

Stamp three Leaves with Branches in Pretty Peacock and fussy cut out. Add over the bow & die cut.

Cut out two Ferns in Shaded Spruce Cardstock. Add between the stamped Leaves with Branches.

Cut out two Sprig Dies in Bubble Bath Cardstock. Tuck these around the other elements.

Add the Medium White Flower Die Cut to the center with a dimensional.

5. Add two Half-Bows

With one 5” piece of Baker’s Twine create a half-bow (includes a loop and a tail).

Tuck it under the bottom of the Flower

Create the second Half-Bow and tuck above the Flower behind all the leaf dies.

 

Want to see me make it in person? Check out the video below:

 

Did you miss any previous Paper Pumpkin Alternatives?

Get them all through my YouTube Playlist— https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL40dV1oxpkNnzhChQ1bQc3ShOUmj4D8XR

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope this card inspires you to create something beautiful and share a little gratitude.

Have a creative day!
Chelsey 💚✨