Easy Fun Fold with a Belly Band! | March 2026 Fluttering Garden Paper Pumpkin Alternative Card Idea

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

This card features a unique fun fold with a belly band closure, which makes it feel extra special when you give it to someone. I love how the belly band slides off to reveal the inside of the card—it’s such a simple detail that adds a big wow factor!

For this design, I focused on:

●      Creating a simple fun fold card base

●      Adding a belly band to hold the card closed

●      Highlighting the beautiful wreath focal point

●      Keeping the design balanced with soft layers and texture

The wreath paired with the soft pink background makes this card feel elegant and perfect for so many occasions.

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Supplies

Paper Pumpkin Subscription

[166815]

Bubble Bath 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[161718]

Petunia Pop 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[163801]

Lost Lagoon 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[133679]

Basic White 8 1/2" X 11" Cardstock

[166780]

Baker's Twine Essentials Pack

[155475]

Bubble Bath Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

[161675]

Berry Burst Stampin’ Blends Combo Pack

[161681]

Granny Apple Green Stampin' Blends Combo Pack

[154885]

Berry Burst Classic Stampin' Pad

[147143]

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

Bubble Bath Cardbase - 5-1/2" x 7-1/2" score at 1-3/4” from left side & 1-1/2” from right side.

Petunia Pop Cardstock - 4-1/8" x 5-1/2"

Lost Lagoon Cardstock - 1-1/4" x 10" score at 2” then fold around finished card and adhere ends together on the back.

Basic White Cardstock - large scraps

Black Baker’s Twine - 20"

Light Gray Cardbase* - 2-3/4” x 5-1/4”

Grateful Circle Label*

 

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Create the Fun Fold Base

Start with your cardbase and score the left side at 1-3/4" and the right side at 1-1/2" it so the two sides fold inward toward the center, creating a gatefold-style card. If you want to have it even on both sides, you will want to score each at 1-5/8".

Stamp the Large Branch image in Berry Burst ink all over the Petunia Pop cardstock piece. Adhere it to the back of the right panel (smaller panel). Make sure you can close the card around the Petunia Pop piece.

Fold the left panel (larger panel) to the back and stamp along the folded edge (stamp on the panel) the same Large Branch image in Berry Burst ink.  Then open the left panel and finish stamping along the open edge.

2. Add the Front Panels

Cut the Light Gray Cardbase to 2-3/4" x 5-1/4". Color with Light Bubble Bath Stampin’ Blend Marker. Cut this piece at 1-1/2" & 1-1/4" OR 1-3/8" each if even on both sides.

Add these to the front of the left & right panels. The larger should be on the left and the smaller on the right.

3. Stamp & Color the Wreath

Stamp the Large Branch image in Basic Gray ink three times on Basic White Cardstock scraps.

Color with coordinating colors. I used Granny Apple Green Light Blend Marker for the Leaves, Dark Bubble Bath for the center flowers & Dark Berry Burst for the stamen (just circle around the small dot).

Fussy cut out all three branches.

4. Create the Wreath

Add Small Dimensionals to the top, left and bottom edge of the Circle Greeting on the front. Adhere two Large Branch pieces so they surround the circle and stick to the dimensionals.

Add Small Dimensionals to the back on the right side. Add the third Large Branch with the top covering the stem of the one on top of the greeting and tuck it behind the circle adhering it to the dimensionals, This will keep an opening and help the greeting not feel closed off.

5. Create the Belly Band

Wrap a strip of cardstock around the card front and ahere the ends at the back (without adhering it to the card itself) to create your belly band closure.

👉 Tip: Make sure it’s snug but still easy to slide on and off.

Attach the Wreath to the front of the Belly Band with dimensionals. Line it up with the opening.

6. Finish with Embellishments

Stamp with either Basic Gray or Berry Burst ink the Small Scattered Dots around the Wreath on the Bubble Bath panels.

Tie a double bow with the black twine and attach it to the wreath for added texture and contrast. Use this tip from a past alternative to learn how to tie a double bow - (step 7) https://creativechelsey.blogspot.com/2026/01/finger-wrapping-double-bow-technique.html

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Why I Love This Card

This card is such a great example of how a simple fold + one extra element (like a belly band) can completely transform your design.

It feels interactive, looks impressive, and is still really easy to create—which is my favorite kind of card!

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Video Tutorial

Be sure to check out my step-by-step video tutorial where I show you exactly how to create this fun fold card and belly band.

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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.

See you again tomorrow for Alternative Card #6.

Have a creative day,
Chelsey