Don’t Throw Away These Pieces! - A May 2026 Paper Pumpkin Alternative

Today I'm excited to share my first alternative card using the May 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit!

One of my favorite things about creating alternative projects is finding ways to use every piece from the kit—even the leftovers! This card is a perfect example. Instead of tossing the inside pieces from the window die-cut, I transformed them into a beautiful focal point that looks like a glowing window overlooking a festive fireworks display.

To complete the window frame, I paired those leftover pieces with the firework die-cut from the Wonderful Scenes Dies. I love how those dies perfectly mimic the rounded top of the window, creating a custom look that feels like it was designed that way from the beginning.

The finished card is clean, elegant, and a wonderful reminder that a little creativity can stretch your kit even further!

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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:

✨ Loyalty badges & custom emojis

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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

 

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

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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]

Stampin' Up! Masking Paper

[155480]

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"

White Baker’s Twine - 18"

Large Grouping of Fireworks Die Cut*

Window with cut outs*

Card Assembly Instructions

1. Cut the Cardbase

Cut the Night Sky Cardbase from the kit to 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" and adhere it to the front of the Thick Basic White cardbase.

2. Create the Window

Save all of the inside pieces from the window die-cut included in the kit. These leftover pieces become the main feature of today's card!

Use a very little adhesive and add them to a scrap piece of copy paper. You can use the Window Die Cut and place them back in the open spaces to create the window.

Using the firework die from the Wonderful Scenes Dies cut three fireworks into the window pieces. Keep them on the copy paper when cutting.

If you have removable tape or Masking Paper. Apply it to the front of the window pieces to keep everything in place. Flip it over and remove the copy paper and add dimensionals to each piece. Attach it to the card with about 5/8" border on the left & bottom sides. Remove the tape/Masking Paper.

3. Build the Background

Place the straight edge of the Large Firework Die Cut in the kit to the left of the Window and mark where it overhangs the card. Cut along the mark and adhere to the left of the Window.

Repeat on the right side of the Window.

4. Add the Sentiment

Stamp “Wishing you happiness” in Misty Moonlight on the 1/2" strip from Coastal Cabana Envelope. Adhere the sentiment across the center of the window.

The sentiment helps tie all the individual window pieces together while keeping the beautiful fireworks visible.

5. Finish with Twine

Wrap 18” of White Baker’s Twine into a double bow and adhere behind the sentiment

This soft touch adds just enough texture without taking away from the clean design.

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Why I Love This Card

This card perfectly captures one of my favorite ways to craft—finding new uses for pieces that might otherwise be thrown away!

The leftover window inserts become something completely different, and when paired with the Wonderful Scenes Dies, they create a unique focal point that looks elegant and intentional.

I also love that this card requires very few extra supplies while giving your kit an entirely new look.

If you've ever wondered how to stretch your Paper Pumpkin kits even further, this is a technique you'll definitely want to try!

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Video Tutorial

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

●      How I created the custom window frame

●      Which leftover pieces to save from your kit

●      How the Wonderful Scenes Dies complete the design

●      Tips for stretching your Paper Pumpkin supplies into even more alternative cards

If you enjoy getting even more ideas from your Paper Pumpkin kits, don't forget to subscribe to my channel and join my Paper Pumpkin Cut Club! Members receive exclusive cutting guides, early access to videos, members-only lives, and even more inspiration every month.

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Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope this project inspires you to look at your leftover die-cut pieces in a whole new way. Sometimes the scraps become the star of the project!

If you make this card, 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