Friday, September 25, 2026

Create a Beautiful Shadow Effect with Stamps & Die Cuts! | A July 2026 Pumpkin Alternative

Welcome back to Paper Pumpkin Week here on Creative Chelsey! Today I'm sharing my third alternative card using the July 2026 Paper Pumpkin Kit – Hooray for Birthdays. For this card, I wanted to create a fun shadow effect using the flower stamps and the coordinating die-cut flowers. This creates the appearance of a soft shadow behind each flower and gives the finished card much more dimension.





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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

Crumb Cake Cardbase - 4-1/4" x 11" scored at 5-1/2"

Petal Pink Cardstock- 3" x 4-1/4"

Black Happy Die Cut*

Envelope Back* - Three 7/8" Circles

Envelope Flap* - 3/8" strip

Small Flower Die Cuts*

Stems in a Row Die Cut* - trim down to 4

Linen Thread - 16”


Card Assembly Instructions

1. Splatter on the Cardbase

Splatter with Crumb Cake Stampin’ Blend Marker. I used the Dark Marker.


2.  Stamp the Petal Pink Banner

Stamp with both Large & Small Dot image from the stamp set in the kit. Use Petal Pink ink to create a tone on tone look. You can stamp the whole piece or just the top & bottom.

Cut the bottom of this piece into a decorative banner-style point.

Wrap 16” of Linen Thread around the top and tie a bow on the left side.

Add this piece to the Top & Centered on the cardbase.


3. Prepare the Blue Grid Layer

Round the upper corners of the 2-3/4" x 4-1/4" piece from the Blue Grid Cardbase to soften the shape.

Next, create the scalloped edge along the bottom. Use the three 7/8" circles cut from the Back of an Envelope from the kit. Cut the circles in half to create semicircles.

Adhere the semicircles along the bottom edge of the blue grid panel, slightly overlapping each one so they create a continuous scalloped border.

Trim away any excess cardstock extending beyond the sides of the panel.

This gives the blue grid piece a pretty decorative edge.


4. Add the “Happy” Sentiment

Take the large “happy” die-cut from the Paper Pumpkin kit.

Position it across the lower portion of the blue grid panel.


5. Add the Stems

Use only the four Stems from the kit and arrange them just above the “Happy” Sentiment. You can tuck some under the greeting as well.


6. Create the Flower Shadow Effect

This is the fun part!

Before adding your die-cut flowers, stamp the coordinating flower images directly onto the blue grid panel in Hydrangea Hue Ink.

Use both flower stamps from the Paper Pumpkin stamp set and alternative them.

The stamped flowers should be positioned where the die-cut flowers will eventually go.


7. Add the Die-Cut Flowers

Once the stamped flowers are in place, arrange the coordinating die-cut flowers directly over them.

Don't completely cover the stamped images.

Instead, offset each die-cut flower slightly so a portion of the stamped flower remains visible around the edge.

This creates the shadow effect and makes the flowers look as though they are lifted off the background.

Add the Yellow Sticker Centers to each flower.


9. Add the Birthday Greeting

Stamp birthday wishes in Memento Black Ink on the 3/8" Strip from an Envelope Flap. Trim into two sections.

Layer them near the lower-right portion of the card, overlapping the large “happy” sentiment.


10. Finish with Embellishments

Add some Blue Sunset Sequins around the flowers and sentiment.


Watch the YouTube Tutorial

Want to see exactly how I created this flower shadow technique? Be sure to watch my YouTube tutorial! I walk you through how I create the scalloped edge, position the stamped flower images, and then layer the die-cut flowers over the stamped images to create the shadow effect.

I hope this card gives you a new way to look at the coordinating stamps and die cuts in your Paper Pumpkin kit. Sometimes a simple stamped image behind a die cut can create such a fun difference!

Thanks so much for stopping by and creating with me!

Have a creative day! 💕

Chelsey

 

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