Shaped cards are such a fun way to make a simple card feel anything but ordinary!
Today I’m sharing two arched window shaped cards with retro sunset backgrounds, and the fun part is that the window die helps shape the whole card.
Let’s take a look at today’s cards.
Grab a cuppa and watch how I used this ideas to make 2 cards Click HERE to watch the video at YouTube.
This post is part of my Take 2 Series with Altenew, which means you get double the inspiration, and if you want to see MORE ideas like this, CLICK HERE.
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Shaped Cards
Sometimes a rectangle card base can feel just a little bit predictable, so shaped cards are a fun way to step things up and create something a little more unique.
Nesting shape dies are a perfect option for this technique, and nearly any shape can be adapted to become a card base. Think circles, ovals, arches, balloons… I’ve even used stars!
Typically, the largest nesting die is the best choice for creating the card base. You can die cut a folded card base with the die sitting slightly over the folded edge, or cut two separate die pieces and score the back panel about 1/2″ from the side before adhering it to the front panel.
Play with different shapes and try both side-fold and top-fold designs to see what works best.
Card #1 – Side-Fold Sunset Arched Window Shaped Card
For my first card, I created a side-fold arched window shaped card with a retro sunset background.
I blended the background from dark teal through to light teal, orange, and red, then added a black arched window frame over the top. I used the full frame, shutters, and detailed arch pieces to give this design a bold silhouette against the colorful background.
This card base had a tiny detour – I accidentally chose the wrong die for the original shaped base, so I recreated it and added the finished panel onto the largest arched die cut. Crisis avoided! 😮
Card #2 – Top-Fold Striped Arched Window Shaped Card
For this design, I created a top-fold arched window shaped card with a cleaner and simpler retro vibe.
This time, I used a slightly smaller arched window and added just one layer of the coordinating black frame. But it’s what’s inside the window that makes this card special.
I created a retro rainbow sunset by masking each color in its own line. I also added three small silhouette birds to the background, which gives the scene a serene feeling.
Both cards were finished with simple “calm” style sentiments, and for this design I stamped the sentiment directly beneath the window.
Will You Try Making a Shaped Card?
Shaped cards are such a fun way to change up a familiar design, and I love how these arched windows became part of the card shape itself.
You could try this idea with nesting dies or larger coordinating dies from your stash. What shape would you choose first? I’d love to hear – let me know in the comments below.
Happy papercrafting,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things!
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Other Supplies:
Altenew Cardstock: Jet Black.
Altenew Fresh Dye Ink: Mint Choc | Pool | Mystic Lake | Teal Tempest | Golden Honeycomb | Amber Blaze | Heart Beat.
 Windows to Stillness ALT |  Nesting Circles ALT | SSS |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS |
Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Obsidian ALT | SSS |  Tea Party ALT | SSS |  Aqua Island ALT | SSS |
 Sun-Kissed Delights ALT | SSS |  Mini Blending Brush Set ALT | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors ALT | SSS |  Stampwheel ALT | SSS |  Score Board ALT | SSS | Paper Trimmer SSS |
 Sticky Grid Mat Ultra ALT | SSS | SB US |  Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | OTH | SB US |  Platesaver OTH |  Precision Glue Press AMZ | SSS |
Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |  1/2″ Ultra Sticky Tape ALT | SSS |  Foam Tape ALT | SSS |
 Satin Masking Tape ALT |  Post It Roll SSS |