Window Pane Cards

The Cricut Message Board can be a bad influence on me sometimes! For example, this morning, I just peeked in to see what was new and a group of Cricut addicts were watching the shopping channel QVC. They made it sound so interesting that I started watching and, sure enough, I spent a bit over $60 (stamps and other goodies).

One thing I did figure out was that I DO NOT NEED the Big Shot die cutter/embosser. I have a Cricut and a Cuttlebug and the Design Studio software! The item attracting everyone's attention was a magnetic die holder that allowed you to do window cutouts. I took one look and thought to myself "that would be so simple to do with the DS software" and while (against my better judgment) I continued to watch the items for sale, I opened up DS and made some files.
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Here is the basic shape - the first card they displayed was a four opening window like this



They look very cute when you add a photo behind the window - here are a few examples...



with people or scenery...



Here is a nine pane option



You could also decorate the front of the card as if you are looking in the window - here are a few flowers to give you an idea of how to start (I can see little curtains, a window box, grass, etc.)



Glitter card stock behind the openings is very pretty



add a decoration



or a lot of shapes



You will be left with some one inch or three quarter inch squares - save these for another project



As you adapt and change your grids be careful to line the squares up properly - here you can see that the bottom center square on the lilac card is slightly off (a bit too far to the right) - for these I used smaller squares offset like the four panes version.



You can also add a backing sheet and fill the spaces with stickers - here I used some flower stickers in a tic tac toe grid - cat's game (does everyone call it that when no one wins?)



I also like it turned as a horizontal card - you could add a stamp or word sticker appropriate for the occasion (this is a good way to use up some old "sprinkle stickers").



These are so simple I am almost embarrassed to share them but I know that many people are just getting the software and learning to use it so I thought I'd post them to help out. As usual I worked them up in George and Plantin Schoolbook so all bug owners should be able to use them - even those with just the trial software.

You can use these for note cards - I set all these files up as 4 x 5 but when you look at the files you will see how quickly they can be adapted to a larger size if you want and the number and size of "window panes" you desire.

4 x 5 window pane card - 4 panes - George

4 x 5 window pane card - 4 panes - Plantin Schoolbook

4 x 5 window pane card - 9 panes - George

4 x 5 window pane card - 9 panes - Plantin Schoolbook

4 x 5 window pane card - 9 panes offset - George

4 x 5 window pane card - 9 panes offset - Plantin Schoolbook