Beautiful Balloons on Double Z-Fold

I recently received my pre-order for the 2023-2024 annual catalog.  I love the Beautiful Balloons bundle!  You'll find it on page 15.  I have so many ideas for these stamps and dies.  The suite includes patterned paper and gold images on acetate sheets (Bright & Beautiful 6" X 6" Designer Series Paper and Gold Celebrations Specialty Designer Series Paper), but I forgot to order them!  Oops.

For my first card, I die cut many white and black balloons to work with.  I didn't use them all, but the extras won't go to waste.  I'll keep them in the envelope with the dies.

To create a double z-fold, you'll need:

-Card base 1:  4-1/4" X 11" scored at 5-1/2" and 2-3/4"

-Card base 2:  2-1/8" X 11" scored at 5-1/2" and 2-3/4"

-Layers:  5-3/8" X 4-1/8"

               2-5/8" X 4-1/8"

          3 pieces that are 2-5/8" X 1-7/8"

Here's a quick video show how to put those 2 card base pieces together to create your double z-fold card.

A few options:

-You could vary the width of the 2-1/8" x 11" piece.  Make it wider or narrower depending on the stamps and dies you are using on your project.

-I made very narrow reveals with my layers.  You could use the standard layers that are 1/4" smaller instead of my 1/8" smaller:

  So these layers would be:

        -4" X 5-1/4"

        -2-1/2" X 4"

        -and 3 at 2-1/2" X 1-3/4"

I used black and white cardstock and gold embossing to create a card for a fun celebration.  I left off a sentiment for now.  I could use this card to celebrate a milestone birthday or another major moment for a loved one.  

I imagine using these balloon images with many other color combinations. I'm thinking someone's favorite colors, monochromatic pinks, blues, greens or purples, all primary colors.....the list goes on.

Here's another idea for the Beautiful Balloons bundle.  I used the new Azure Afternoon and the returning Lemon Lime Twist along with the Metal Plate 3D embossing folder.  In the photo, you can't tell that the green patterned paper was die cut to make ruffles.  (Stampin' Up! has a better photo of that die used as a ruffle on page 14 of the 2023-2024 annual catalog.)

When I get a new bundle, I find that stamping and die cutting everything helps me see how they all work together.  I thought this might help you, too.  This is what I created to use as a reference for myself.

Can you tell that I forgot to put a foam mat under images 2 and 3?  That foam mat really helps get crisp images with photopolymer stamps.

When I die cut number 8 (on the top), I came up with the ribbon idea.  I showed you what it would look with a few different weaving options.   I think my favorite is weaving every 2 holes, as in the middle of the die cut.

I imagine using narrow ribbon or even cardstock stips (great use for scraps!) in different colors.  The opening are 3/4" wide.  Once we can order the 3/8" Sheet Ribbon Combo Pack (page 143 in the 2023-2024 annual catalog), I think I'll give these ribbons a try.  Two of them should fit in that slot.

I love that die cut with the 3 balloons.  Using the solid balloon images and the dotted/star overlay (stamp # 1), we'll be able to create so many fun celebratory cards!  It's going to be a fun year of birthday cards for my family!

Don't forget to stamp your envelope while you have your stamps and ink out!

Happy Stampin'!