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Step by step card instructions

Adding See-Through Elements to Elevate Your Cards | Kathleen Schmelz

Adding See-Through Elements to Elevate Your Cards | Kathleen Schmelz

08 Oct 2025 0 Comments

Hi everyone, happy Wednesday! It's Kathleen here, and today I’m sharing a fun way to elevate your card designs by adding a see-through element. Our new heat-resistant acetate is perfect for this technique! Even if you don’t plan to heat emboss or foil on it, the sturdy quality makes it ideal for creating clear windows.

*Disclaimer: All products used are linked below as clickable images. If a product isn’t listed, it’s been discontinued.

When it comes to transparent elements, the most obvious ways to include them is to create a window in the center of the card. You can easily switch things up by changing the placement of the see-through detail.

Now let's take a look at how this card came together:

  1. Cut and score an A2 card base (top or side-folding) from white cardstock.
  2. Cut a white cardstock panel to 5" x 6 1/4".
  3. Place panel inside a stamp positioner & stamp Dreamer's Forest cling stamp in Warm Buff. Don't remove the stamp!
  4. Ink blend the stamped image with the coordinating stencils:
    1. Stencil 1-3: Marigold, Clementine, Raspberry Bliss - use them (lightly) on different parts of the stencil, blending them where they meet
    2. Stencil 4: Warm Buff
    3. Stencil 5: Blend with the leftover ink from the brushes used for stencil 1-3 (pink to yellow from top to bottom)
    4. Stencil 6A: same as Stencil 5 (pink to yellow from left to right)
    5. Stencil 6B: skip
  5. Put panel back into stamp positioner & re-stamp with Detail Black ink.
  6. Cut panel down to A2 size.
  7. Position half of the largest Double-Stitch Elongated Oval die on the right side of the stamped panel (the other half hanging off) & die cut.
  8. Using the stamped panel as a placement guide, die cut the same die from the card front.
  9. Adhere the small ink-blended die-cut piece inside the card, lining it up with the opening.
  10. Cut acetate to 3" x 4 1/2". Adhere to the card front, flush with the right edge. Layer the stamped panel on top, sandwiching the acetate in between.
  11. Stamp a sentiment from Rooted in Wonder stamp set in Detail Black on white cardstock. Die cut & stack with (2) blank pieces. Die cut a 3rd blank piece & set aside.
  12. Adhere stacked sentiment to the acetate window. Use 3rd blank piece on the inside to hide adhesive.
  13. Embellish with Clear Drops in Blush.

I hops you enjoyed this idea for incorporating a see-through element on your card. You could also create two ink-blended pieces and mix & match them for the front and inside piece for a fun effect!

We always love seeing what you create, so please make sure to tag us on social media when you post a project inspired by this!

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

-Kathleen

    Pinkfresh Studio Supplies

  • 1/2" Blending Brush set

    Introducing our sleek and modern ½” Blending Brush set, part of our newest collection, Studio Essentials. This collection will slowly build as we add high-quality tools with a focus on sustainability. Each set includes (6) ½” blending brushes with a white lacquer handle, the...
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  • 1/4" Blending Brush set

    Introducing our sleek and modern ¼” Blending Brush set, part of our newest collection, Studio Essentials. This collection will slowly build as we add high-quality tools with a focus on sustainability. Each set includes (6) ¼” blending brushes with a white lacquer handle, the...
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  • 1” blending brushes

    Introducing our sleek & modern 1” Blending Brush set. The latest blending brush addition to our Studio Essentials collection, the larger brush size easily ink blends larger surface areas.     Each set includes (3) 1” blending brushes that offer a white lacquer handle with...
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  • Dreamer's Forest cling stamp

    Friendly Note: Red rubber cling stamps may have slight size variations from the manufacturing process. This is a normal part of how they’re made and nothing to worry about. If you’re working with stencils alongside your stamps, we suggest starting at the top of...
    $17.00
    $17.00
  • Dreamer's Forest stencil

    Friendly Note: Red rubber cling stamps may have slight size variations from the manufacturing process. This is a normal part of how they’re made and nothing to worry about. If you’re working with stencils alongside your stamps, we suggest starting at the top of...
    $19.00
    $19.00
  • Precision Clear Craft Glue .5 oz

    This premium glue is ideal for use in papercrafting. The pen-style applicator features a fine, precision tip, allowing for detailed and accurate application. The glue goes on white, ensuring visibility during use, and dries crystal clear for a professional finish. It’s water-based and acid-free,...
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  • Precision Clear Craft Glue 2 oz

    This premium glue is ideal for use in papercrafting. The applicator features a fine, precision tip, allowing for detailed and accurate application. The large 2-oz size offers excellent value. The glue goes on white, ensuring visibility during use, and dries crystal clear for a...
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  • Dual Tip Embellishment Tool

    Our Dual Tip Embellishment Tool is made of brass that matches our other Studio Essentials products PERFECTLY! Each metal side is sturdy & high quality, and you can really feel that when you pick the tool up. It's not heavy, but it feels just...
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  • Triangle Brass Tray

    Sleek and stunning, our brass triangle tray is perfect for showcasing embellishments you want to add to your cards or paper crafting projects! Simply shake a few embellishments into the tray, then use an embellishment wand, tweezers or your fingers to pick out the...
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  • Heat-Resistant Acetate Sheets

    Craft with confidence using Heat-Resistant Acetate Sheets. These clear sheets are perfect for shaker cards, windows, card bases, and overlays. The durable, heat-resistant quality allows for heat embossing and hot foiling without warping. Each sheet cuts easily with dies or paper trimmers, giving you clean,...
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  • Rooted in Wonder die

    This die set features a hidden magnet within the packaging, keeping the multiple pieces of the die securely in place. Coordinating product for purchase separately: Rooted in Wonder stamp Details: 8 pieces Designed by Kaitlin Sheaffer Made of high-quality steel Packaging includes a finished,...
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  • Rooted in Wonder stamp

    Celebrate life’s journey with the Rooted in Wonder stamp set, designed by Kaitlin Sheaffer. This collection of heartfelt sentiments inspires gratitude, resilience, and a sense of encouragement. Each phrase pairs beautifully with nature or seasonal designs, making it versatile for every occasion. These timeless...
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  • Premium Hybrid ink Pad : Detail black

    Our Detail Black ink stamps crisp & clear every single time, for a perfect stamp impression. Our hybrid formula means you can use this ink with both watercolor, water based markers and alcohol based markers. We've included a raised felt pad surface for working...
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  • Premium Hybrid ink cube : Detail Black

    Our Detail Black ink stamps crisp and clear every single time, for a perfect stamped impression. The hybrid formula allows you to use it with watercolors, water-based markers, and alcohol-based markers. We've included a raised felt pad surface for working with any sized image,...
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    $4.00
  • Clear Drops: Blush

    1 pack of clear embellishment drops in mixed sizes (3mm/4mm/5mm/6mm). Each Clear Drop is flat backed, and can be easily adhered to a papercrafting project using liquid glue and a jewel pick or tweezers.
    $5.00
    $5.00
  • Essentials: Double Stitched Elongated Oval die

    Create polished cards with this die set featuring elongated ovals with a double-stitched border on the outer edges. The nested sizes allow for endless combinations. Details: 7 pieces, approximate measurements: largest 3.75" x 5.25", smallest: .75" x 2.25" Made of high-quality steel Packaging includes...
    $16.00
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  • Stamp Press Tool

    Introducing our sleek & modern Stamp Press Tool, part of our newest collection called Studio Essentials. This will be a slow building collection as we add high quality tools with a focus on sustainability. The base of our stamp press is wood that has...
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