Hello there all! Jenny here, and today I'm sharing card projects featuring the Zen Garden Ensemble. Altenew's Ensemble sets are great for showing what can be mixed and matched for more versatility in new releases! The Zen Bundle features the Archways Die Set and the Zero-Waste Leaf Pattern Die, which I'm featuring on today's cards. (It also has the Archways 3D Embossing Folder, but I'm not using this today).
Welcome to Creativity Unlocked, where we highlight a new product from this month’s new collection! Discover each product's endless creative possibilities and get inspired to create the paper crafting ideas we share here. Keep on reading for exclusive tips from our designers, handy tips and tricks, and stunning project inspiration from talented crafters.
Keep on reading for more tips and project ideas using this new ensemble!
Zen Garden Ensemble
With plenty of leaves and archways, Altenew's Zen Garden Ensemble combines the simplicity of streamlined geometric shapes and the beauty of nature. We are certain that you will find immense joy in mixing and matching these products!
I love the modern feel of the Archways Die, and the branch stem included in the set seemed to have palm tree vibes. It just might be me – I have just returned from my first beach vacation in forever! I thought the dies would be perfectly paired with the Altenew Blends 6 x 6 Paper Pack (but of course, you could use ink-blended cardstock also).
Choose Where to Place Your Die
I started by trimming down a panel of yellow blend paper to 4.25 ” x 5.5 “. I wanted to be able to move as much of the paper as possible, so I was careful with where I die cut out the archway. I angled it horizontally off the edge of the yellow on the far bottom left. This die cut out all of the pieces, both inner and outer, which I carefully removed and set aside, leaving a large arch opening.
On the teal paper, I trimmed out the archways die cut, then trimmed out a second piece to 4.25″ x 5.5″. I adhered the yellow and the solid teal panel onto 110lb vertical white notecards.
Create Your Arches – Paper Piecing
On the yellow panel, I pieced alternate teal and yellow onto the white notecard using liquid glue, until it was completely filled in. On the teal panel, I adhered (with liquid glue) the yellow archways, leaving spaces in between to have the teal peep through. So on one card, the entire panel is flush from inlaid die-cut paper piecing and on the other, the yellow arches are slightly raised.
Add Your Focal Image
These archways make awesome backdrops to adhere to any sort of focal image! I used the main leaf image from the archways die set on the yellow card, and on the teal, I chose the largest leaf branch off cut from the Zero-Waste Leaf Pattern Die.
I die cut each twice, once from Gold Mirror Cardstock, and once from Jet Black Cardstock. I then adhered them together with liquid glue, slightly offsetting to allow the black to peep out from behind. Afterward, I adhered them to the blended paper card panels with foam tape.
I kept it simple with a black and white sentiment strip stamped in Obsidian Pigment Ink and popped it up with Instant Dimension Foam Tape. The sentiments are from March's forthcoming Craft Your Life Project Kit, so keep an eye out!
1 Product, Multiple Ways!
Before you go, here are a few card ideas featuring this new ensemble!
Don't you just love the minimalistic modern look of Jaycee's card? The monochromatic muted color palette fits in well with the beautiful theme! 
Fun fact: Wabi-sabi is a Japanese philosophy that focuses on accepting life's simplicity, imperfection, and impermanence. Such a touching sentiment paired with an equally beautiful background, using the Zero Waste Leaf Pattern Die! We love the wooden texture look of Jaycee's card. 
The Zero Waste Leaf Pattern Die Cut from the Zen Garden Ensemble is also perfect for adding a unique texture to cards. Not to mention, you can also use the fall-out pieces to make leaf arrangements for your floral die-cuts! 
How spectacular is Laura's card? She created a mixed collage of beautiful washi tapes and the Zen Garden arches, set in a heart-shaped border! The look is topped off with the Creative Edges: Lace Die.
Laura's card is a wow-worthy myriad of pink, green, and gold hues! We don't know what we love more -the hot foiled “you're sweet” sentiment, coupled with gold sequins, the gorgeous pink floral die-cuts, or the awesome Peachy Tiles Washi Tape border underneath!
All in all, I hope these sets of beautiful projects inspired you to try the latest Zen Garden Ensemble from Altenew! What is your favorite product from the Zen Garden Ensemble? Comment down below!
