EASY TO CREATE GATE FOLD CARDS - SO MANY CHOICES!

Hi Stampers!

Today we are going to take a look at Gate Fold Cards. If you are looking for a versatile card fold, the gate fold card is for you. There are so many variations of this fold out there, and new ones keep coming. I thought it would be worthwhile to go over the “how tos” for basic gate fold cards, and a couple of stepped up gate folds. Let’s take a look at some samples:

VIDEO

EASY TO CREATE GATE FOLD CARDS

GATE FOLD CARDS

These cards are versatile, and that is a big plus, but there are a few characteristics of these cards that might be challenging. Here are some pros and cons:

PROS

* These cards are different from the everyday card, but not too different.

* For many versions the card base measurements are the same as for a regular A-2 card, the scoring is different.

* Many gate fold cards can be created in either portrait or landscape versions.

* Closure choices are many and can really be the WOW for the card. You can see four closure options 

    HERE.

* These cards are great for showing off patterned papers and using scraps!

* White card bases are classic and certainly can be used for these cards, but when it comes to gate fold cards - pull out the colored cardstock! The colors add a lot of zip, especially to the inside of the card.

CONS

* Some versions of gate fold cards require card bases of different dimensions than the normal A-2 size card. This can be challenging if you pre-cut your card bases. 

* Keeping the “gates” closed can be challenging.

* On occasion, the gates do not line up perfectly and there will be a slight (very slight)gap. Some find it frustrating. This can be overcome by scoring and folding the gate (flap) on one side, then folding over the other side to meet it, press down the fold, and go over with bone folder.

* Some of the more elaborate gate folds can be frustrating to create. Making a practice card using printer paper or scraps can help you decide whether or not the card is the right card for you to create at this time. If not, give it a try again in a few months. You might be surprised.

* Some versions are a bit thicker than regular cards, and may require an envelope that is a bit larger.

* Gate fold cards might require additional postage for mailing.

BASIC GATE FOLD CARD 

Portrait Orientation

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - cardstock cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” score along the 8 1/2” side at 2 1/8” and 6 3/8” (or 2 1/8” on each end). Fold each end panel toward the center of the card. 

* Layers - Patterned Paper - for front - cut two at 5 1/4” x 1 7/8” (if you’d like another layer cut 2 at 5” x 1 5/8”)

* Inside panel - white or light color cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

* Focal panel- images / sentiments, etc. - this can be the closure

* Embellishments

* Adhesive

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Basic Black, Basic Gray, Basic White, Brushed Silver, Very Vanilla - inside (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned papers - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Ink - Tuxedo Black -Memento

* Stamps - Tune In & dies, (Stampin’ Up!) Inside - Free Cake (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Embellushments - Stars (Stampin’ Up! - retired) Black Dots - Glistening Night Confetti (Pink & Main)

 BASIC GATE FOLD CARD

Landscape Orientation

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base- cut cardstock at 11” x 4 1/4” and score along the 11” side at 2 3/4” and 8 1/4” (or 2 3/4” from each end). Fold each end panel toward the center of the card.

* Layers -  patterned paper, cut 2 at 4” x 2 1/2” for the “gates” and 1 piece at 5 1/4” x 4” for the inside

* Inside sentiment panel- white or light color cardstock cut at 4 3/4”x 3 1/2”

* Focal panel - image, sentiment, etc - can be the closure.

* Embellishments

* Adhesive

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Daffodil Delight and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned paper - Surprise Party (Sunny Studios), Rainbow Glitter Paper(Scrapbook.com)

* Ink - Daffodil Delight (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamp -Confetti Celebration (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Sentiment - Birthday Wishes - Word Dies (Scrapbook.com)

* Baker’s Twine

* Adhesive

OFFSET GATE FOLD CARD

Portrait Orientation

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - cut cardstock at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” score along 8 1/2” side at 2 3/4” and 7” fold flaps inward toward center of card.

* Layers - cut patterned paper 1 piece at 5 1/4” x 2 1/2” and one piece at 5 1/4” x 1 1/4”

* Inside panel - white or light color cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

 * Focal image and closure of choice.

WHAT I USED

* Card base - Pretty In Pink and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Paper - Holiday Patterned Collection (Scrapbook.com)

* Stamps - Holiday Cheer, Essential Sentiments (Waffle Flower)

* Dies - Stylish Shapes (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Bordered Ribbon - Pretty In Pink (Stampin’ Up!); gems - Snowscape (Sparkletz)

OFFSET GATE FOLD CARD

Landslide Orientation

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base- cardstock cut at 11” x 4 1/4” scored along 11” side at 3 1/2” x 9”. Fold panels inward toward center of card.

* Layers - patterned papers cut 1 at 4” x 3 1/4” and cut 1 at 4” x 1 3/4”

* Inside panel - patterned paper - cut at 5 1/4” x 4” and white or light color cardstock cut at  4 3/4” x 3 1/2”

* Embellushments

* Adhesive

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Cajun Craze and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Papers - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps and matching dies - Bistro Burger and Round We Go (Stampin’ Up!)

* Other dies - Nested Essentials (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Opaque Faceted Gems (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

DOUBLE GATE FOLD CARD

Portrait Orientation

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - Cardstock cut at 11” x5 1/2” score along 11” side at 1 1/4”, 3 3/8”,  7 5/8”, and 9 3/4”. 

Start at one end and on score lines and fold mountain, valley, valley, mountain. Use bone folders to sharply crease the folds. 

* Inside panel - Patterned paper (mat) cut at 5 1/4” x 4” and white or light color cardstock cut at 4 3/4” x 3 1/2”. Stamp inside sentiment on the cardstock.

* Patterned paper for outside of card - cut 2 from one pattern at 5 1/4” x 1 7/8” . Cut 2 from another pattern at 5 1/4” x 1”.

* Other - cardstock, stamps, inks, embellishments, to complete cards (if ribbon is used cut about 22”.

* Adhesive, glue dot to hold ribbon in place if used.

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Boho Blue and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned paper cut- (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps - Moon Baby, Bundled Baby (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Ribbon - Boho Blue (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Circle Dies - Ever Lasting Circle Dies (Spellbinders)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Boho Blue (Stampin’ Up!); Stampin’ Blends (Stampin’ Up!) - Lemon Lolly, Boho Blue, Crumb Cake, Pretty In Pink, Natural Tones #1000

DOUBLE GATE FOLD 

Square card

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - cardstock cut at 11” x 4 1/4” score on 11”side as for previous card, at 1 1/4”, 3 3/8”, 7 5/8” and 9 3/4”. Start at one end and fold mountain, valley, valley, and mountain. Go over folds with bone folder.

* Inside panel - patterned paper cut at 4” x 4” and white or light color cardstock cut at 3 1/2” x 3 1/2”

* Patterned papers for front of card - cut 2 at 4” x 1 7/8”; cut 2 more from another patterned paper at 4” x 1”.

* Other supplies needed to complete the cards. (I used 22” of ribbon for my closure).

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Gorgeous Grape, Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned papers -  (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps - Wisteria Wishes (Stampin’ Up! - retired); Round We Go (Stampin’ Up!)

* Inks - Highland Heather, Gorgeous Grspe, Garden Green (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ribbon - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

LOTS OF GATE FOLD CARDS

The gate fold card versions I shared today are just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other gate folds - floating gate folds, reverse gate folds, pop up gate folds, and on and on! Those are cards for another day. Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time …

Stamp Happy!

Kim

LET’S CREATE PARTIAL FRONT CARDS - FIVE EASY TO MAKE DESIGNS

Hi Stampers!

Today I am sharing cards designed with partial fronts. These cards simply have a portion of the card front cut away. The cards are easy to create and offer something just a little different from the everyday card. Like the Center Flap Card featured in my last post, these five card designs lend themselves to showcasing patterned papers. Let’s take a peek at today’s samples:

VIDEO

CREATING PARTIAL FRONT CARDS

PARTIAL FRONT CARD PORTRAIT  SIDE FOLD 

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - Cardstock cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored at 4 1/4”

* Patterned paper - 1 piece cut at 5 1/4” x 4”, a coordinating piece cut at 4” x 2 3/4”

* Inside panel - cardstock white or light color, cut at 3 3/4” x 2 1/2”

* Focal image die cut or punched out

* Cardstock same color as card base for “stacking” the image - die cut / punch 3-4 blank images

* Ink, other coloring tools, embellishments, adhesive.

WHAT TO DO

* Place card base in trimmer with 8 1/2” side at top. 

* Slide cardstock over to 4 1/4”- cut down 2 1/2” (you will be cutting along the score line)

* Rotate the card base to the left. The 4 1/4” side will be at the top. Slide over to 2 1/2” and cut down to 4 1/4”. The top portion of the card front has been removed. 

* Adhere patterned papers inside panel, focal image, and embellishments

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Highland Heather and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Paper (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps & dies - Hand-penned Petals / Penned Flowers Dies (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps inside sentiment - Simply Said (Stampin’ Up!”)

* Embellishments - Tinsel Gems 3 Pack (Stampin’ Up!)

PARTIAL FRONT CARD - LANDSCAPE TOP FOLD

My last post and video were the first for 2025. I mentioned this year I am doing something new. In each post and video I will include at least one Christmas themed card. This serves several purposes.  It will give me a nice selection of Christmas cards come the end of November. For those of you who want to make a few cards a month as opposed to creating a lot of cards closer to Christmas this strategy will keep you on track, give you a bit of inspiration, and provide support as you will know we are working on this project together. Here is my Christmas card for this week. 

WHAT YOU NEED AND WHAT TO DO

* Follow the instructions for the previous card. This card is basically the previous card turned on its side.

* When cutting patterned paper be sure to orient directional patterns correctly.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Real Red, Crumb Cake, and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned papers inside panel- (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps and dies- image Snowman (Art Impressions), outside sentiment - Holiday Cheer (Waffle Flower, inside sentiment - Beary Cute (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Real Red; Stampin’ Blends - Real Red, Smoky Slate, Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty In Pink. Pool Party (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishments - Snow Swirl (Mix Upz - more buttons.com)

* Circle die - 2 1/2” diameter; Stylish Shapes (Stampin’ Up!)

PARTIAL FRONT CARD - LANDSCAPE SIDE FOLD

This card has a look similar to the previous card. The design is perfect for the times when you need a card in a hurry. 

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - cut cardstock at 11” x 4 1/4”  (Option - cut at 8 1/4” x 4 14”)

* Inside panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 3 3/4” x 2 1/4”

* Patterned paper - one cut at 4” x 2 1/2”

* Cardstock for sentiment and focal image

* Ink and other coloring tools, embellishments, adhesive

WHAT TO DO

* Put the 11” side of the card base at the top of the trimmer, score at 5 1/2” then move over to 8 1/4” and cut from top to bottom. (Option: if you cut your cardstock at 8 1/4” x 4 1/4” simply put the cardstock in the trimmer with the 8 1/4” side at the top. Score at 5 1/2”). Fold on score line.

* Adhere patterned papers. 

* Stamp sentiment and/ or images on inside panel and adhere to the left hand side of the inside of card.

* Prepare focal image and sentiment for card front. Adhere.

* Add embellishments.

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Mint Macaron (retired). Very Vanilla (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned paper - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pecan Pie (Stampin’ Up!); Stampin’ Blends - Crumb Cake, Pecan Pie, Gray Granite, Mint Macaron (retired), and Just Jade (retired) (Stampin’ Up!)

* Stamp and die - Birds (Crafter’s Companion)

* Other stamps - Sweet Songbirds and On the Ocean (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Die for sentiment - Perennial Postage Dies (Stampin’ Up!)

* Embellishment - Adhesive Backec Speckled Dots (Stampin’ Up!)

* Liquid adhesive

* To add dimension I adhered 3 blank die cuts to my focal image and the sentiment. Another option is to use dimensionals / foam tape.

PARTIAL FRONT CARD - PORTRAIT SIDE FOLD

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2”  - put in trimmer with 8 1/2” side at the top. Slide over to 1 1/2”and cut off that portion. Move the cardstock over to 4 1/4” and score. The width of your card front will be 3”.

  - Alternative - cut cardstock at 7 1/4” x 5 1/2” score on 7 1/4” at 4 1/4”

* Other cardstock - white or light colored cut at 5 1/4” x 2 3/4” for inside panel, and scraps for stamping images.

* Patterned paper - 1 piece at 5 1/4” x 2 3/4” and 1 piece at 5 1/4” x 1”.

* Stamps, dies, inks, embellishments, adhesive.

WHAT TO DO

* Follow instructions for preparing the card base.

* Adhere the patterned papers.

* Stamp inside panel and adhere in place.

* Prepare your focal image (s) and adhere to card front.

* Add Embellishments

SUPPLIES I USED

* Cardstock - Pretty In Pink, Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned papers- Happy Valentines! (Crafter’s Companion)

* Stamps & dies - Smitten (Photoplay)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Stampin’ Blends - Real Red, Pretty In Pink, Bubble Bath, Flirty Flamingo

* Embellishments - Resin Hearts (Stampin’ Up! -retired)

PARTIAL FRONT CARD - LANDSCAPE SIDE FOLD

WHAT YOU NEED

* Cardstock for card base cut at 11” x 4 1/4”

* Cardstock for inside panel - 5” x 2”

* Patterned Paper - one piece cut at 5 1/4” x 4” and one at 5 1/4” x 2”

* Stamps and dies, coloring tools, embellishments, adhesive

WHAT TO DO

* Score cardstock at 5 1/2” along 11” side

* Switch to cutting blade. At the 5 1/2” mark cut down to 2” mark.

* Place cardstock in trimmer with 4 1/4” side at top. Slide it over to 2” mark and cut down to 5 1/2”

* Adhere pattern papers to card base.

* Stamp sentiment on inside panel and adhere inside card toward bottom of card.

* Adhere die cut sentiment (or stamp sentiment on a mat and adhere) to top of card.

* Adhere focal image to card front.

* Place embellishments on card

SUPPLIES I USED

* Card base - cardstock Shaded Spruce; other - Granny Apple Green and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Inside panel - Basic White cardstock (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned papers - (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Stamps and dies - Rhino Ready (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Other stamps - Round We Go (Stampin’ Up!)

* Happy Birthday die - Let’s Celebrate - (Scrapbook.com)

* Embellishment - Adhesive backed Speckled Dots (Stampin’ Up!)

* Liquid Glue, Adhesive Sheets (for die cut sentiments)

* I used stacked die cuts to add dimension to the die cut sentiments and the focal image. Another option is dimensionals / foam tape.

PARTIAL FRONT CARDS

So, there you have it, five easy partial front cards. These designs surprise with a bit of a twist from the expected. When you want to create a card that is a little different without being complicated, try one of these designs. I guess in this case, less really is more! Thank you so much for checking in. 

Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

CENTER FLAP CARD - A FUN WAY TO USE YOUR PATTERNED PAPERS

Hi Stampers!

Happy 2025! I hope you are looking forward to a great year. I am looking forward to sharing another year of card making ideas, so let’s get started with a fun fold. The Center Flap Card is the perfect card for showing off patterned papers, and it goes together in almost no time! Here is a look at my sample cards:

VIDEO

CENTER FLAP CARD 

A FUN WAY TO USE PATTERNED PAPERS

CENTER FLAP CARD

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

* Card base- cardstock cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”

* Inside panel - cardstock - white or light color, cut at 4” x 3 1/4”

* Patterned paper - two designs - cut two pieces from pattern A at 3/4” x 4” - cut one piece from pattern B at 4” x 3 1/4”

* Other - stamps, dies, ink, alcohol markers adhesive, embellishments, etc.

HOW TO

* Place the scored card base in the trimmer with the 5 1/2” side at the top.

* Slide over to 1” and cut down 4 1/4” (to the score line).

* Move cardstock over to 4 1/2” and again cut down to 4 1/4” (to the score line).

* The front of the card now has three flaps; two end ones that are each 1” wide, and the center flap that is 3 1/2” wide.

* Now adhere the 1” flaps to the back panel of the card.

* Add the patterned paper, inside panel, images, sentiment, and embellishments to finish the card.

SHAGGY DOG BIRTHDAY

This card fold is perfect for showcasing patterned papers and your favorite images. I love this bright and cheery color combination paired with the cute shaggy dog. I created this card with a child in mind, but I think this birthday card would be perfect for almost anyone. 

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Summer Splash and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Paper  -This “Brights 6” x 6” Designer Paper”(Stampin’ Up!) is retired, but a similar paper pack is available; the patterns are different, but the paper pack includes the colors I used - Granny Apple Green and Pumpkin Pie.

* Stamp and Die - Shaggy Dog (Avert Elle)

* Stamp for inside - Hooray It’s Your Day (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Dies for sentiment mats -Beautiful Shapes (Stampin Up! - retired)

* Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Stampin’ Blends -alcohol markers (Stampin’ Up!) - Smoky Slate, Summer Splash, Granny Apple Green, Pumpkin Pie

* For dimension - to pop up dog image I die cut three blank image shapes, stacked them, and adhere the focal image to them prior to adhering to the card front. Dimensionals can be used to pop up image if you prefer.

HAPPY HEART DAY CARD

The Center Flap Card is truly versatile! I think this Valentine version is really sweet. A lot of the cards I make tend to be more on the cutesy or whimsical side, but I think this card fold is well suited for a beautiful floral design, a woodland scene, or whatever style you choose.

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Melon Mambo (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Paper - Happy Valentines (Crafter’s Companion)

* Stamps & dies - Smitten (Photoplay)

* Stamp for inside - Sure Do Love You (Stampin’ Up!- retired)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Melon Mambo; Stampin’ Blends - Melon Mambo, Real Red, Bubble Bath

* Embellishments - Sprinklets- Forever Yours (Morebuttons.com); Resin Hearts (Stampin’ Up! - retired) 

* For dimension - see note for previous card.

VIDEO CARD

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Real Red, Basic White, and Basic Black  (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Paper - Down On the Farm (Doodlebug)

* Stamp and Die - Miss Moo (Sunny Studio)

* Stamp - inside panel Best Day (Stampin’ Up!)

* Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Stampin’ Blends (Stampin’ Up!) - Smoky Slate, Petal Pink, Pretty In Pink, Real Red, Daffodil Delight, Ivory

* Punches - Circles - 1”, 1 1/4”, and 1 1/2” (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

* Embellishments - retired (Stampin’ Up!)

CHRISTMAS VERSION

This year I plan to make a Christmas version of each weekly card. By 1 December 2025 I should have 47 cards. I usually send out about 60 cards, so 47 cards is a good chunk of the 60. If you want to join me on this journey, I would love the company! 

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Wild Wheat and Basic White (Stampin’ Up!)

* Patterned Paper - Holiday Patterned Collection (Scrapbook.com)

* Ink - Pine Needles Distress Ink (Tim Holtz / Ranger)

* Sentiment and Die - Family Christmas (Waffle Flower)

* Inside sentiment - Hope and Peace (Stampin’ Up! - retired)

CENTER FLAP CARDS

That’s it for today. Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim