AN IMPRESSIVE CARD FOLD THAT’S LOTS OF FUN & EASY TO CREATE

Hi Stampers!

Last week my card layout featured a gate fold card. This week the card layout is identical to last week’s, but the inside of today’s card is totally different! Today’s card is one of my favorite fun folds. It is one that always impresses the recipient no matter how many times they have seen the fold. Today we’ll build on the gate fold by adding a mechanism inside. This turns the gate fold card into a shutter card. Let’s take a look at the sample cards:

I absolutely love this fun fold. I promise, it is easy to create. The inner workings of the card require several steps, but none of the steps are difficult. After you create one or two of the cards a lot of the steps will just come naturally. In the “What To Do”section, I have tried to include as many tips I could think of, and I covered some in the video. So let’s give this a try! I promise it is worth it.

VIDEO

LAYOUT # 2613

INSIDE

WHAT YOU NEED

* Cardstock

- card base cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” score at 2 1/8” and 6 3/8” on 8 1/2” side (or 2 1/8” on each end)

- inside panel - cut at 3” x 5 1/2”

- mechanism - cut 2 at 4” x 3 1/2” score along 4” side at 3 1/2”

- one piece of white or light colored cardstock at 2 3/4” square

- white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4” for back panel (optional)

- cardstock for focal panel , focal image, etc.

* Patterned Paper

- front panels - cut 2 at 5 1/4” x 1 7/8”

- inside panel cut at 5 1/4” x 2 3/4”

* Die or punch for window - diameter or width about 2 1/2” (I used 2 1/2” and 2 5/8” circle dies)

* Dimensionals or foam tape

* Strong adhesive for mechanism tabs - tear n tape, red tape, Stampin’ Seal +, etc. Liquid glue will work just give it a little time to dry before opening and closing the card

* Tools - ruler, pencil, scissors

* Stamps, inks, embellishments, and other supplies needed to finish your card.

WHAT TO DO

* Cut and score cardstock, cut patterned paper, cut or die cut pieces for focal piece.

* Construct the mechanism pieces - find the center point of the pieces

  1. Place one of the mechanism in the trimmer with the 4” side at the top and the score line to the left, move it to the 2” mark. Close the trimmer arm, place the pencil in the cutting slot and make a mark and inch or so long somewhere close to the middle.

  2.Turn the cardstock so the 3 1/2” side is at the top of the trimmer with the score line at the top. Slide the cardstock over to the 1 3/4” mark, close the arm, and mark with a pencil as for the 4” side - where the two lines meet is the center point.

  3. Using the scored side of the piece as the top, use a ruler to draw a diagonal line from the center point to the bottom left corner and another line from the center point to the lower right corner.

  4. Use scissors and cut along the lines to remove a wedge from the piece.

  5. Repeat the process for the second piece or simply use the constructed one as a template and trace the area to cut out, then use the scissors and remove the wedge. 

  6. Blunt the points - just cut the pointed tips of the pieces. I put one on top of the other and cut both at the same time. Just snip off a 1/4” or so. This helps the mechanism move more smoothly. 

* Adhere the two patterned paper panels to the front of the card.

* Adhere the patterned paper to the 3” x 5 1/2”panel, use circle die to cut window centered top to bottom as best you can. You can save the die cut for another project. 

     NOTE -If you are using a circle punch, first make a template by punching the shape from a piece of scrap cardstock. Position the template on the panel where you want your window. Trace around the template. Line the punch up with the template and punch. 

*  Place dimensionals or foam tape along the top and bottom edges of the panel. Remove the backing from the dimensionals along the top only.

* Center the inside panel and adhere only at the top.

* Adhere the mechanism pieces. 

   1. Use the side of the pieces that have no pencil marks - just flip them over. Fold the score line, reenforce with a bone folder, then lie flat and place the strong adhesive on the flap. 

   2. Slip the piece under the inside panel, keep the tab flat with adhesive side up, place it along the edge of the score line for the card front. Be sure the mechanism is lined up with the window, and close the card front flap to adhere the mechanism to the card.

3. Repeat for other side, making certain the two mechanism pieces are evenly lined up.

* Create the center image or greeting by moving the 2 3/4” square of cardstock up under the center panel and the shutter mechanisms. The card should be open. Move the cardstock up enough so it completely fills the space. The image and / of greeting can be stamped at this point, but if that feels uncomfortable, use a pencil to outline the area where you can stamp, remove the cardstock and do the stamping. 

  NOTE - the area for stamping is a diamond shape approximately 2” tall x 2 1/4” wide at the points. Smaller stamps and greetings work best.

* Once the 2 3/4” piece is stamped, place regular adhesive on the back. Carefully move it under the inside panel and the shutter pieces. Once you have it where it belongs, press down to adhere. 

* Remove the backings from the bottom of the inside panel and adhere to the card. 

* Close the card and open to be certain the mechanism is working properly. 

* Create the focal image for the outside of the card. When adhering, be sure to put the adhesive only on the back of the left side of the focal piece, so as not to glue the card together.

* If using the panel for the back of the card, stamp the greeting and / or images on it, then adhere centered to the back of the card. 

BUTTERFLY SURPRISE

INSIDE

OPTIONAL BACK PANEL

(Birthday die - Moonstone Dies by Hunky Dory; Embellishments - Simple Stories; 

All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LEMON TEA CUP

INSIDE

I used no back panel for this card as I put a sentiment inside the card, and the patterned paper is light enough in color I can use the bottom area to write a short message and sign my name.

(Sentiment - Pink and Main, All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

WATERMELON THANK YOU

I liked the two patterned papers for this card. This card, like gatefolds are great for showcasing two different patterned papers!

INSIDE

BACK PANEL

Oops! I managed to get some red ink where I did not want it! I’ll figure out something to do about that.😉

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!”)

HIPPO DANCE

INSIDE

I used two colors of cardstock to create this card, and I added frames to the front and inside focal panels. 

BACK PANEL

(Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

ONE MORE CARD

Can patterned paper be used to create the shutter mechanisms? I believe so. For this card I used lightweight cardstock which is just barely heavier than my patterned paper, but not as heavy as my cardstock. Light weight cardstock can be used just like patterned paper. For this card I used it like cardstock for the inside panel and the shutter mechanisms. It works great and looks great!

INSIDE

BACK PANEL

(Checked papers - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARDS

FATHER’S DAY FISHIN’

INSIDE

BACK OF CARD

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

 I HERD BIRTHDAY

INSIDE

BACK PANEL

(Happy Birthday - Scrapbooking.com; Cow stamp & die - Sunny Studio; Checkered paper- Pink & Main; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

TODAY’S CARDS

So what do you think? Have you made one of these cards before? I know there are a lot of steps, but as I mentioned earlier, once you create one or two, things will go more quickly and you will learn some short cuts, like making the template for the shutter mechanisms. Make it once and use it multiple times. This is one of those cards that everyone loves, especially kids. It is refreshing that in this high tech world, a very low tech greeting card amazes everyone! 

Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

STEPPING UP YOUR CARDS - LITTLE THINGS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

Hi Stampers!

Do you ever feel you are in a card making rut? Do your cards just need something a bit different, but not too different? Have you considered doing something to “step up” your cards, but just don’t know where to start? This just might be the post for you!

Today I thought we would talk about little things that add a lot to a card, but are still quick and easy. These things add that extra something and really step up your card! Today’s card layout features a gate fold card. A fun fold steps up a card, and a quick and easy fun fold lets card makers relax and enjoy creating! So that’s what we are doing -  stepping up our cards using those quick and easy little things that make a big difference! Let’s take a peek at the sample cards:

 

VIDEO

CARD LAYOUT #2612

WHAT YOU NEED

* Cardstock - for card base, for greeting and mat, and for back side of focal image, and white or light colored for inside (see layout for measurements).

* Patterned paper- for front panels and inside (see layout for measurements).

* Die cut image(s)

* Stamps, inks, markers, embellishments, adhesive, etc. 

WHAT TO DO

* Score and fold card base,  go over fold with bone folder. 

* Adhere patterned paper panels to front of card and mat to inside of card.

* Stamp, color, die cut focal image and stamp and mat greeting.

* Adhere cardstock cut out to back side of focal image. Adhere focal image to card by placing adhesive on the back of one side of the focal image. I prefer the left side, but either side will do.

* Adhere greeting. Placement will depend on die cut image size and shape. 

* Stamp inside panel and adhere to inside of card centered on mat.

* Add embellishments

TWELVE EASY WAYS TO STEP UP A CARD

1. If the back of any die cut or punched image will show, die cut or punch a second image from cardstock the same color as the card base; adhere the cut out to the backside of the image.

2. Add a little shine or sparkle with a glitter brush, glitter gems, metallic or glimmer cardstock, etc. 

3. Add a patterned paper mat (5 1/4”x 4”) to the card inside and top with a piece of white or light colored cardstock (5” x 3 3/4”) for stamping and signing. 

4. Stamp small image(s) on inside panel.

5. Stamp inside sentiment at bottom of panel.

6. On back of card toward bottom stamp a brief sentiment or small image, or adhere a small die cut.

7. Angle focal image and / or sentiment panel.

8. When coloring images, use different shades of a color to add highlights and shadows. It adds depth and interest to your images.

9. Add shading to your focal images. It is easy. Pick one side of the image to add shadow (deeper color) then blend it into the lighter shade of color. 

10. Add hand written / drawn images or lettering to image or focal panel.

11. Stamp the greeting in an unexpected or bright color.

12. Make the card a fun fold!

BUTTERFLY SPARKLE

To step up this card I angled the butterfly, then added glimmer to the butterfly with a glimmer pen, and used some glitter gems. 

INSIDE

For the inside I used a mat of patterned paper. Remember you can punch or die cut images or shapes from the center area of the mat. The holes will be covered over by a panel of cardstock. I stamped my sentiment and then stamped and colored the butterflies. Those small images add a lot to the card.

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

FEEL BETTER BASKET

I stepped up this card a bit by using some shading on the focal image. I stamped the greeting the same color as the flowers, and added embellishments. 

INSIDE

I used the patterned paper as a mat, then stamped the inside sentiment at the bottom of the panel and stamped some small flowers to step up the inside of the card. 

 (Stamps-basket and greeting- Hero Arts; Patterned Paper - Scrapbook.com; Inside greeting, cardstock, ink, Embellushments - Stampin’ Up!)

PEEP!

I angled the focal image and the greeting, then added sparkle gems for a little something extra. 

INSIDE

Once again I used patterned paper for a mat. It is such an easy way to add a little something extra. I adhered a die cut Peep and angled it.

BACK OF CARD

I adhered this tiny Peep image at the bottom of the back side of the card. It is a fun detail that adds a little zip to the card.

(Stamp and dies - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LILACS

I used several shades of purple to color the lilacs. This variation creates depth and dimension. I also used a bit of light aqua alcohol marker to add just a hint of color to the vase.

(Focal panel image - Hero Arts; Patterned Paper - Crafter’s Companion; All other - Stampin’ Up!)

HAPPY PRESENTS

I stepped up this card by using shading techniques on the gifts and the tag.  I also added the “HB2U” with a marker. 

(Stamp - Colorado Craft Company; Patterned Paper - Crafter’s Companion; All other - Stampin’Up!)

VIDEO CARDS

LIGHTHOUSE CARD

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LOBSTER CARD

(Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

TODAY’S CARDS

I like the way these cards turned out. I do think they demonstrate how simple little things can have a big impact on your cards. It’s amazing how something as simple as adding, of stamping  a few images inside of a card makes such a big difference! I hope you add a few extra touches to your next card.  

Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

Kim

PATTERNED PAPER - THE CARD MAKER’S SECRET WEAPON

Hello Stampers!

I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of patterned paper! Each and every sheet is beautiful in its own way, and I enjoy using those papers. When I first began buying patterned paper, it stressed me out! The paper was double sided, and it was torture having to put adhesive over such a beautiful design in order to use the other side on my card. It took a while, but I overcame that issue. I realized patterned paper, as beautiful as it may be, is a tool and meant to be used, not collected. Today we’ll talk about many of the ways we use patterned papers to create great cards, and yes, I have a fun layout to help us use those patterned papers. Let’s take a look at the sample cards. There are a bunch of them:

VIDEO

CARD LAYOUT #2611

CREATING THE BASIC CARD

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card Base - A-2 size. Cut cardstock at 81/2”x 5 1/2” score and fold at 4 1/4” or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”

* Patterned Paper - Cut at 5 1/4” x 4” and cut strip at 5 1/4” x 3/4”or 4” x 3/4” for inside panel; to cover envelope flaps use a piece of patterned paper cut at 6” x 2” or size needed to cover flap and trim. Extra for cutting out images or patterns from paper to use on card.

* Inside Panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4”x 4”

* Cardstock - for focal image and greeting - white, vanilla, etc; mats -same color as card base and cut or punched to leave a border around the image and greeting.

* Dies, punches, stamps, inks, markers, adhesives, embellishments, etc.

WHAT TO DO

* Cut, score, and fold card base. Go over fold with bone folder.

* Adhere patterned paper to front of card base.

* Stamp and color focal images. Stamp greeting. Adhere these panels to their bases.

* Stamp inside panel, add patterned paper strips or cut outs to panel, adhere to inside of card.

* Adhere focal image and greeting to card front. Adhere with dimensionals if desired.

*Add embellishments if desired.

WAYS TO USE PATTERNED PAPER

1. Use for backgrounds / layers

2. Use the scraps for card layouts / quilt cards, etc.

3. Use fussy cut or die cut images from the paper for focal images or embellishments

4. Use as a card base for certain fun folds

5. Use to create 3-D projects- boxes, treat boxes/ bags, etc.

6. Use to decorate envelope flaps

7. Use to select color schemes for cards or focal images

SELECTING COLORS FOR THE CARD

I used the colors in the patterned paper to help select the colors for the card base and mats, and the ink colors, as well as the embellishments. I had leftover patterned paper to cover the envelope flaps use.

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

COLOR A, COLOR B, OR NO COLOR

Sometimes patterned paper offers us multiple option for a color schemes. I knew right away a black card base would be perfect, as black is the darkest color in the pattern and seems more of an accent than main color. Trying to select a color for the butterfly was a bit more challenging. At first I was certain the red would be perfect. I like it, but seemed like a lot of red, so I tried the yellow-gold color that is used for the center of the flowers. I like it, but I wanted to try another color. I stamped the butterfly outline and I sort of liked it. I placed the mat underneath it, and I really liked that! So do you just keep making versions of the card until you find the color combination you like? No, simply cut some circles (or whatever shape) from scrap white cardstock, printer paper, or other white paper. Place it on a mat and on the card. Use this as a sample. Which color really pops? Make the focal panel using that color.

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

ADDING INTEREST INSIDE WITH PATTERNED PAPER

Selecting the color for the focal image is simplified by using colors from the patterned papers. You can choose the main color or an accent color. Which do you prefer?

It is easy to cut a strip of the patterned paper and adhere it to the inside panel. Fussy cut images from the patterned paper to use inside the card or for focal images or embellishments. 

 

It is easy to cut a strip of the patterned paper and adhere it to the inside panel. Fussy cut images from the patterned paper to use inside the card or for focal images or embellishments. 

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

MIRROR IMAGES FOR IMAGE PANEL AND GREETING

For these cards I flipped the position of the focal image and greeting panels making them a mirror image of those on the card layout.  As for the patterned papers, I used the darkest color for my card base and then chose colors for the fish and greeting. I think the blue and the orange colors both work well for the focal image / greeting. I did not care for the green color for the focal image. It is okay on the background panel. Patterned paper not only helps you select the colors you want to use; it helps you decide colors you do not want to use. 

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LOTS OF COLOR

The patterned papers I used for today’s cards feature multiple colors. Those colors can be very helpful not only when selecting the card base color, but also when selecting the colors for focal images.  That is what I did for these cards. I also changed the card layout circles to rectangles. I really like the way these cards turned out!

(Stamped image - Woodware Craft Collection; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

WHICH COLOR IS THE DARKEST?

Many time when selecting a color for my card base I select darkest color found in the patterned papers. Sometimes it is a challenge deciding which color is the darkest. The paper used for the card above is an example of paper with colors of similar saturation. The darker purple or berry color and the turquoise color are very close in saturation, as is the orange, but the purple and turquoise seemed closest to my eye. Basically, I chose the turquoise. There seemed to be few blobs of it than the purple. I felt using that color as a card base would tie things together and make the turquoise pop. What do you think?

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

I MADE AN EXCEPTION 

I just shared I look for the darkest color in the patterned paper and use that color for the card base. Well, not always. The patterned paper used on the card above features navy blue as the darkest color. My card base is orange. Why? The navy card base “dulled” the card. I wanted a light hearted card, bright and cheery. The navy was too overpowering. The contrast between it and the light blue was stark, and the orange print basically faded away. I switched from navy to orange for the card base, and the card conveys the desired message. The colors, focal image, and greeting are congruent. In cardmaking there are no rules! Remember, if you like it; it is perfect!

ALL THE COLORS - DIFFERENT ORIENTATION

Here is a look at the card layout in landscape orientation as opposed to portrait orientation. Once again the patterned paper contains several colors. I did select the darkest color for the card base. I used the remaining colors as inspiration for coloring the cat images. I used the same set of colors for both cat images. I used orange for one cat and yellow for its balloon. I switched those colors for the second card.The orange cat seems to bring out the brightness of the colors in the paper, whereas the yellow cat makes the more pastel colors in the paper pop!

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

TODAY’S CARDS

Until today I never really stopped to consider all the ways I use patterned paper. Whether it is used as a layer on the card front or there is as all strip inside the card, patterned paper truly is a versatile (and in my mind necessary)supply in the craft room. So . . . let’s put that paper to work!

Thank you for stopping by today. Until next time …

Stamp Happy!

Kim