THE JOY (FOLD) OF SUMMER; AN EASY FUN FOLD CARD

Hi Stampers!

Today we are going to create a Joy Fold Card. This is one of my go to fun folds . I can usually funds scraps of patterned paper to use for the panels. The card is easy to create, and is a nice break from the usual A2 card. The card base measures and is scored a bit differently from a standard A2 base, and there is a smaller card that provides the focal point for the card front. If you happen to have larger scraps of cardstock it might be possible to use them for the small card. Let’s take a look at today’s sample cards:

VIDEO

CARD LAYOUT # 2625 (JOY GOLD CARD)

WHAT YOU NEED 

* Cardstock for card base, small card, and panels for small card (see chart above for measurements)

* Patterned paper for inside card and front card panel (see measurements above)

* Stamps, dies, inks, adhesive, etc.

WHAT TO DO

* Cut out the card base, small card, and cardstock panels. Score and fold card base and small card. Go over folds with bone folder.

* Cut out patterned paper pieces. Adhere to inside of card and front of card.

* Create focal piece on one of cardstock panels. This will go centered on the front of the small card. 

* Stamp a message or images on other cardstock panel. This will go in the inside of the small card.

* Adhere the panels to the small card - Remember the small card will open from left to right.

* Adhere small card to card base. Put adhesive on back side of small card Open card base, center small card on inside of card base, and adhere. Open up small card. Close card base flap over, then fold small card front over that panel.

* Add any embellishments you might like.

SOFT SUMMER BIRTHDAY

INSIDE

(Patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies Stampin’ Up!)

BIRTHDAY GEARS

INSIDE

(Stamps, inks, cardstock, dies, punch - Stampin’ Up!; Snap and Slide - Pear Blossom Press)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY USA

INSIDE

(Patterned paper - Echo Park; Stamps with dies - Honey Bee Stamps; Cardstock, ink, banner die - Stampin’ Up!)

LAND THAT I LOVE

INSIDE

(Patterned paper - Echo Park; Stamps and dies - Honey Bee Stamps; Cardstock and ink - Stampin’ Up!)

GERMY GET WELL

INSIDE

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

FUN IN THE SUN

INSIDE

(Patterned paper - Catherine Pooler; Sentiment - Scrapbook.com; Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD

INSIDE

LINKS FOR VIDEO CARD SUPPLIES

ALL A FLUTTER BUNDLE

GOLDEN GLOWCARDSTOCK

VERY VANILLA CARDSTOCK

GOLDEN GLOW INK

EARLY ESPRESSO INK

CHARMED PATTERNED COLLECTION

SIMPLE STORIES EMBELLISHMENTS

NOTE - I am not affiliated with nor do I receive compensation from any company, manufacturer, or other entity. I provide links to products used for the video card as a reference. 

TODAY’S CARDS

The Joy Fold Card is one I keep in my folder of  “Classic Card Folds.” Each of these card folds is tried and true; like Z Folds and Gate Folds! Like the Z Folds and Gate Folds, the Joy Fold card can be created in a portrait orientation, the dimensions of the small card can be altered to your liking. Turn the card 180 degrees and the small card will open from the right as opposed to the left. The Joy Fold Card is a classic, can help use up scraps, can be created in different orientations, and can be altered to fit your needs! What more could you ask for? Why not give this card fold a try?

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

Stamp Happy!

Kim

EASY DOUBLE PANEL LAYOUT FOR QUICK SUMMERTIME CARDS

Hi Stampers!

Today’s cards are so quick and easy to make! The layout is simple, but interesting, is great for using larger scraps, and is perfect for a quick summer card making session! The card layout is two patterned paper  panels mated on cardstock and a greeting adhered to a card base. Believe it or not, for all of today’s cards I used white card bases! More about that later. Let’s take a peek at today’s cards:

VIDEO

CARD LAYOUT # 2624

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card base - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4. (I used white card bases, but you can use any color.

* Mats - cardstock- cut one at 5 1/4” x 1 3/4”and another at 4 1/2” x 2 1/4”

* Patterned paper - two coordinated designs - cut one at 5” x 1 1/2” and another at 4 1/4” x 2”

* Greeting of your choice

* Stamps, dies, inks, adhesive, dimensionals, etc

WHAT TO DO

* Cut, score, fold the card bases. Go over fold with bone folder. 

* Adhere patterned paper pieces to cardstock mats, center the papers on the mats. 

* Adhere panel 1 to the left side of the card front leaving an even border along the top, bottom, and left side. 

* Adhere panel 2 to the card overlapping panel 1about 1/2” or so on the left. Center the piece at the top and bottom.

* Place your greeting on the card in the place of your choosing. I used dimensionals to adhere mine to the card.

* Feel free to add focal images or embellishments if you like.

HELLO ORANGE

(Patterned Paper, white cardstock - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

THINKING OF YOU LADYBUG

(Patterned paper, white cardstock - scrapbook.com; Greeting / die - Waffle Flower; Ink and cardstock - Stampin’ up!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESENTS

(Patterned paper, white cardstock - Scrapbook.com; Greeting / die - Waffle Flower; Ink and cardstock - Stampin’ Up!)

BERRY BEST

(White cardstock - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

EARTHLING BIRTHDAY

So, I have been listing links to products for the video card. I messed up and put the video card together! The card put together in the video includes supplies no longer available. Here are the links for supplies used for this card.

SUPPLIES

* STUDIO WHITE CARDSTOCK

* COSMIC PATTERNED PAPER

* WE’VE COME FOR THE CAKE STAMPS

* WE’VE COME FOR CAKE DIES

* TIMID TIGER CARDSTOCK

* TIMID TIGER INK

VIDEO CARD

(White cardstock - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

WHY THE WHITE CARD BASES?

This card layout is quick and easy. It is great for when you have a short amount of time to create cards. White card bases go with almost everything. Pre-make the card bases and they will be ready when you are making quick cards. 

For a while now, I have been searching for white cardstock for card bases. I am not the biggest fan of white card bases, but I admit they have a place and sometimes are the most logical choice.  I have tried a few different brands, and I have finally found the one that works for me. I wanted a smooth, bright white cardstock that would cut, score, and fold without a lot of fuss. I wanted to stamp on the card base and know the ink would not show through to the other side at all - even with darker colored ink.  (I’m talking dye ink here.) And finally, I wanted all that for a decent price. I found what I was looking for - Scrap book.com Studio White 120lb. cardstock. You can see it HERE

TODAY’S CARDS

Summertime can get really busy, with picnics, ballgames, gardening, vacations, and all other manner of activities, but I still carve out time for card making. Sometimes that time is 30 minutes. That is when a quick and easy card layout, like this one, comes in handy. You can keep it simple, or add a focal image and embellishments if you like. I used larger scraps to create each of these cards, which always makes me happy! Quick and easy, plus a scrap buster! What could be better?

That’s all for today! I hope everyone is having a terrific summer! Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

SAY IT’S NOT FAUX! WINDOW CARDS THE EASY WAY.

Hi Stampers!

I do enjoy making the classic window card. Basically, an opening is cut in the card front and the image inside the “window” is actually on the inside of the card. There are all types of variations. The focal image can be suspended and spin when the card is open, the window can be covered with a window sheet (acetate) for the look of a glass panel, etc. Window cards are not difficult to create, but they do require some precise cutting and measuring to ensure everything lines up just right. Sometimes I just don’t feel like doing that, so I make a faux window card. It has a similar look without the fuss. Today I have several faux window cards to share, and I will share a “faux faux” window card for times when you need a card in a hurry! Here is a look at today’s cards:

VIDEO

CARD LAYOUT # 2621

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card Base- A-2 size which is 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” along the 8 1/2” side or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2” along the 11” side.

* Mat Layer - Cardstock or patterned paper cut at 5 1/4” x 4”

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

* Other Cardstock - for window frame same color as card base; for window panel white or light colored; cardstock needed for stamping images for die cutting (optional)

* Embossing Folder, Stencils - to add dimension and texture to mat layer (optional)

* Layering or Nesting Dies - for cutting window and making frame - shape of choice

* Adhesive - double sided foam adhesive such as foam tape, dimensionals, adhesive strips, etc

* Other - stamps, inks, embellishments, liquid glue other adhesive, etc.

WHAT TO DO

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

* Cut mat layer. Select die for window and place on cardstock about 3/4” or so from top of panel and center left and right. Secure die with low tack tape and run piece through die cut machine. Remove die. If you will be replacing the center piece just cut out with another color of cardstock, die cut that piece now. 

* Cut frame by using the die for the window plus a die 1 - 2 sizes larger. Place the larger die on the cardstock then place the smaller on inside it, center it, and use low tack tape to hold dies in place on the cardstock, run through die cut machine, remove tape and carefully remove frame from dies.

* Use the embossing folder to add texture to the panel. (Optional)

* Stamp greeting on center circle piece, stamp inside panel, stamp focal image(s) and die cut or fussy cut them.

* Adhere inside panel.

* Place foam tape on back side of mat layer, adhere to card base centered on all sides. 

* Adhere frame around window.

* Put adhesive on back side of window panel and gently put it in place inside the window.

* Add focal images and embellishments to complete your card.

FLIP FLOPS

I used square dies to cut the window and frame for this card. The flip flops are die cuts. I used an embossing folder on the mat. First I die cut the window, then I used the embossing folder.  I was really pleased with this card.

(Greeting and flip flop dies - Honey Bee Stamps; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

FLUTTERBY

The idea for this card came to me one night when I just could not sleep. I used circle dies for the window and frame. After I cut the window from the focal panel, I used an embossing folder to add the daisies. I used an alcohol marker to add the yellow centers to the daisies. The butterflies were stamped and punched. 

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

FISHY WISHES

I used layering stencils to create the design on the background panel. I popped the die cut piece back in the window. I just liked the way it looked. Creating your own patterned paper with stencils or stamps ensures your card is one of a kind!

(Fish stamp, greeting, dies, stencil, inks - Catherine Pooler;  All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

ALL AMERICAN

Any shaped layering dies will work to create a window and the frame. I used star shaped dies to create this patriotic card.   I added no focal image to the card. I kept it simple, and I really like it.

(Greeting - Honey Bee Stamps; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

SEAHORSES

I used patterned paper for the background panel on this card. I embossed the background panel with a regular embossing folder. 

(Stamps and dies for images - Catherine Pooler; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

DAD’S DAY

Here is a landscape version of the card. Once again I added no focal image. The panel is stamped. I used the repeating greeting technique to fill in the center panel.

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

THE FAUX  FAUX WINDOW CARD

Looking for an even simpler version of the window card? Try the faux faux window card! It is so easy. Simply select a white or light colored card base. Die cut a frame. Add the sentiment and a focal images. You have a similar look with no muss or fuss!

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD

SUPPLIES 

* Cardstock - Basic White and Basic White (thick). Pumpkin Pie - Stampin’ Up!

* Inks - Pumpkin Pie; Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blend (alcohol marker) - Stampin’ Up!

* Stamps - All Aflutter (bundle - includes stamp set and punch) - Stampin’ Up!

* Embossing Folder - Lazy Daisy - Stampin’ Up!

* Dies - Stylish Shapes (circles) - Stampin’ Up!

* Stampin’ Dimensionals - Stampin’ Up!

* Foam Tape - 2mm - Scrapbook.com

* Liquid Glue - Bearly Art

LINKS

Bearly Art Glue

Foam Tape

Dimensionals

Stylish Shapes

Lazy Daisy

All Aflutter

Pumpkin Pie Ink

Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blend

Basic White Cardstock

Basic White Thick Cardstock

(At time of posting  all supplies were available from the outlets mentioned.)

Links are provided as a resource. I am not affiliated with, nor do I receive compensation from any manufacturer, retailer, or other entity. 

THIS WEEK’S CARDS

There you have it the faux window card and the faux faux window card. This design is so versatile. Create portrait or landscape versions, use embossed cardstock, stenciled cardstock, stamped cardstock, or patterned paper for the mat. The window can be square, rectangular, round or even star shaped. Any shaped layering dies will work for the window! So many possibilities. Want an even faster version of the card? Try the faux faux window card. So easy!

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

Stamp Happy!

Kim

LET’S TRY A SQUARE ANGLED Z FOLD CARD

Hi Stampers!

Last week I talked about creating cards of different sizes other than our usual A-2  can help grow our creativity. This week let’s take that one step further, and try a fun fold. I promise the card is easy to create. Have you ever made a Z Fold Card? There are many variations. I have given most of them a try. I enjoy making them. I also enjoy making 4 1/4” square cards - so, I put the two together and came up with a square Z fold card.  Is this an original creation? I have no idea. I simply modified a full sized angled Z fold card.  I am sharing what I came up with. Let’s take a peek at the cards:

VIDEO

WHAT YOU NEED

* Card Base - cut cardstock at 4 1/4” x11”

* Mats - cardstock or patterned paper - front panel cut at 2 3/4” square; middle panels  for front and inside - cut 2 at 4’ x 3 1/2” ; inside mat - cut 1 at 4”x 4”

* Stamps, dies, punches, inks, adhesives, embellishments, and other supplies needed to complete card.

* Other - paper trimmer, scissors, ruler, pencil

* A-2 size card base for mailing.

WHAT TO DO

* Refer to the diagrams below. Yes, the top one has a lot of information, but it will make sense as we go.

* Score the cardstock on the 11” side at 4 1/4’and 8”.

* Turn the cardstock so the 4” side is horizontal and the smaller scored section is at the top - place it in the trimmer at 2”. Use the score blade or stylus to make a small mark. You can also use a pencil. 

* Line up the mark and the second score line in the cutting tray. Cut from the mark, past the first score line, and stopping at the second score line. The card base is ready to be folded.

* The narrower scored section (past the 8” score line) is the card front and will be positioned to the left with the wider section to the right. Starting at the left the first score line is a mountain fold. The second s ore line is a valley fold. Go over the folds with a bone folder. 

* Adhere mats to the panels. There will be three mats on the “front side of the card base and one on the back side (middle section). The 4” x 4”mat needs no trimming. Simply adhere it in place. (See diagram below.)

* For the angled mats - position the mat on its section centered left to right with an approximate 1/8” border on each side. Push the mat up so there is a 1/4” border along the bottom. Hold the mat in place with one hand turn the cardstock over and with a pencil draw a line on the mat along the card top. Cut along the line with scissors or a trimmer. You can skip the line drawing and use scissors to trim the mat. Repeat this process for the remaining two panels.

* Add images, greetings, and embellishments.

* This card fits in an A-2 envelope.

SQUARE ANGLED Z FOLD CARD 

CUTTING MEASUREMENTS AND SCORING

MARKET BASKET SQUARE Z FOLD

TECHNIQUE FOCUS -I die cut two of the market bags, adhered the veggie to one, then adhered the second market bag to the first, except for the handles. This add a touch of dimension and interest to the card. I have done the same with die cuts of gift bags, hat boxes, stockings, etc. 

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

SEA SHELLS SQUARE Z FOLD

TECHNIQUE FOCUS - I created my own patterned paper by stamping the sea shell images on white cardstock. I stamp more images and fussy cut them to use on the card front. I had three images remaining, so I used 1mm thick foam tape and adhered them over a matching image on the panel on the right (see photo below). The 1 mm thick tape gives a slight lift and does not interfere with the how the card closes. I often use the 1mm tape with the 2mm to create various layers of dimension. That is how I created all the different layers for the focal image on the front of the card. I will put a link to the foam tape options I use at the end of this post.

(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

BUTTERFLY SQUARE Z FOLD

TECHNIQUE FOCUS - You might have noticed the top butterfly is above the top of the card base. Most of the time this would be a problem, but not in this case. The height of our card base is 4 1/4”.It will be put in an envelope that accommodates a card that is 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”. As long as the top butterfly does not exceed the 5 1/2” limit, all is well. Because the butterfly die is symmetrical I was able to add one on each side of the middle panel. I adhered them together with dimensionals.

(Large butterfly die and patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; Embellishments - Simple Stories; 

All other supplies- Stampin’ Up!”)

SENDING FLOWERS SQUARE Z FOLD

(Embellishments- Simple Stories; Patterned Paper- Crafter’s Companion; 

All other supplies- Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD

We walked through this card in the video.  After the video I added the embellishments. There are three dots on the front middle section. I added two more small ones on the middle inside panel. I was happy with them. 

Here is what the card looks like opened.

One last photo.

(Patterned Paper - Crafter’s Companion; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

THIS WEEK’S CARDS

So, what are your thoughts about the SQUARE ANGLED Z FOLD CARD? I enjoyed making the sample cards. The card design offers so many possibilities for decorating and embellishing. I hope you enjoy creating your own versions of this card!  Thank you so much for stopping by today. Until next time . . .

Stamp Happy!

Kim

The video below shows how to create a full sized diagonal Z fold card. It also discusses how to create templates for the mats (layers). The measurements are different from the ones for today’s card, but the process is the same.

TEMPLATE

LINKS TO FOAM TAPE I USE:

1mm foam tape

2 mm foam adhesive