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

TENT TOPPER FUN FOLD, A CLASSIC FOLD WITH A TWIST

Hi Stampers!

Today I am sharing another easy fun fold that is perfect for summer card making, - THE TENT TOPPER CARD! This card consists of a 4 1/4” square card with an image (topper) that extends beyond the top of the card. This creates a card that is 5 1/2” x 4 1/4”, and fits perfectly in an A-2 sized envelope. The first time I created one of these cards was sometime in 2009, and I used the fold for my Christmas cards that year. Back then we would stamp our image on white cardstock, use a circle punch or die to cut it out (also used other shapes). Then we would cut larger circles from colored cardstock to mat the focal image. This piece would be adhered toward the top of the card, and the tent topper card was finished! I still create the tent topper this way, but now that I have a plethora of stamps with coordinating dies, I changed up the way I make my tent topper cards! Let’s take a peek at the sample cards:

The top left card is what I call a classic tent topper card. For the others I replaced the stamped focal image on die cut circles with die cut images. 
 

VIDEO

TENT TOPER FUN FOLD WITH A TWIST

WHAT YOU NEED

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

* Mat Layer - cardstock or patterned paper cut at 4” x 4” (optional)

* Topper - stamped images with coordinating dies (larger images work well)

* Backing - cardstock cut with die to back focal image.

* Inside Panel - white or light cardstock cut at 4” x 4”

* Other - greeting, inks, embellishments, adhesives, etc

WHAT TO DO

* Prepare 4 1/4” square card base.

* Cut mat layer and inside panel 

* Stamp focal image, add color, and die cut, also die cut another shape from cardstock for the backing.

* Adhere the backing to the focal image.

* Greeting- stamp directly on card base or on mat layer or on other Cardstock. 

* Inside panel - stamp sentiment and/ or images on it if you like, and adhere to inside of card.

* Mat layer - adhere to card front.

* Focal Panel - line card up along a 4 1/4” x 5 1/2” piece of paper so the bottom of your card lines up with the bottom of the paper. The goal is to create a card that has a maximum width of 4 1/4” and a height of 5 1/2”. Place adhesive or dimensionals along the lower portion of the focal piece and remove backings. Line up top of image with top of paper. From the top of the image to the bottom of your card there should be a distsnce of 5 1/2”.  Press on image to adhere dimensionals to card.

* Add greeting if you have not done so.

* Embellish

NOTE : Most of my supplies come from Stampin’ Up!®️, many are retired and noted as such. Products from other companies are noted as such. I encourage you to use what you have to create your versions of the Tent Topper Card.

CLASSIC TENT TOPPER BIRTHDAY

This card is an example of the Tent Topper cards I was taught to make a way back in 2009. Just stamp an image, color it, use a large punch or dies or other tools to cut cardstock into a circle, mat with coordinating cardstock, and pop on top of a 4 1/4” square card. The goal was to create a twist on the typical A-2 size card. Were circles the only shape used to top the card? No sometimes I used squares or rectangles! 

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock Basic Black, Basic White, Poppy Parade

* Patterned Paper - I made my own

* Stamps- Tap Tap Tap (retired), On the Ocean (retired)

* Ink - Tuxedo Black (Memento); Stampin’ Blends - Gray Granite, Basic Black, Poppy Parade, Wild Wheat (retired)

* Embellishments - Say Cheese Glossy Enamel Dots (Simple Stories)

LARGE STAMP DIE CUT BIRTHDAY

I changed up the Tent Topper cards design just a tad by switching out the classic topper for a large die cut image. The image was colored with alcohol markers which bleed through the white cardstock. I cut out the mermaid shape from colored cardstock and adhered that cut out to the back side of the image. This gives the card more of a “finished” look, and it adds a bit of strength to the image. I used an embossing folder to add a bit of interest to the mat layer.

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Bermuda Bay (retired), Summer Splash, Basic White

* Stamps - Sea You Soon & die (Trinity Stamps), Best Day (retired). Pirates & Mermaids (retired)

* Embossing Folder - Stampin’ Up!(retired)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Bermuda Bay (retired); Stampin’ Blends - Pool Party, Summer Splash, Timid Tiger, PetuniaPop, Lemon Lime Twist, SmokySlate, Daffodil Delight, Pretty In Pink

* Shimmer pen -clear (Scrapbook.com)

* Die - Bitty Banners (retired)

* Embellishments - Glitter Enamel Dots (Simple Stories)

MEDIUM SIZED DIE CUT IMAGES BIRTHDAY CARD

Here is an example of how medium sized dies can be used as a topper for the card. Although I used patterned paper for the flip flops, instead of coloring them with alcohol markers, I still die cut cardstock backings for each flip flop for that “finished” look. 

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Fresh Freesia, Basic White

* Patterned Papers - (retired)

* Stamps - Flippin’ Fabulous (Honey Bee Stamps)

* Dies - Flip Flops (Honey Bee Stamps), Deckled Rectangles (retired)

* Ink - Highland Heather

* Embellishments - Enamel Dots (Simple Stories)

LARGER DIE CUT  IMAGE BIRTHDAY CARD

Here is another Tent Topper card featuring a larger die cut image. For this card I used no mat. Everything is adhered to, and stamped directly on the card front.

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - BalmyBlue, Pumpkin Pie, Basic White, Pacific Point (retired)

* Dies - Hot Air Balloon (Scrapbook.com); Give It a Whirl (retired)

* Stamps - Best Day (retired) Lift Me Up (retired)

* Ink - BalmyBlue

SMALL DIE CUT IMAGES FOR TOPPER CHRISTMAS CARD

Here is my Christmas card for this week. It is also an example of how smaller dies can be used as the topper for Tent Topper cards. 

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Basic White, Balmy Blue

* Patterned Paper - (retired)

* Stamps - Jolly Snowmen & dies (Crafter’s Companion), Holly Jolly Wishes (retired)

* Inks - Tuxedo Black (Memento), Balmy Blue; Stampin’ Blends - Basic Black Poppy Parade, Balmy Blue, Daffodil Delight, Old Olive, Gray Granite, Old Olive, Call Me Clover (retired); Shimmer Pen, clear (Scrapbook.com)

* Dies - Stylish Shapes

VIDEO CARD

Here is the video card which features the classic circle topper with an added fussy cut image popped up on dimensionals for interest. 

WHAT I USED

* Cardstock - Evening Evergreen (retired), Basic White, various shades of green cardstock scraps

* Patterned Paper -(retired)

* Stamps - Campology, Let’s Set Sail, Best Day (all retired)

* Inks - Evening Evergreen, Pebbled Path (both retired)

* Dies - Circle Dies - 3 1/4” diameter (Spellbinders), Wavy Circles (Scrapbook.com)

TENT TOPPER CARDS

The Tent Topper Card is quick and easy! You can dress it up, or keep it simple! It is a bit different from a typical A-2 card, but fits just fine inside an A-2 sized envelope! Keep it classic or add your own twist to this great fun fold!

That’s all for today! Thank you so much for stopping by. 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