I'm sensing a theme

So for this week I picked the theme of Graduation for the Monday Challenge. Then I just ended up making grad stuff all week - even the Paper Pumpkin cards I made on Thursday could be used for grad - especially if one of the new in colours happens to be a school colour. Lots to show so here goes.

Here is the video from Show and Tell with Tracey were I made the two fun fold cards:

The Dutch Door fold card is what I was aiming for.  

   

Here is how the base is made.  Start with a piece of cardstock that is 8" x 7 1/8" and score first then cut out the side pieces (I used these to make some of the layers).

  

The bulk of the time on this card is cutting layers.  

    flap layers              coloured cardstock    3 3/4" x 2 1/8" 

                                  white cardstock          3 5/8" x 2" 

    door layers            coloured cardstock    1 3/4" x 2 1/8" 

    need 2 of each      white cardstock         1 5/8" x 2" 

    front decor *          coloured cardstock    2 3/4" x 2 3/4"   (this is the hat)

                                  white cardstock         2 3/4" x 2 3/4"

    inside layers         coloured cardstock    3 3/4" x 4 1/2" 

                                 white cardstock         3 5/8" x 4 3/8" 

*For the grad card, I left off the front most layer - this could be stamped, DSP, embossed, die cuts, sentiments ....  I just didn't need it as I wanted a mortarboard, at a jaunty angle.

I have chosen to do my cards in the colours of the 2 local high schools (Go Oilers Go !) but this card looks great with DSP and a rooster - and thanks to Dawn Griffith for the measurements.

I started looking for a Gate Fold card - that's what I thought the above card was called - it's not .  Along the way I found this little charmer by the Stamping Bunny:

Start with a piece of cardstock that is 8 1/2" x 3 7/8" and on the 8 1/2" side score in 2 1/8" in from each edge.  Cut a piece for the inside that is 4" x 3 5/8" - but don't adhere it yet!

The "gown pieces are a 3"x3" square of white cut in half diagonally (save the other half for a different card) and then cut that piece in half from the point to the center of the long side.  I used 2 pieces of navy (or whatever school colours) that are 1/4" x 3 1/2" for the stripes - just adhere them with the pieces hanging over the edge and trim at the angle along the card side.  

Once the front of the card is done, you can attach the hat.  You will need a piece about 1 1/2" x 3" that is scored in half on the long side.  This gets mounted at the top center of the card - before you add the white layer.  Make sure you keep the fold just above the edge of the card so the front pieces still close.  "Test before gluing" is always a good idea.  And now you can put in the white inside piece.

Close the "gates" and line up the hat to cover the gown pieces - bottom of hat should just cover the stripes. I reccommend using a strong adhesive to adhere the hat to the flap.  If you put  the hat higher up, it won't fit in a standard envelope.  Also, if you are going to attach a tassel with string, do that first so you tuck the ends in between the hat and attaching piece for a cleaner look.

And for a bonus, a couple extra projects that are pretty self explanatory:

 

Gift card holders and treat boxes.  I seem to make a version out of them for just about every occasion.  Never know when you want to give someone a little somethin' to make their day.

On that note, I must also apologize. I used three stamp sets to make these projects - two of them are retired. But they are so perfect for the occasion that I just can't part with them.  The "A Grand Kid" is still current and full of awesome sentiments so you can always get that one.

What crafting are you getting up to?  Or are you enjoying your own graduation ceremonies? If you are - congratulations! Huge achievement and one you should be proud of.

Have a great weekend everyone!

T

ladybug, ladybug fly ...

 ... right on to this adorable card.  Yep, it's a great card design but the ladybugs up the cute factor - a lot. This Display Panel card came from a UK demonstrator who's site is called flutterbyheidi. Hers is a pretty flowery version.  I made a video on how to make this card:

Did you notice the added bonus of a bunch of alternate uses for the ladybug punch?  I'd say it's a must have tool.

This card looks fancy - but it goes together quite easy.  You can cut the base and all 4 panels out of 1 piece of cardstock and need another 1/4 sheet for the mechanisms.

            base -  9 1/2" x 4 1/8"   score on the long side at 1", 2", 7 1/2 ",  8 1/2 "

            mechanisms - need 2:  2 1/2" x 3 1/8"  score on short side at 3/4" and 1 3/4"

            large panel - need 2:  cardstock  2 3/4" x 3 5/8"    DSP  2 1/2" x 3 3/8"

            small panel - need 2:  cardstock  2 1/4" x 3 1/8"    DSP  2 " x 2 7/8"

            inside / back panel - 5 1/4 " x 3 7/8 "      

Before attaching the mechanisms, you need to angle the inner sections of base.  Measure down 5/8" and cut across the first panel and then angle up to the next score line.  This step is not critical to the card operation but makes a better looking card profile.

  

Next attach the mechanisms.  These are the folded like a Z and line up as per the picture - the left mechanism is a backward Z and the right one is as if you wrote it.  Attach with strong adhesive to the bottom outside corner of the base on both sides.

  

Next attach the panels. Easiest to get the bottom level if you attach them with the card standing up - first put the larger panels tucked up against the score line. Then lay the card flat and fold all the mechanisms in - line the small panels up so the corner of them line up with the card corners.  In the video I did as original instructed but that let's you see the mechanism when folded.  I tried this on the second card and I like this method better.

 

Now you decorate.  If you hang your decor over the edge, as I like to do, make sure you aren't impeding the folding or going outside of what will fit in the envelope. 

 

The card folds flat to fit in the envelope but will be extra thick so will need additional postage if mailed.

 

In the first card, I used white cardstock and left some room to write.  The other option is to attach a layer to the back of the card with lots of room to write.

 

This card is super addictive to play with, but also to make.  Are you going to give it a try? I'd love to see what you come up with.

Happy crafting!

Tracey

treats, treats ...

 .. and more treats.

I have done 2 videos this week with lots of treats.  Most of them were originally designed for Mother's Day but could be adapted for most occasions.

Here is the first video:

And the second video for the chocolate tower.

I have a pdf available for the chocolate tower.  I hope you will give it a try, and if you do, please share pictures.

As for the other treats, they are all basically the same - the dimensions will just change based on the size of the front piece and the treat you are putting in.

The first method is when you have a front and back piece that you are joining together. For the apple, I used a piece that was 1 1/2" x 3 3/4".  Oon the short side, score 3/8" in from both edges , on the long side, score at 1 1/4" and 2 1/2".  Put adhesive as shown in the picture and miter the corners so they are less bulky and the boxes lays flatter.  With tear and tape I find it easier to put on the adhesive first and then cut the chunks out, but if I was using liquid glue I would miter first and then add glue.

  

Adhere one side first and then lining up the second piece, adhere it.  Decorate, fill and give to someone to make their day.

   

For the second version, we are basically making a box and decorating the front.  For the square flower dies, I started with a piece of cardstock that was 4" x 5".  On the short side, I scored 1" in from each edge.  On the long side, I scored at 2' and 3".  Leaving the front side with a nice square corner, wedge the other 2 flaps so the box is easier to line up straight. Assemble, decorate the front and give to .. ok, you know the rest.

  

  

Little treats like these really do add to a table setting, can be left on a desk, handed to the person who gives you coffee at the drive thru or any other time you want to make someone smile.

What treats are you going to make?  I would love if you shared the pictures.

Happy crafting - and gifting!

T 

let's take this card for a spin

he he - see what I did there.  

Here is the video from my Show and Tell with Tracey (25 Apr 22) that shows how to make a Pinwheel Card:

The card comes together quite easily - it's the decorating that will take the time. So many options.  For the base you will need:

        1 piece of DSP 4 1/2" x 4 1/4" - score on the 4 1/2" side at 1", 2", 3" 4"

        4 pieces of cardstock that are 2 3/4" x 4 1/4"

You can see a bit of the pattern on the inside of the tower but not much. I got this card from Vy Tran and she mentioned that you could use cardstock as the inner tower but it works better with DSP - less bulky and more flexible.  Burnish the folds on the dsp and secure into the tower (tube) using the 1/2" tab.

Ensure you fold the DSP so that it lays flat.  This will ensure the card folds properly to go in the envelope.  Once the tower is complete - adhere the cardstock panels to tower making sure that you do not go past the corner of the tower and that the card will still fold flat.  As discussed in the video - you can choose to adhere DSP to the panels before this step, but you will need to ensure you know the order to adhere and the location for the thinner strips on the backside of the panels.

    

Once the basic card is set, decorate the panels.  Start with what will be the front of the card and work your way around.  Make sure to keep the decor within the panel and not so close to the tower that the cards won't fold.  While some dimensionals are ok, restraint must be used (even I managed to keep my dimensionals to a minimum ) so the card doesn't get to bulky.

  

Bonus tip - when holding folded pieces together while letting the glue dry, the clear mount blocks work very well to weight down and are easy to wipe off if they get glue on them.

    

If you want to put a fold out piece, you will need a piece of cardstock that is 3" x 1/2" that you score at:  1/2" , 1 3/4" , and 2 1/2".  This piece can be put on either the top or bottom corner, and on either the wider panel or the narrow one.  In either case, put adhesive on the 1/2" tab closest to the 1 1/4" section.  Adhere it down then fold the tab flat at the approximate center.  Put adhesive on the 1/2" tab and the fold the card back over onto it to get the positioning right.  I show this in the video in case this is not as easy to follow.

   

Add to the piece once it's secured.  Just don't do what I did and make sure you keep to a piece small enough to fit within the confines of the panel.  This will keep it folding flat and fitting in the envelope.

Here's the card I started in the video all finished.

       

Are you looking forward to trying this fancy fold? I can't wait to see what you come up with.

Happy crafting.

Tracey