tutorial

Video: Learn how to make this locking gate fold

I love the look of paper strips and pieces on a card.

This locking gate fold design has multiple pieces of patterned paper for a sweet patchwork look. My original card was created for my technique class back in May. Since then, we’ve had some products retire and we have some new products coming available in August.

A fresh take with the Whimsy & Wonder DSP

You will see that the video tutorial at the bottom of this post explains how to make the original card. Of course, that design features the retired Art Gallery Designer paper. It would be easy to adapt this design with other patterned papers, as you can see on my new design above.

The original design for my May technique class

Imagine the possibilities! Go over to my online store and have a look at some of the patterned paper options currently on sale. Be sure to check back on August 3rd to see the new fall products!

I decided to try this design using the Wonderful Snowflakes that will be available to purchase in August. Because the snowflakes are so detailed and delicate, I chose to use a rectangle stitched piece of paper as my centre locking mechanism. Only the top layer is die-cut with the Rectangle Stitched die. The two layers underneath are just cut to size, thereby saving me some time and effort.

My new design features the gorgeous Whimsy & Wonder Specialty paper in the August – December Mini Stampin’ Up! Catalogue. I also used the STUNNING Be Dazzling 6″ x 6″ paper for the narrow paper strips. These are so so so sparkly and have almost a mirror finish.

The inside of the card is just as pretty as the outside!

This card called for a sentiment on the front. The Whimsical Trees stamp set was created to coordinate with the paper, so I used Shaded Spruce ink on Basic White cardstock.

Watch the video to see how to make this cool locking card!

The video provides step by step instructions so you can make this at home. I share two different methods for the centre locking mechanism, so be sure to see the difference. If you watch the video on YouTube, you’ll also see that there are measurements and a supply list in the video description. While you’re there, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

My How-to Video Makes this Fun Pop-up-flap Card Easy

I love pop-up cards and this design is one of my absolute favourites! I first discovered this style of pop-up by watching a video tutorial shared by Mitosu Crafts. You should definitely check out their great ideas on YouTube.

I didn’t follow their directions exactly. Instead, I made a few adaptations to the pop-up mechanism to make it a little less bulky and, hopefully, a little bit simpler.

The ice cream patterned paper pack is no longer available from Stampin’ Up! I don’t think that will be a problem for you because I know you’re very clever crafters and will be able to make a beautiful card with different paper. In fact, I’d like to make another card like this one and use some of the bright and cheerful paper from the Pattern Party Paper Pack. It has 48 sheets of 12″ x 12″ paper that you can only get with Host Rewards from hosting a workshop or placing an order for yourself that’s over $200 CAD.

The ice cream cones on the front of this design are also from the retired Ice Cream Corner paper, but can easily be replaced using the Ice Cream Cone Builder Punch and the Sweet Ice Cream stamp set from Stampin’ Up!.

Follow along with my video tutorial below and give this pop-up card a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that it’s easier to make than you think! You’ll fine the cutting measurements at the bottom of this post.

Measurements for the Card Front

4 ¼” x 11” Thick Basic White, score at 5 ½”
5” x 3 ¾” Pool Party
1 ½” x 4 ¼” Ice Cream Corner paper
Fussy-cut ice cream cone from Ice Cream Corner paper
3 ⅝” x 2 ⅜” Basic Black Stitched So Sweetly die-cut
3 ¾” x 1” Sahara Sand
21” Baker’s Twine

Measurements for the Inside

2 ⅛” x 5” Thick Basic White, score at ⅜”, 4 ⅝”
2” x 3” Thick Basic White, score at 1”, 2”, 2 ½”
11” x 3 ¼” Basic Black, score at 3 ½”, 7 ½”
3 ⅞” x 3 ⅛” Basic White
2” x 2 ½” Clear envelope (or plastic bag)
3 ⅜” x 3 ⅛” Ice Cream Corner DSP (x3)

Make your design POP! with embossed layers

You can layer heat-embossed images with the right tools and a little bit of patience.

This is so cool! Watch the video below to find out exactly how I created this colourful sentiment on the black background.

It starts with a Joseph’s Coat technique

  1. Sponge multiple ink colours on cardstock.
  2. When completely dry, stamp bold image with Versamark ink
  3. Apply clear embossing powder and heat set until glossy.
  4. Apply Tuxedo Black Momento ink to completely cover cardstock. The embossing will resist the ink.
  5. Gently wipe ink residue off of embossed image to reveal all the glorious color!

Then the magic happens!

The next step is to carefully heat the embossed image and remove the embossing powder while it’s warm and melted. In my video, I used a heat and wipe technique with my heat tool and paper towel. This is a bit time consuming and requires moving quickly.

Another option is to take out your ironing board! Place the following layers on the ironing board: computer paper, embossed cardstock, paper towel, and a piece of computer paper on top. Use your iron on a low heat setting (without steam!) and apply to the layers. The embossing will melt and the paper towel will absorb it.

With both methods, it’s important to be careful that you don’t burn the paper.

Supplies used for this card

Watch my video to see this technique in action!