Billie A., our host for the Sparkles Christmas Challenge, chose Animals & a Tree for the theme. I used the same fun fold I’ve already used so many times for Christmas and New Year’s cards, but I just love it for using 5-1/2 by 12 inch pieces of DSP (designer series paper).
Please check out the challenges page for the creations by the other very talented design team members. When you’ve created your own card using our theme, please don’t forget to upload them to the challenges. We’d love for you to play along.
Here’s my card:
I used the Beary Christmas DSP and the punch from a few years ago. I needed to fussy cut the inside tree and baby polar bear. Both sentiments come from the Beary Christmas stamp set.
I’ve posted so many cards using this fold, and you can see some of them here, here, here, and here.
The Template and More:
I know I had seen a video for a 4 panel accordion fold using a piece of DSP measuring 5-1/2 by 12 inches. I used it for this card, and for some strange and unknown reason, didn’t write down the source, even though I am fairly certain it was a video tutorial from the annual catalog DSP.
Since the base of this card is DSP, I added a piece of 4-1/4 by 5-1/2 inches piece of cardstock to the back of the last panel of the DSP
You will need a piece of DSP measuring 6 by 2-1/2 inches for the envelope flap
Punch a 1-inch circle from coordinating DSP and run it through the XYRON create-a-sticker for the envelope seal
For this card, I did adhere the front flap to the second flap after adding the ribbon
In order for the DSP to not bend after adding the ribbon, I adhered two pieces of cardstock measuring 1/2 by 5-1/2 inches long to either side of the first fold
This explains why I adhered the first fold closed
I used the Everyday Arches dies and to crop the white, Real Red, and the DSP layers
Then, I ran the outside Real Red arch through the Cut & Emboss machine using the Birch Wood embossing folder to add texture and interest
This card is bulky and will probably need extra postage, however it will still fit inside a Stampin’ Up! medium envelope
Because of the bulk, I only used dimensionals to adhere the sentiment on the front, which I cropped using the Stylish Shapes die
I used a mini-glue dot to secure the bow
Other than those two things, I used multipurpose liquid glue to adhere everything else together
With that, I’d finished this coordinated card, envelope, and envelope seal set.
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Welcome to the last Cardz 4 Guyz challenge for the 2025 year! I’m hosting this monthly challenge and chose Cute Christmas Critters for the theme. When you finish here, please visit the challenge site to see what the rest of the talented design team members created. Then, don’t forget to upload your creations to our gallery. We look forward to seeing your creations there!
I used the Jolly Delivery stamp set and the North Pole Delivery 12″ by 12″ DSP (designer series paper), which also includes the precut designs I used for the cute critters. In addition, I used the new plaid embossing folder and the Everyday Arches die set.
Here’s my card, which is my 5 year old great-nephew’s Christmas card:
I always wind up with whole sheets of DSP leftover when it retires. Since I am using this fold for a number of my Christmas cards this year, it is entirely possible that I won’t have too much leftover.
It’s just a given that fun fold cards also post to the Creative Creases Challenge. Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper coordinates the challenge, and it’s one of my favorite challenges. Hopefully, you will be inspired to upload your own fun fold project to the challenge! I’ve already uploaded a number of this kind of fun fold, so I hope I’m not overdoing the gallery.
I have already posted a number of Christmas cards using this fun fold. You can see them here, here, here, and here.
Measurements & the Template:
Here’s the template I have been using:
The extra cardstock piece for the back isn’t necessary because the card will stand up without it. However, I just wanted extra stability.
I added two pieces of 1/2 by 5-1/4 inches strips on either side of the first score line at 1-3/4 inches so I could add the ribbon without worrying about it tearing the DSP. Since I used the two 1/2 inch strips of DSP left after trimming each half to 5-1/2 inches, when everything was said and done, I only had one little piece of leftover DSP measuring 1/2 inch by 1 inch.
Both the front and inside sentiment panels were cropped using the Everyday Arches dies in Garden Green and Basic White. Since I wanted the front panel to have some texture, I pulled out my brand new Plaid 3D embossing folder.
Don’t forget to trim a piece of coordinating DSP to 6 by 2-1/2 inches for the envelope flap.
I also punched a 1-inch circle from another DSP pattern and ran it through my XYRON create-a-sticker.
What I Did:
I added dimensionals on the back of the cropped sentiments on the front
For everything else, I used multipurpose liquid glue to adhere pieces together since this card is already bulky.
This will fit in a medium SU! envelope, but it will require additional postage
I adhered the front flap down so the extra pieces of DSP I used for the ribbon support are covered.
For all areas to be embossed, such as the front sentiment, make sure you wipe down the papers using your embossing buddy. Stamp the sentiment using VeraMark ink, then cover it with white embossing powder. Use your heat tool to heat set the powder.
Make sure to allow the embossed images to cool before cropping to prevent smudging. I cropped the sentiment with the banner die from the Stylish Shapes die set.
Adhere the Plaid embossed arch on white cardstock to one of the Garden Green arches. Adhere the prancing delivery dog and post office to the white cardstock arch, then adhere the front sentiment.
Add liquid glue on the left half of the front sentiment panel and adhere it to the front flap. Adhering to just the front flap is especially important if you are not going to glue the flap down.
Stamp the inside sentiment using Poppy Parade ink and adhere the present carrying bear to the white die cut arch.
Next, adhere the white cardstock arch to the green arch.
After adhering the front sentiment, open the card and position the inside sentiment arches face down on the back of the front sentiment
This will allow you to make sure you line up both sentiment pieces so the inside doesn’t show when the card is closed
Add liquid glue to the back of the inside sentiment panel, then fold the back of the card over the panel
TA-DA! Perfect placement!
With that, I’d finished this coordinated card, envelope, and envelope seal set.
Browse our selection of Last Chance paper crafting products. Additional items are added every other month. These products are available only while supplies last so be sure to buy them before they are discontinued! Discounts vary and are subject to change.
This month, the Pals have been busy creating cozy, frosty, whimsical card ideas and paper crafts for our Winter Wonderland theme — using our favorite Stampin’ Up! goodies. Each project brings a different twist, and that’s what makes the hop feel like a stroll through a creative winter village. If you’re looking for inspiration (or maybe a reason to stay inside with your craft supplies), this hop is for you!
Once again, I chose to use the Modern Christmas Suite of products to create two 4-panel accordion cards. I am thoroughly enjoying this fun fold and for this hop I used one 12″ by 12″ piece of DSP for these two cards.
Here are my cards:
I’ve already posted two other 4-panel accordion fold Christmas cards using the same suite of products. You can see those posts here and here. I am looking forward to making many more cards using this suite of products and fun fold.
As always with a fun fold card, I will be adding this to the Creative Creases Challenge where the theme is always Anything Goes with a Fun Fold.
Measurements:
The extra cardstock piece for the back isn’t necessary because the card will stand up without it. However, I just wanted extra stability.
I added two pieces of 1/2 by 5-1/4 inches strips on either side of the first score line at 1-3/4 inches so I could add the baker’s twine without worrying about it tearing the DSP. Since I used the two 1/2 inch strips of DSP left after trimming each half to 5-1/2 inches. When everything was said and done, I only had two little pieces of leftover DSP, each measuring 1/2 inch by 1 inch.
I needed to crop 4 black arches and 4 white arches. I just realized that the arches on the card with the white on black tree are larger than the other card. I think I like the larger arches, but the smaller set shows more of the DSP on the front.
I embossed the white cardstock arches for the fronts of the cards using the Birchwood embossing folder.
I used the smaller arch die for the sentiments.
Don’t forget to trim a piece of coordinating DSP to 6 by 2-1/2 inches for the envelope flap.
I also punched a 1-inch circle from another DSP pattern and ran it through my XYRON create-a-sticker.
I cropped the large star and tiny gold stars using the dies from the suite of products. The star on the back of the card is actually covering a smudge of black ink, but that can just be our secret.
What I Did:
I added dimensionals on the back of the cropped sentiments on the front and glue dost to hold the baker’s twine bow in place
For everything else, I used multipurpose liquid glue to adhere pieces together since this card is already bulky
This will fit in a medium SU! envelope, but it will require additional postage
I adhered the front flap down so the extra pieces of DSP I used for the baker’s twine support are covered
I used embossing white and black embossing powder for the tree and sentiments on the inside and front
For all areas to be embossed, make sure you wipe down the papers using your embossing buddy
Cover the areas with either black or white embossing powder and heat set using your heat tool
Make sure to allow the embossed images to cool before cropping to prevent smudging
Crop the tree using the Ornamental Christmas die included in the suite of products
Adhere both sentiment panels together
Add liquid glue on the left half of the front sentiment panel and adhere it to the front flap
Adhering to just the front flap is especially important if you are not going to glue the flap down
After adhering the front sentiment, open the card and position the inside sentiment arches face down on the back of the front sentiment
This will allow you to make sure you line up both sentiment pieces so the inside doesn’t show when the card is closed
Add liquid glue to the back of the inside sentiment panel, then fold the back of the card over the panel
TA-DA! Perfect placement!
I did add another holiday sentiment on the back of the card, which has room for a personal message as well
With that, I’d completed this coordinated card, envelope, and envelope seal set.
Back to the Stampin’ Pretty Pals’ Blog Hop:
Keep the inspiration going! Follow the lineup below to hop through each blog and enjoy every beautifully frosty idea. And stick around — next month we’re creating for the “Something New” theme, and you won’t want to miss it!
Browse our selection of Last Chance paper crafting products. Additional items are added every other month. These products are available only while supplies last so be sure to buy them before they are discontinued! Discounts vary and are subject to change.
Welcome to the weekly Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge! Challenge #656 is for Team B, which is my team. I love getting kickstarted with a sketch, then just letting the card come together. Sometimes, I know exactly what I want to do. Other times, like for this week’s challenge, the card evolves. Everyone on Team A and Team B would love for you to play along with the sketches and then post your creations to the challenge gallery. Don’t forget to come back tomorrow to see the creations of the design team. We hope our projects inspire you to play along with us.
Here’s my card:
Here’s the Atlantic Hearts Sketch Challenge #656 layout sample:
It’s just a given that if I can create a fun fold card while using a sketch challenge, I will do it. It’s also a given that I will post fun folds to the Creative Creases Challenge, coordinated by Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper. Hopefully, you will be inspired to upload your own fun fold project to the challenge!
I found this 4 panel accordion fold card on Connie Stewart’s, from Simply Simple Stamping, YouTube channel. You can find her video tutorial here. I was so happy to find this fold because I’ve been wanting to show the beauty of this DSP. This 4 panel card lets the DSP shine!
Template & Tips:
Of course, I created a template. My templates are handwritten because it’s easier and faster for me to do it that way than trying to make a pretty computerized template.
BIG TIP: When trimming your DSP (designer series paper) for this layout, place the side you want to show down on your paper trimmer! Trust me on that.
I also trimmed a piece of the Garden Green 6 x 6 inch DSP to 6 by 2-1/2 inches for the envelope flap.
Next, I punched a 1-inch circle out of the floral DSP and ran it through my XYRON create-a-sticker for the envelope seal. I started doing these seals during COVID and liked it so much, I have been do it since then.
Putting the Card Together:
Following Connie Stewart’s video, or the measurements on my template, would be much clearer than if I tried to type everything out for you
I used Garden Green, Strawberry Slush, and Basic White cardstock for the base, arches, and inside panel for this card
I cropped the leaves on the front from Garden Green cardstock using the Impressions Abloom die set
The flowers were stamped using Strawberry Slush, Peach Pie using the Impressions Abloom stamp set
I used Daffodil Delight and Crumb Cake for the centers of the flowers, stamping the Daffodil Delight ink first
The outside sentiment comes from the Coneflower Celebrations stamp set, which I cropped using the banner from the Stylish Shapes die set
The inside sentiment comes from the Simply Said stamp set
I stamped both sentiments in Garden Green ink
I added dimensionals under the outside sentiment banner and the two Strawberry Slush flowers
I used multipurpose liquid glue to adhere all the other pieces
While this card is bulky and will require extra postage, it will fit in a medium SU! envelope
With that, I’d finished this coordinated card, envelope, and envelope seal set
As a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I get to start pre-ordering products today from the upcoming mini-catalog which starts in January. As soon as I get my new products, I will make sure to start sharing cards made with new products.
Kits Make Crafting Simple, Fun, and Just Simply Fun!
Here’s a look at the two new kits available:
First, it’s the Everyday Beauty Kit, which retails for $25 USD.
Create the perfect card for any occasion using the all-inclusive Everyday Beauty Kit. This kit comes with everything you need to make three unique card designs: printed card bases and coordinating envelopes with lovely botanical patterns, precut paper pieces, timeless faux wax seals, shimmering metallic thread, and a versatile stamp set that you can use on countless other projects.
DETAILS – Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs – Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8 cm) – Colors: Basic Beige, gold, Gray Granite, Lost Lagoon, Night of Navy, Petal Pink – Also available in French
Kit includes one of each item listed below. – Everyday Beauty Photopolymer Stamp Set – Clear stamp block – Night of Navy Classic Stampin’ Spot – Step-by-step instructions – 9 printed envelopes – Faux wax seal stickers – Metallic thread – Adhesive
The second kit is the Adventure Awaits kit, which retails for $14 USD.
Let your creativity take the driver’s seat with the Adventure Awaits Kit. Coast in the retro colours and hand-drawn artwork that can be either feminine or masculine. With printed sentiments, precut paper, and vellum details, this kit comes with everything you need to make nine cute cards.
DETAILS – Makes 9 cards: 3 each of 3 designs – Folded card size: 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ (14 x 10.8 cm) – Colors: Basic Black, Coastal Cabana, Crushed Curry, Garden Green, Granny Apple Green, Pecan Pie, Petal Pink, Poppy Parade, Pretty Peacock, Timid Tiger – Sentiments printed in English, French, and German
Kit includes one of each item listed below. – Step-by-step instructions – 9 printed envelopes – Vellum – Adhesive
If you have any questions, or need a bit of a creative mojo boost, you can reach me at my justpeachystamping@gmail.com.
If you live in the U.S. and don’t already have a Stampin’ UP! demo from whom you order, I would be honored to work with you.
This month’s theme is all about Acts of Kindness, Gratitude, and Thanksgiving! The Pals are here to inspire you with heartfelt card ideas and creative paper crafts made with Stampin’ Up! products. Be sure to visit each participant’s blog — you’ll find the full list at the end of this post so you can easily hop along and enjoy all the inspiration!
Here’s my modified z-fold card:
I came across this modified z-fold card on Pinterest created by Patti Dolan from P. S. Paper Crafts. Her post includes a video and a PDF document of directions. I modified the measurements just a tad, and then created a template, shared below:
It’s just a given that fun fold cards also post to the Creative Creases Challenge. Debbie Mageed at Secret Stamper coordinates both this hop and the challenge. Hopefully, you will be inspired to upload your own fun fold project to the challenge!
Creating the Card:
I used the Charming Day bundle and the coordinating Floral Charm 12 x 12′ DSP (designer series paper)
After trimming the DSP pieces, I decided that I would use 3 layers of arches so I could incorporate more of the Timid Tiger color
Therefore, my three main colors are Timid Tiger, Mossy Meadow, and Basic White
With careful planning, I stamped all the images to be colored then cropped and the sentiment on one piece of white cardstock measuring 4-1/4 by 5-1/2 inches
I stamped all the floral stamps and the sentiment stamps in Momento Tuxedo Black ink
I used layers of the Old Olive blends combo for the leaves
Then, I colored the flowers using the Timid Tiger blends combo and the Light Pecan Pie blend
I cropped two of the leaf sprays from Mossy Meadow and all the other floral/leaf pieces using the Charming Day die set
The sentiment was cropped using the Stylish Shapes circle die
I used multipurpose liquid glue to adhere all the cardstock, the DSP, arches, and leaf images to the base of the card
Then, I added dimensionals under the flowers and leaves focal image to adhere it to the arches
Next, I added dimensionals to the bottom half of the sentiment circle and adhere the top of it to the leaves with multipurpose liquid glue
Finally, I added seven Timid Tiger dots
After adhering the DSP to the envelope flap and trimming it, I punched a 1-inch circle for the envelope seal, which I ran through the XYRON create-a-sticker
With that, I’d finished this coordinated card, envelope, and envelope seal set
Back to the Pals’ Blog Hop:
The creativity doesn’t stop here! Be sure to hop along using the lineup below to explore even more inspiring projects from the Pals. And mark your calendar — next month, we’re spreading holiday cheer with our “Season’s Greetings” theme!
Become a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator when you choose one of these amazing Starter Kit offers. (And did we mention your Starter Kit comes with FREE shipping, FREE business supplies, AND a bonus, FREE Paper Pumpkin kit?) Join from October 1 to 31 and experience all the amazing benefits that come with being a demonstrator.
Honestly, I saw this promotion banner and was stunned in a very good way! This deal is amazing, and what’s more there are no other purchase requirements!
Welcome to Just Peachy Stamping by Sue Jackson: an independent Stampin' Up demonstrator.
Through Stampin' Up!, I happily share my love of papercrafting through sales, classes, small stamping group meet-ups and workshops. I think that being a teacher in my "real life", I have a unique approach to sharing my fantastic hobby. I look forward to connecting with you!
