Have you ever challenged a crafty friend to create something with supplies from their stash? That’s exactly what my friend Kathy (of Kathy Solie Creates) and I decided to do!
We each sent the other photos of a few patterned paper pads from our stash and let the other person choose. Kathy picked a paper pad for me and challenged me to create a fun-fold card. I chose a different paper pad for her and challenged her to add texture to her card.
I decided to take Kathy’s challenge one step further and create three fun-fold cards using my chosen patterned paper. Each card has a slightly different construction, and the best part is that they can stand up as display pieces!
Along the way, I’ll share a few handy tips, including how to mask stamped images for a realistic overlapping effect and a simple trick for positioning a raised sentiment panel exactly where you want it.
And because handmade cardmaking doesn’t always go according to plan, I’ll also share a little behind-the-scenes mishap with my third card. Sometimes, we just have to roll with it!
I have included a complete visual list of the supplies currently available in the next section, and a detailed list of the tools I use regularly at the end of the blog post for your convenience. If a supply wasn’t available when I recorded this, I have linked a similar item for you to check out.
Card #1: Joy Fold Card with a Decorative Closure
The first card is a Joy Fold design with a little twist. Instead of using a traditional belly band to keep the card closed, I created a decorative panel that doubles as a closure and allows a smaller notecard to tuck behind it.
Card Measurements
The finished card measures 6 inches x 6 inches when closed.
Detailed Measurements:
| Piece | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Main card base | 5½″ × 5½″ |
| Main card score line | 2¾″ |
| Inside mat | 5¼″ × 5¼″ |
| Inside patterned paper | 4¾″ × 4¾″ |
| Alternative inside patterned paper | 5″ × 5″ |
| Smaller notecard | 3¾″ × 3¾″ |
| Notecard front mat | 2½″ × 2½″* |
| Main front panel mat | 2½″ × 5¼″ |
| Main front patterned paper | 2¼″ × 5″ |
| Decorative closure panel | 1½″ × 2¾″ |
Card #2: Double Dutch Door
For the second card, I made a Double Dutch Door design. The two smaller flaps meet across the bottom of the card, creating a pair of little doors beneath the larger top panel.
When the card is opened, the little doors support the oval sentiment panel, allowing the card to stand up as a display piece. It’s a fun design that looks more complicated than it really is!
Card Measurements
The finished cards measure 4¼ inches x 5½ inches when closed.
Detailed Measurements:
| Piece | Measurements |
|---|---|
| Main card base | 9″ × 4¼″ |
| Main card score line | 5½″ |
| Door mechanism | 2¼″ × 8½″ |
| Door mechanism score lines | 2⅛″ from each end |
| Top front mat | 3¼″ × 4″ |
| Top front patterned paper | 3″ × 3¾″ |
| Small door mats (2) | 1⅞″ × 2″ each |
| Small door patterned paper (2) | 1⅝″ × 1¾″ each |
Card #3: Slatted Z-Fold Card
For my third card, I wanted to use up some of the patterned paper scraps left over from the first two projects. I planned a slatted Z-fold card that would fold flat for mailing but stand up as a display piece.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t go quite as planned!
I was working from memory and made a few mistakes. I didn’t realize the patterned paper placement was incorrect until I started assembling the card, so I decided not to include the original construction process in the video.
I did finish the card, though. I wasn’t about to waste that beautiful patterned paper!
Now it’s Kathy’s turn! I challenged her to add texture to her card, and I’m really curious to see how she interpreted that challenge.
Be sure to show Kathy some love, and let us know in the comments: Which of these fun-fold designs would you like to try? And if you take on a patterned paper challenge of your own, I’d love to hear what you create!
Supplies Used
Note: Some product images may not display correctly at first, but clicking them will take you to the correct item.
More Ways to Get Crafty
✂️ Want more value from your crafting? My YouTube channel members get perks like monthly Q&A sessions, badges, shout-outs, project reference sheets and early access to new videos. Join the membership here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKhctb1ss7hbxVHivhT5YQ/join
Here is a list of all the crafting tools I use regularly to create my card projects, and make sure you check out the exclusive discounts offered by some of the amazing craft brands for my audience before you go shopping:
Need More Inspiration?
If you love fun folds, I have a playlist of several videos that you might enjoy. You can watch it here:
And more patterned paper ideas here if you’re interested:
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