A card which is a gift in itself...

Hi Crafters,

Today I'm going to show you a project I did and I do hope to do a video on this as well. My friend at work, who is a D&T teacher(Hey Martin!!:)), lent me a book on templates. I was fascinated by all the templates I saw in the book, however, you need to be able to print them on A3 paper so you can trace the template out and you need A3 paper to work on as well.

Since I didn't have A3 paper, I decided to break down the template, and adjust the measurements so I can make something smaller. I didn't even have the measurements for the templates since the book comes with a CD and I didn't have the CD. All in all, I managed to personalised the template, it took me a while but, hey, I loved the outcome.

Okay, to start with, I have measured a white card, not too light in weight, not too heavy, lets say medium weight. As you can see on the picture, it's a 25cm by 12 cm piece of card. Starting from left hand side of your card, measure 12cm along the length of your card, mark it and draw a line across so that you have a square of 12x12 on your left hand side. Then measure 1cm which will be now in the middle of your card, mark it and again draw a line along the width of the card, from top to bottom. This will then leave you will a 12cmx12cm on the right hand side of your card.

Then using your bone folder and a ruler, score down the lines which measure the 1cm in the middle. When you will fold across these lines, you will get a folded card with a spine of 1cm.(crossing my finger that my instructions are clear - phew!)

Then, you will need a different colour card for the inside cover, I am using Olive colour card from MM.You will need two sheets of A4 cards for the inside cover.Your first card needs to measure 12cm by 15 cm(length by width).The side which measures 15 cm with have an allowance of 1.5cm at the top and bottom(inclusive).The 1.5cm will be the flaps which will be scored with your bone folder, across the length.I hope the picture is clear enough to demonstrate this.
Your second piece of card needs to measure 12cm by 9cm. Then draw an allowance of 1.5cm from the edge of the right hand side of your card, going towards your left, then draw a line across the width , from top to bottom. This will leave you will a 1.5cm on the right hand side of your card, score down that line.This is a flap also. Then repeat with the bottom edge of the card, score a line leaving 1.5cm from the bottom edge to the inside of the card.This is again another flap.Basically, you will end up with two scored lines of 1.5cm on the right hand side edge and bottom edge of your card.

Now, on the left hand side of your card, measure 4cm, from the bottom of your card , going up and mark down 4cm.You will then start from this mark and cut at a slant toward the top edge of your card to make an angular cut. Again I am hoping my picture will be clear enough for you to understand. If its not Im so sorry, Im trying.

Now then, Here is a pic to show you the pieces of cards with the scored lines. You will notice that , I have also trim the end of the flap to make them less bulky when gluing down.

Now I have placed the inside cover on the fron cover to show you how they will be glued together. I have used a circle punch to punch out a half circle on the left card to make it easier to take anything you will insert in that pocket.

Fold the flaps and use your bone folder to re-inforce the fold real good...Then I have used the stamping around wheel to decorate the inside covers with the 'seeing spots' stamp and then use double sided tape to put along the flaps.Then you are ready to stick them down.
Ouch, this pic is not very good but at least you can have an idea what you can use the inside pockets for.I have cut out some tags, decorate them with 'seeing spots' stamps and I have made some note cards too. Then I have just put them in the inside pockets.

Now the top cover...I went a bit mad with layering because this is what I like to do. I do not really measure my panels of cards , what I do normally, I eye ball it. I seriously do not like measuring! So I place my card over the front cover and I just used a pencil to mark where I want to cut them. Again, I have used the 'seeing spots' set to decorate all these panels. Oh I forgot to say, before you stick down the inside covers, just add a piece of ribbon in between the inside cover and the front of the card. So that you can tie it up when you fold them.Reason you stick it in between the front and inside cover is because then, the ribbon is neatly hidden between these two layers.

Closed up of the front cover..

This is the seeing spots set and you can see the notecards better here...They are pretty - I think!

So, this can be a cute gift to someone. She will be happy to have some notecards, cards, tags handy when she needs them..(she or HE) -LOL.

PS: After I have posted this , I went back and read it again- I must admit, a video tutorial is a must...I get dizzy with all these instructions for measurements and what not! Good luck peeps!

If you have any questions, please leave me a comment with your email address under my comment section.Remember , my comments are moderated, and I will never publish your email address.Thank you!