AECP Level 3: Cards in Motion

For my final Level 3 project from the Cards in Motion, we explored interactive card designs with Ashley Tucker. In this class, Ashley demonstrated several ways to add movement and surprise elements to cards.

For my project, I decided to recreate the reveal window card, which has a shutter-like opening mechanism. I love how interactive cards create a little moment of surprise for the recipient!

I started by creating a gatefold card base using a piece of cardstock measuring 5½” x 8½”. I scored 2⅛” from each side along the 8½” side to form the two gatefold panels.

Next, I created the two bow-tail pieces that help form the shutter mechanism. For these, I used two 3½” x 3½” pieces of cardstock, scored ½” from one edge, and then cut the ends into a bow-tail shape.

For the center shutter panel, I used a 3” x 6” piece of cardstock, scoring ½” from the top and bottom along the 3” side.

To decorate the card, I used the embossing folder and stencil from the Craft Your Life Project Kit: Tropical Vibes.I created two panels for the outside gatefold doors by embossing and then stenciling them with Warm Gray Fresh Dye Ink.

For the 3” x 6” center panel and the two bow tails, I used the same stencil but this time ink blended with Frosted Foliage Fresh Dye Ink.My idea was that when the card is closed, everything appears soft and gray. But when the recipient opens the card, they discover a surprise burst of greenery inside.

Inside the gatefold, I ink blended a soft sky background using Azureite Fresh Dye Ink and added some blue metallic splatters for extra interest.

I glued the two bow tails inside the gatefold. Then I temporarily adhered the 3” x 6” panel in the center, overlapping the two tails.To determine where the image should go, I traced a diamond shape formed by the opening of the tails onto the center panel. After removing the panel, I traced the same diamond shape onto the gatefold base.

 

Using a circle die large enough to fit around the diamond shape, I die-cut a window from the 3” x 6” panel.

For the focal point, I stamped the toucan from the Craft Your Life Project Kit: Tropical Vibes Stamp Set and added the sentiment “Toucan Do It” directly below the circle window on the center panel.

I adhered the toucan inside the gatefold, making sure it aligned with the diamond guide I had drawn earlier. Then I adhered the 3” x 6” shutter panel, overlapping the tails to complete the interactive mechanism.

To finish the design, I created a belly band to hold the gatefold closed. I decorated it with the sparrow image and the sentiment “Flying By to Say…”, which ties nicely with the tropical theme.

Finally, I adhered the gray embossed panels to the front of the gatefold.

  

I really enjoyed learning about interactive cards in this class. The shutter reveal design is such a fun mechanism, and I love the contrast between the soft gray exterior and the bright tropical surprise inside!