Create a beautiful fabric-look card using clever die cuts and a gatefold base! This project was done with Cheerful Cottage from Keep It Simple Paper Crafts. This creation was designed by team member, Allison.
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Step 1: Create the Card Base
Cut white cardstock to 10" x 5". 2. Score along the 10” side at 2.5” and 7.5” to create a gatefold. Fold both sides inward.
Step 2: Die Cut the Circle “Window”
Use the 2nd largest and 3rd largest circle dies from your nesting set. Open the gatefold. On one side of the card front, center the smaller circle die and cut out a window. To align the second side, close the gatefold on both sides and place die like a puzzle piece in the previously cut side. Secure with washi tape on the opposite side so die sticks to cardstock and open to run it through your machine.
Step 3: Cut Patterned Paper Panels to Decorate Card Base.
Cut two pieces of patterned paper to 4.75" x 4.75". Use the same small circle die to cut a window from one of the patterned panels by:
Placing it inside the card and taping lightly. Nest the die into the opening like a puzzle. Remove the paper, cut the circle, then slice the panel in half vertically and glue it to the front flaps. Trim the edges if necessary. Doing it this way helps center your cut on the patterned paper by leaving an even border of cardstock without much measurement.
Step 4: Build the Hoop Frame Use your large and small circle dies to cut two circle frames from heavyweight cardstock. Back one hoop frame with double-sided tape. Remove the tape backing and place a piece of lace or mesh fabric over it. Trim the excess.
Step 5: Attach the Hoop to the Card Add adhesive to the left back side of the hoop frame. Stick it over the left gatefold panel, so it opens with the card. Glue the second circle frame on the back of the first to sandwich the fabric and finish the back neatly.
Step 6: Stamp, Color & Assemble Stamp, color, and die cut your sewing-themed images (machine, scissors, buttons, spool, etc.). Die cut extra white copies of each image for backing and dimension. Adhere the sewing machine to the center of the embroidery hoop with strong adhesive or foam tape. Place the card in your MISTI (open) and line up the sentiment “You Make Me Sew Happy” so it tucks under the sewing machine when the card is closed. Stamp with soft gray ink.
Step 7: Embellish the Front Add the rest of your colored images around the hoop. Optionally, glue the white die cuts behind your colored ones for a polished, dimensional look. To keep the back flat, trace overlapping areas with pencil, trim, and erase lines afterward.
Step 8: Final Touch Finish the front with a cute yellow ribbon bow.
Optional: Inside Decoration Add extra stamped elements like stitches, hearts, or thread trails inside the card to tie in the sewing theme.
Supplies: • Keep It Simple Cheerful Cottage stamp and die set • Circle nesting dies (e.g., Back to Basics Circles) • Cardstock (white and patterned paper from Cheerful Cottage Collection) • Lace or mesh fabric • New Hair Tie • Adhesives (tape runner, glue, foam tape) • Coloring supplies • MISTI or stamping platform (optional)
