Get The Technique
Tonight I'm going to a birthday picnic in the park for two old friends of mine whose birthdays are this week, Carrie and Ana. As usual, I'm in a scramble to make something to give them, so I've turned to my never-fail birthday card which I've made a zillion variations of over the years. All you need is a single sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper, a craft knife (actually not essential if you keep it simple!), some other bits of paper (also not essential!), and a pen. I've made these in desperate situations with nothing but pen and paper and really have it down to a science, I must say. I made them little matching cards, since they are best friends and I don't think they'll mind! See below.
1 start by folding a 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper horizontally and vertically
2 then make 2 more horizontal fold as shown, by folding the 2 halves into quarters
3 use a craft knife to cut along the central fold, but only between the 2nd and 3rd folded panels. It sounds complicated but isn't, see above!
4 fold the paper outward so the panels line up as above
5 then press all panels together so you make a little 4 page book
6 here are the fronts of both cards, I used a rubber stamp and a white gel pen...
7 first page of the cards has a simple pop-up, made by making 2 horizontal cuts. (a card within a card!)
8 another pop-up with paper hearts glues in
9 the last page- I cut out the balloons with a craft knife and lined the back of the page with contrasting paper... Done!
See more handmade birthday card ideas.
From: Bird | 7/30/10 at 10:40 am
Such a cool idea to have a "stand by" template for any occasion!
Nothing like a lovingly handmade card!!