How to Make a Different Tri-Fold Card!

The traditional greeting card that you open from the side is very common and the cards that open from the bottom are also popular. But it is also fun to make or receive a card that opens in a different way. I have enjoyed making tri-fold cards, but today I am addding a little ‘something’ to make it a bit different! (This idea was presented to me last year by my card-making friend. Thanks Sharon!)

You will need a sheet of a transparency. (I have a pad of 25 sheets of ‘Recollections’ Clear Craft Plastic Plastique Transparent sheets from Michael’s Craft store that is perfect for this project! But, any transparency sheet will work.)

Start with cutting an 81/2 ” x 11″ piece of cardstock in half, lengthwise. (This is the standard cut to make most of my cards.) Score at 1/2″ and 4 1/2″ from one end.

Score your card stock as indicated to begin making your tri-fold card.

Cut a piece of a transparent sheet 5 1/2′ long by 4 1/2″ wide and attach on the inside of the small 1/2′ scored edge of your card stock base.

Attach a piece of transparency on the inside of the small fold.

Cut two matching strips of cardstock 5 1/2″ long and 1/2″ wide. This is another way you can use up some of your paper scraps! I originally cut a circled border edge, but decided to just use plain strips of card stock for the edges. (The bordered edges seems a bit ‘busy’ for this particular card.)

Cut two borders or plain strips of cardstock as indicated.

Add your messages, patterned papers, and stamped images to the inside of your tri-fold card.

Add printed paper, stamped images, and your own message to the inside.

Now comes the tricky part! When you add the border and image on the front of the transparency, make sure you line up the edges carefully so they don’t show from either side. I found it best to attach my adhesive (I used Miracle tape) directly on the transparency, then attached my border and oval image. You may have to trim your borders a bit. (If you use a decorative cut for your borders, make sure they line up before attaching!)

Add an image, border, and sparkly stickers on the front of the tri-fold card!

I added a few sparkly stickers to my border since it was a bit plain. This special card will be personalized and given to a very special graduate!

I love creating different cards and this particular tri-fold card can be made for any occasion! Give it a try! (Or, if you prefer, I can create a special card for you!)

Thank you for visiting today and I hope you enjoy your Creative Time!

~~Vickie