Interactive Cards Tutorial: Make Cards that Flip Flop, Stair Step and Tri Fold Shutter

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Interactive Cards Tutorial: Make Cards that Flip Flop, Stair Step and Tri Shutter Fold!

Author: Kara Ward

Handmade interactive cards are like a mini theatrical surprise!  They are small, yet packed full of illusions and magic acts.  An interactive card tells a dimensional story.  Step right up and try your hand at making these 3 interactive cards.  You will be amazed at how easy tit is to create these Flip Flop Cards, Stair Step Cards and Tri Fold Shutter Cards!

Stair Step Cards:

Let’s look at Stair Step Cards and how they are used and constructed.

You can start with any size of cardstock.  I prefer 5 inches by 10 1/2 inches because the finished stair-step card will fit in a standard invitation envelope.

You will make 5 score marks on the cardstock and then fold it to create stair steps.  It really is that simple.  

Each of the stair steps can hold information, photos, or even a decorative scene.

• This type of card is perfect for a fancy place setting at a party because it sets up on its own and can display names.  
• Try adding a photo to one of the folds.  Mark each person’s place with a baby photo or a photo they may not remember.  Watch their delight as they take their seat at your gathering.
• Create a scene using your stamps.  The folds allow you to layer elements to create a dimensional background for your greeting.
• The sky’s the limit with your dimensional height using this card base. You can create a tall, glittering Christmas tree with packages displaying each family member’s name on them as a holiday greeting.  How about a birthday cake or cupcake with tall candles and gems lighting them?  

Enjoy the flexibility and spatial play that Stair Step Cards allow.  The stair-step card is not only easy but also very functional.
 

Swing Cards or Flip Flop Cards:

Swing into action and make Flip-Flop cards (a.k.a. Swing Cards).

The swing or flip flop card turns to reveal a message or a greeting.  It is more complicated to make than the stair step card, but once you understand the measurements, you can alter the piece that flips into any shape you desire.  

1. To get started you need a 5 inches by 7 inches piece of cardstock.  
2. Make sure you stamp this piece before scoring or cutting it if you desire a background stamp on it.
3. Score the background paper at 2 3/4 inches and 4 1/2 inches.  Do not fold it yet.
4. Using a ruler and pencil, lightly draw a cutting grid.  Measure and mark 1 1/2 inches in on both short sides of the paper.  Then measure and mark 1 inch along the long sides of the paper (top and bottom).
5. These pencil lines are your cutting guide.  Make sure you do not cut through your score lines.  Start at the fold and cut a [ bracket shape along the cut lines.  Repeat it for the other side.
6. Fold one of the bracket shapes toward you as shown in the photo and fold the other one away from you.
7. Cover and decorate your card.

Ideas for using the Swing Cards / Flip Flop Cards:

• Swing cards are perfect invitations.  Place the greeting on the front of the swing and then the party details on the back of it.
• Try adding a holiday photo to the backside with the greeting on the front.  The card will stand on its own, making it ideal for displaying.
• Change the shape of the flip element to a circle or a heart for even more flip-flop card fun!

Tri Fold Shutter Cards:

Create Tri-Fold Shutter Cards (or Tri Shutter Cards) as a special keepsake for someone you love.

The Tri Fold Shutter Card is a mini collage display.  It is simpler to create than the flip-flop card, using only 2 cuts.

It has 11 mini boxes for displaying favorite patterned paper, greetings, photos, or other embellishments and keepsakes.  It is the grand daddy of WOW when displayed.

To create Tri Fold Shutter Cards:  

1. Cut your background paper to 5 1/2 inches by 12 inches.
2. Score it at 2, 4, 8, and 10 inches.
3. Measure from the long edge of the background paper 1 1/2 inch on both sides.  
4. Cut 2 lines that start at the 2 and the 10 inch score lines.  The cut lines run horizontal and parallel.
5. Fold the card by using mountain and valley folds as shown in the photo.
6. Use the guide for cutting the cardstock and patterned paper to fit each of the 11 boxes for your tri-fold shutter card.

The amazing tri shutter card can be as simple as you wish or as complicated as you desire.

• Add patterned paper to the boxes you don’t want to have to decorate.
• Stamp your greeting.  Make it a collection of favorite quotes or sayings for your BFF.
• For a family member, add current and old photos in the boxes.  It will be a treasured keepsake.

The tri fold shutter card is a seriously fancy card; however, it will fit into a standard invitation envelope.  If you need more space for writing, simply add a note to place inside the card.

By adding structure and design to your card making repertoire, you’ll be able to create a wide range of dimensional greetings to wow your friends and family.  Enjoy creating and changing the cards from this Interactive Cards Tutorial - and be sure to share your designs in the Creative Gallery!