Expanding Pop Out Gatefold Magic

Today’s card is one of those WOW designs that you just have to see to believe! I created an Expanding Pop Out Gatefold Card, and it is simply amazing. From the moment I started with the Old Olive card base, I knew it was going to turn into something special. The clever folds and pop-out mechanism make this design an unforgettable one, and it’s surprisingly fun to put together once you get going.

The base itself is scored and folded so it closes like a regular gatefold card, with two little portions notched for the mechanism to attach. The inside pop out is where the magic really happens! It’s another piece of Old Olive, cut and scored to allow for multiple accordion-style folds. Burnishing the score lines well in both directions is the secret to keeping everything crisp and seamless.

Once the base and mechanism were ready, it was time to dress things up. I added panels of Designer Series Paper (DSP) from the Gathering Together pack inside the card and onto the pop out mechanism, alternating patterns for interest and texture. In the very center of the mechanism, I stamped “Many Thanks” from the Gathering Moments stamp set in warm Cajun Craze ink on a Basic White panel. Behind the card base, I tucked in another Basic White panel with room for a handwritten message, accented with a small strip of coordinating DSP.

The outside of the card is every bit as special as the inside. I decorated the front with the sentiment “Your Friendship Means the World to Me,” stamped in Early Espresso and cut out with one of the Textured Notes dies. Around it, I arranged leaves and acorns from the Gathering Moments bundle, and finished the look with a double bow in Early Espresso and Old Olive Linen Thread. A sprinkle of Cajun Craze & Gold Dots brought just the right amount of sparkle, tying everything together beautifully.

This card truly has it all—folds, texture, layers, heartfelt sentiments, and just a bit of shine. It’s a card I can’t wait to send off, because I know the recipient is going to be blown away when they open it. I’m also excited to be entering this project into three online challenges: Try It On Tuesday with the theme of Pretty Papers, Paper Funday #80 with the theme of Changing Seasons, and I was obviously inspired to give this fall card a go due to the Inspired By #354 challenge with their theme of Autumn.

Here’s the Tutorial if you’d like to make your own:

And if you’d like to see exactly how this card comes together step by step, I have a video tutorial on my YouTube channel that walks you through the process as well.

I CASEd this fold from R. Wade, a fellow demonstrator. Be prepared to fall in love with this fold—it’s addictive once you try it!

Supplies used (also listed in the Tutorial):