Swing Fold Card

Handmade cards are the best gift one can give to loved ones and it gives more pleasure than a store bought card. To make cards, I always search for new folding techniques that are attractive and easy to make at same time. While in hurry, I always prefer this super easy swing fold technique.
Have a look at how to make this super easy but cool card.

Step I: Gather the material

Before starting, make a color theme in your mind and think of how you're going to decorate your card. I always prefer simple card so my list is not much big. Here are all the materials I'll be using:

• Card stock sheet (21cm x 25cm)
• Design card stock sheets (I used dotted essentials 12 x 12 sheet)
• Embellishments (I used diecuts, flowers, stamps etc)
• Glues and adhesives.
• Marker colors
• Pencil, eraser, ruler, scissors etc.

Step II: Make basic Structures

Once you gather all the materials start making basic card structure by following simple steps. I'll explain everything as generic as I could.

Take card stock by following the dimension guide in the picture.

• Width is multiple of 5 (I took 5 x 5 = 25 cm wide piece and mark it in 5 equal parts).
• Length is 3 times the width of each piece plus 6 cm. (I took 5 x 3 + 6 = 21 cm)

If you're a newbie to card making, I'll suggest you to get a printout of template and trace it instead of making measurements by yourself. Once you understood it completely or become expert at it, you may make a template yourself.

Step III: Folds and scores

Once you're done with marks and measurements , grab a sharp knife and scoring tool.

Cut carefully at the red lines of template with a sharp exact-O knife and fold at the blue ones (make mountain fold at left side and valley fold at right side).

Fix the folds by gently pressing them with your scoring tool. Once you fix all scores, The square in the center will swing when you open or close the card.

Step IV: Embellish and decorate

Once you're done with structure, It's time to embellish your card how you want. I always prefer simple cards so here is what I did (Of course you may vary the design)

First of all, Cover the whole card with design / patterned papers.

Next use a paper doily for nice background.

Paste your favorite quote or sentiment, you can either stamp it or print it. My favorite way of writing sentiments is to fake calligraphy.

Use some die cuts, artificial flowers pearls to decorate more. 

At the end, write down your wishes at back side , pack it nice and post it. Wait for their super excited, love filled response.

Some handy tips to expert at cardmaking

• To give it a nice look, always measure design papers 1 cm less than card size.
• Use spray adhesives for doilies.
• Use thick double tape for 3D look.
• To fake calligraphy, hand write your sentiment in a messy writing and widen every down stroke.
• Use layers of design paper's leftovers to give your card a Pro look.

Happy Crafting!