Folding techniques - Part 2

Posted by Jen Cramer

NOTE: Our free die entry is still going on.... see the March 11 post below.

In the last post we showed you a simple card-making technique using a single fold of paper strategically placed on a die. Now let's add just a couple more folds to create a stand-up shape. It's easy when you watch the step-by-step instructions.

STAND-UP SHAPES

For this technique demonstration we'll use Rabbit #6 (R1042L), which is great timing with Easter approaching. The shape is 4" wide by 5" high and fits nicely on pages and cards. Here, you'll get to see how you can make it into a standing Easter decoration. (This technique works best when the bottom of the shape is somewhat flat and when the bottom is broader than the "top" of the shape in order to give it support.)

1. The first step is to fold a sheet of paper in half. Then fold sides of paper in opposite direction of first fold, approximately 1/4" to 1/2" from the first fold depending on the size of the shape you will be cutting out. In this case, Traci used 1/2" folds.

3. Place folds at bottom of shape on die, leaving bottom blade uncovered. (This allows the shape to remain connected.)

4. Roll die through AccuCut machine.

5. Remove the die cut. You can see how the folds, when flattened, will form the base of your stand-up shape.

6. Apply adhesive to the top part of the shape only and connect the sides.

And here you can see how cute the final embellished project is! Adorable!

So when would you use this folding technique? You can make unique place cards and table decorations. Seasonal shapes are perfect for holidays (pumpkins, Christmas trees, etc.). For birthday parties, use a birthday cake shape. With some "chunkier" alphabets you can make a letter stand up -- a standing monogram would be a neat touch at a wedding shower.

If you want to use a shape but it doesn't "stand up" well with this technique, then make a base using a simple rectangle or tag and then adhere the shape to each side of the base.

I also think these shapes make fun crafts for kids. I have two 4-year-olds and I know I could keep them entertained for some time with cutting out and decorating shapes for their preschool class.

Simple techniques like these are quick ways to show customers the value of a store's die cutting center. You could have a Saturday demo that shows these two techniques and a few samples using the dies that you have. At a card-making class, make sure you end with an example of how you can use a folding technique to make almost any of your basic die shapes into a card.

You can also print off our Folding Techniques Flier (it's a PDF file) that shows seven different techniques, including the two we walked through today.

I hope you enjoyed this technique demonstration. If there are other techniques that you would like to see, please post to let us know and we can put some step-by-step instructions together. I know it is a lot easier to see it in person -- even if it is online!

Comments

[Tina Reed]

I am really enjoying the blogs you post. They are very informational and bring back information that you may have forgotten or don't really have the full concept of what you are trying to do and how to accomplish it.

I am trying to reach out to the home school community where we live and these types of projects would be perfect for a make it take it for kids.

Thanks for all of your hard work!

Tina

[Coco]

OMG! I LOVE this! I was trying to figure out a way to make a card the other day (like the scalloped one) never occurred to me to do a standup! I'm loving all the retailers' ideas. Thanks so much for the support!

[txscrapaddict]

Your techniques are great! Some are so simple, they leaveme shaking my head and saying, "Why didn't I think of that?"

[Yvonne]

What a great idea. I'll have to look at my dies in a whole new light.

Yvonne