ABC Christmas Challenge - J is for...

This week, it's my turn to host the ABC Christmas Challenge, where the theme is:

'J is for Joy Fold Card'

Our sponsor for this challenge is:

The prize is a $15 voucher to spend in the Simon Says Stamp store.

To help you with this challenge, I have prepared a tutorial on how I made my card.

So, what exactly is a 'Joy Fold' card???

Basically, as you can hopefully see from my card above, it's a card that has two interlocking flaps...one smaller than the other...that opens to reveal a hidden message or image.

I'm going to show you below how I made my card. I'm by no means an expert at this type of card...though I have made a couple before...and this is not the only way to do it, but it gives you the basic principles.

To start with, cut your card blank in whatever shape & size you like - mine measures 5.75 inches square - then cut the front flap in half:

Then, cut the smaller flap - again this can be whatever shape & size you like - mine is 4x8 inches, then folded in half:

The photo below shows how the two pieces will fit together...notice how they open in opposite directions:

The smaller one will be stuck underneath the shorter flap on the main card, so that they overlap:

Now for the fun part...decorate the pieces however you like - here's the main card:

And the smaller flap:

Remember...it needs to open the 'wrong' way:

Then, stick the pieces together:

All that's left to now, is to add something to hold the front flap closed...I've added a sentiment cut out with Nesties...you only want it to overlap by a small amount - you still need to be able to open it!:

To make it easy to open (and close again), I mounted it on to thick foam pads:

Here's the finished card:

And open:

I hope you found this helpful...we're all looking forward to seeing you try this card fold!

Materials used on my card:

Image Stamps - Penny Black 'Christmas Critters' & 'Holly-Jolly' sets (coloured using watercolour pencils)

Papers - My Mind's Eye 'Wonderful Winter'

Nestabilities - Scalloped & Classic Circles dies

Sentiment Stamp - Cuddly Buddly

I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:

• Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas - Photo Inspiration (I've used the Red & Green colours)
• Lollipop Crafts - More than One Fold
• My Time to Craft - Scallops
• Papertake Weekly - Punches & Dies (I've used several different Nesties)
• Sunday Sketch & Stamp - Sketch
• Winter Wonderland - Colours of Christmas (I've gone traditional with Red & Green)

For more inspiration my my lovely DT buddies, and our three fabulous Guest Designers, please visit the ABC Christmas Challenge.