Die Cut Gatefold Cards

Hello stampers and card makers,

I've been working on a friend's wedding invitations and wanted to show you how they turned out. This gatefold design is so pretty and elegant, but I do have to say they do take some time to complete. In the end my friend (the bride) is very happy with them and they were fun to do.

The invite inside the die-cut wrapping is removable. Here's of photo of just the gatefold wrap. The base and the sides have been die cut.

The design uses three different die cutting sets. Below are the instructions including sizes of the finished invitation.

Here's what you need:

• White cardstock - cut 1, 5 x 7, cut 1, 6 3/8 x 4 1/8, and cut 2, 3 1/4 x 7
• Colored cardstock (this invitation used Pool Party from Stampin' Up) - 4 15/16 x 7
• Black cardstock - 6 1/2 x 4 1/4
• Ribbon
• Half-back pearl
• Background die - I combined Swirling Grace and Victorian Crosses from Spellbinders
• Border die - I used Gemini Dies from Creative Expressions
• Adhesive - I used Tombow mono liquid glue

The finished invitation measures 5 x 7 and fits nicely into a standard sized envelope (don't need to special order envelopes this way). 

For the gatefold, use the background die on the white 5 x 7 piece and the border die on the 2 - 3 1/4 x 7 pieces.  Once the side pieces have been die cut, score 1/4" on the straight edge and fold. Glue the fold edges to long sides of the base to make the gatefold. I used a Big Shot to die cut my pieces. You could cut a piece that is 7 x 11 and use one of the larger die cutting machines. You  would than score at 3" and 8". This is where the panels would fold.

The invitation can be made by printing or handwriting the wedding day specifics on the remaining white cardstock piece.  Glue the white piece to the black piece and center that on the colored cardstock piece. 

To add the extra touch of elegance, make a small bow and adhere to the front of the left panel.  Place a half-back pearl in the center of the bow and you are done.

Here's another example of the same style but the color in on the outside of the gatefold.

This design could also be used for wedding and anniversary cards. Any special couple would love to get one of these cards.

I hope you give this a try.

Happy stamping!

Kathie K.

Wedding and Anniversary Cards

Hello fellow stampers,

Wow! What a crazy beginning to our summer.  So far three weddings and three big anniversaries.  I have to admit - I love make wedding and anniversary cards!  It's just another excuse for me to use my Big Shot and fancy dies.

For this wedding card, I cut out a large shape - any die will do, I used Spellbinders Label 20.  The negative space is nice to show some really pretty designer paper.

This next card was made for a special couple's 50th wedding anniversary.  This card uses several different dies - from Spellbinders - Fancy Framed Tags 2 and Oval Ironwork. From Stampin' Up, the oval nesting dies and from Creative Expressions, Gemini Pavo die.  The paper is vanilla or ivory colored cardstock with gold shimmer paper.  The "50" is heat embossed in gold.

This next card is made with the Eastern Palace suite - die and stamp set bundle from Stampin' Up.  The papers are also from the same collection - just beautiful designer papers.  The stamps are from several sets.  I couldn't find my Happy Anniversary stamp so I improvised and I think it makes the card very unique.  The medallion dies are layered with dimensionals to give it some life.  I am really enjoying this set - hope to post more samples soon.

I hope you get a chance to experiment with your dies.  Mixing and matching is really a lot of fun and you get something totally unique and stunning.

Happy stamping!