Box card patterns have been around for a while… Whether you like to hand cut or use a cutting machine, this basic pattern, is great to have in your collection of creative files. Adding a few elements of clipart and more, this gift will warm someone’s heart!
You’ll need:
- Pop up box card (by Arda Designs) This pattern is a printable and there is no SVG in the file. Permission to convert to a cutting file was secured from the designer for this project (for all files on Creative Fabrica this is allowed). There are also a couple of different versions of the card in the zipped file.
- Hot Air Balloons (by MyClipArtStore)
- Printer
- Scissors
- Editing program to resize clipart (Photoshop Elements, Word, Paint, eCal, SCAL, etc.)
- Electronic die-cutter and software (optional)
- Cardstock in desired colors
- Cloud stencil (from personal stash)
- Grass stencil (from personal stash)
- Adhesive (double sided tape, glue, pop-up dots)
- Button Activated Sound Module by InvitebyVoice.com (optional)
- Audio recording (audio used for the card and in the video is from MelodyLoops.com)
- Additional embellishments and sentiments as desired (stamps, DIY Thickers, markers, inks)
This card and all elements were cut using an electronic die cutting machine.
Prepare the designs
Choose the digital elements you want to use on your card. Purchase, download, unzip the file and import the elements you want to add to your card to your cutting software. Size and print using your software’s directions for Print 2 Cut (eCal3 was used for this project). Following your software’s directions align the registration marks and cut. Set these elements aside.
If you’re hand-cutting the basic card, download, unzip and open the jpgs you wish to use; print the pattern using the print feature on your computer. Trace to your cardstock, cut and score along the lines as indicated in the pattern. Repeat for the panels and inserts.
If you’re using a cutting machine software, there are no SVGs included in the purchased file. You’ll need to trace the images using your software’s Trace command. For all files on Creative Fabrica you can convert a design to the file format that you need. If you have downloaded the file from another platform you should first check with the designer before you convert the file. Once the image has been traced, using the erase tool, remove the lines that would be scored (the bottom half of each of the sections of the card and redraw, setting the lines to score. Preview to make sure all the lines are set to score or to cut correctly. Make any changes you need to before sending the command to cut. Fold the card in both directions (mountain and valley fold) to train the cardstock to fold either direction.
Repeat the trace process for the panels. A faux stitched line was added to each of the panels for added interest. This stitched line can be created by highlighting the panel, select effects, shadow layer. Set the shadow layer to inset and increase to 0.150. Set the color to white and check outline only. Click ok. Once you are back on the mat, click on the shadow layer to highlight it and set the lines to dashed. Repeat for each of the panels for the card.
To color the panels, a cloud stencil and a grass stencil were used, blender tool and distress inks
Top panels just have clouds on them. The lower panels have grass stenciled along the bottom.
Once all the stenciling is completed, adhere the panels to the card. As shown in the next images. And while the card is still flat, add your personalized sentiment to the back of the card.
Add sound module
Before assembling any further, if you plan on adding a sound module to your card, now is the time to get that ready. Choose your audio file and using the instructions in the packaging, or on the website; load the audio to the module. It’s really a very easy process. The base of the module is a little large for the inside of the front panel. Trim away about 1/8 of an inch from 3 sides of the module. Be careful to not cut or disconnect the wires from the module board or the push button. Remove the backing from the module and secure to the inside of the card, on the front panel. Using a small punch, punch a hole in the panel to the right of the front panel when looking at the inside of the card. Cut a small strip of paper from your scraps.
Remove the adhesive strip from the back of the button. Secure to the strip of paper. To each end of the strip add a piece of narrow foam tape. Remove the backing from the foam tape. Center the button over the hole and secure the strip to the card. As shown in the image above. When you push the button, from the panel of the card, the recording should play.
Finish assembling the card by gluing the tab to the back of the card. Let dry. Make sure the card will fold flat in both right and left directions.
Add Inserts
Add the inserts to the card. Three (3) inserts were added to this card. Make sure the card will fold flat after adhering each insert. Decorate the inside back panel with a cloud and the sun. Add the second cloud. Use pop up dots for a little more dimension if desired. Some inking was done on the clouds.
Adhere the elements to the inserts. Create or gather any additional elements you are wanting to use to embellish the card and add as desired. These DIY Thickers were made using some sentiments created in eCal3. They were added to each of the fold down panels using some redline heavy duty tape. (a basic tutorial to create Thickers can be found in the Embellish a Box article posted here.
Have fun creating your box card. This generic file can be notched up a multitude of ways. Create something that will bring joy to your heart and that of the recipient. And don’t forget to add a personalize sentiment!
Thanks for stopping by. If you choose to make a card using the same file, be sure to share with us. We would love to see your makes. And for additional inspiration, visit Jan’s author page or her blog.
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