Tutorial - Gatefold Card

I was surprised to discover that I hadn't done a tutorial for a basic gatefold card considering they are so easy to make and so popular amongst card-makers.  There are many different variations on the gatefold card, but the basic idea is to create a card that opens like a gate or door, with two side flaps and a central opening.

 

 

1.  Start with a card blank.  Mine is 9" long x 41/2" high and will create a square card measuring 41/2" x 41/2".  You can use any size you like as this card relies on proportions rather than actual measurements. 

 

2.  Now you want to fold the ends of your card into the centre so they meet like a gate.  There are a couple of ways to do this - you can either score a vertical line at 1/4 of the way across the cardstock and again at 3/4 of the way across OR you can mark the centre of your cardstock and simply fold the two ends into the middle so they meet.  Now you've formed a basic gatefold card.

3.  To decorate, I cut two pieces of cardstock measuring 41/4" x 2" and another two measuring 4" x 13/4".  I layered these together and then adhered them to the front flaps of my card.  I also added a ribbon bow and a simple punched shape with a stamped sentiment.

TIP: Don't throw out your off cuts.  If they aren't big enough to use on their own, try cutting them into squares that can be assembled to form a patchwork.  You'll have a lot less wastage and a pretty feature for your card.