Tutorial - Suspension Cards

Often called Spinner Cards, these fabulous creations add a little bit of excitement to your card giving. Wind up the suspended image, fold the card and wait for the squeals of delight when it's opened and the string spins back into place. Great for people of all ages and easily adaptable for just about any occasion.

1. To make a card similar to mine, you'll need a card blank measuring 4" x 51/2" when folded, a piece of card stock measuring 33/4" x 51/4", and a piece of patterned paper measuring 31/2" x 5". You will also need two flat mirror image embellishments that you can suspend in your card, such as a stamped image, paper flower or similar. You don't have to use a fussy cut image like I did, a small card stock circle with a little stamp will work perfectly. Select a die that fits completely around your little embellishment.

2. Using repositionable glue or tape, secure the single piece of card stock to the front of your card blank keeping a nice even border around the four sides.

3. Cut a window through the piece of card stock and the front of your card blank using the die and a die cutting machine. If you don't have a die cutting machine, use a kraft knife or trimmer to cut a window through both layers.

Cut a length of heavy thread, crochet cotton or similar. It has to span the window with a little extra on either side that can be anchored in place.

4. Secure the thread across the centre of the window with tape and glue. The tape will hold the thread in place while the glue dries. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the adhesive to dry before adding the embellishment.

5. Secure the piece of card stock over the top of your card blank, sandwiching the string in the middle. Take care to line the windows up and keep the side edges parallel. Allow to dry completely.

6. Cut a slightly larger window from the patterned paper and adhere to the front of the card. Nesting dies are ideal for this step.

7. Place a strip of double sided tape on the back of one of the little embellishments and press it down over the string. Make sure your card is open so that you don't adhere the image to the inside of the card! Add a second piece of double sided tape to the back of the other embellishment.

8. Flip the card over so that you're working on the inside and on the back of the first little embellishment. Add strong glue or tape and secure the other embellishment over the top, sandwiching the string between the two. Add any additional decorations, stamped sentiments or ephemera that you wish.

Stamps: