Tutorial - Secret Message Cards

An innocent looking gatefold card with a pretty woven centre... but when you know the trick, you can discover the hidden secrets of the fabulous Secret Message Card!

1. You'll need one piece of card stock measuring 6" x 8" and two pieces measuring 6" x 2".

2. Place the 6" x 8" piece of card stock horizontally on your score board and score at 2", 4" and 6".

3. Fold back and forth along each score line so that you have plenty of movement in each fold.

4. Fold in half along the 4" score line.

5. Using a trimmer or craft knife and ruler, cut horizontally from the centre fold to the score line in 11/2" increments, ensuring you cut through both layers of card stock. Your cuts will measure 11/2", 3" and 41/2" from the top of the card.

6. Open the card. The cuts you made should be evenly spaced in the centre section, as in the photo below.

7. The two 6" x 2" pieces of card stock are woven through the cuts in the centre of the card. I found it necessary to slice off a tiny slither from the long edge of each piece so they would fit comfortably side by side.

8. Fold the card along each vertical fold line as shown in the photos below. Use a bone folder to reinforce the creases.

9. The mechanism works by squeezing the centre section together and then separating the two sides. See the photo sequence below.

10. This is the location for your secret message! I have stamped sentiments on each of the "hidden" squares. You could add a little picture or flat embellishment if you prefer.

11. When the centre is closed again, the words disappear like magic! It's fun to watch people try to figure out how it works and what became of the words they just saw.

12. Decorate the front of the card as desired. I added an image and sentiment as well as some patterned paper and hand doodling for a border.

13. Below is a back view of the card, as you can see, the sentiment is not visible from either side until the centre mechanism is folded correctly.