Card #4 KNOW YOUR 4 - Z FOLD

Hello there Crafty Friends - Its Week #4 of KNOW YOUR 4 - Any Reason Any Season.  This week's design is a Z Fold. 

My KNOW YOUR 4 is my Original Idea. Its four (4) of my favorite designs that I can make when I need a quick card.   You know, when we are running late for a birthday party; or when we have a funeral and no sympathy cards made up in advance.  This happens to all of us, so don't think you are alone in this.  Life happens.........it surprises us. 

Each KNOW YOUR 4 card is a basic design that beginner card makers can assemble with little supplies or preparation.  PLUS each of the 4 will also have a variation that will include more folding or layers.  

The Z Fold is my #1 all-time favorite of these four, because it’s easy AND there are many variations.

Do you have a favorite card design that you make often?   

Let's get to it, OK?

Let's start with the basic design instructions.

The card base folded is 5 1/2 inches high by 4 1/4 inches wide with the fold at the left.   To make the "Z", score and fold the front of the cardstock base at 2 1/8" which is half of the front.  Fold it back on itself.  You'll see the Z when you look down on the card as it is standing up.  

The front layer can be done 2 ways:

#1 Front of the Z Layer is 1 7/8" wide by 5 1/4" high.  As always make sure your patterned paper design is going the direction you want for the theme of your card.  The inside layer can be a coordinating print that is visible from the outside, 5 1/4" x 4".  The area for your signature is the inside of the 2 1/8" x 5 1/4", where you can add white if the color of the cardstock is too dark. 

#2 Layer could be a 5 1/4" x 4" piece that is glued to the outside half of the Z, and covers the whole front, with a white layer on the inside.  (This paper is "Scenic Coast", Stampin' Up! May - Aug 2026 catalog)

Both of these designs can use just the paper; OR could include a circle, oval, square or rectangle tag on the front with die cuts, ribbon, that is stamped with a sentiment.

VARIATIONS:

Z Fold with Bridge.  Make the card base for a Z Fold.   But before you add the printed paper layers, cut a piece of same color cardstock, 1 inch by 8 1/2".   Score this piece in half and 4 1/4" and then score at 2 1/8".   

The purpose of this bridge piece is to add a die cut or a sentiment tag that stands out and creates a focal point for a themed card.  There is a trick to attaching this that seemed backwards to me the first time I attached it.  Look at this example.   Note that the 2 1/8" section does NOT attach to the 2 1/8" wide front, but it attaches to the card base on the far right.  Then the 4 1/4" section is attached to the front Z section.  

                                                                              

If you're going to include a gift card, gift certificate or currency with this gift you might wonder where you would put it.   Here's what I did:  I placed my folded currency under a piece of ribbon on the inside Z section.   Can you see it here?

           

 You want to make sure that when your card with this bridge piece closes, that it folds flat to go into the envelope.  It may also need extra postage due to the bulk. 

For this card I cut the paper along the pattern.

Here's the first card that I made like this, was for a 16 y.o. boy for his birthday.  I used mountain view papers, and on the bridge, I put a die cut of a red truck, which was his new truck for his birthday.  

Look at your papers and see if you have scenery papers that you don't want to cover up with any layers or die cuts.  

I think you can see that this design is another one of the "KNOW YOUR 4" that truly could be used for any reason any season.

Decide if you want the bridge to hold a die cut, or sentiment tag.  Then decide how far up or down you want it to go to make an impact on the design.   

                                

I'd say glue it at 1 3/4" up from the bottom. This example shows a bridge made of the window sheet (Stampin' Up!) or clear acetate sheets.  I have found that overhead projector sheets are thick enough to use for a clear piece. 

                                

Add your die cuts or whatever you choose to make your focus piece.  Fold it a couple of times to make sure it folds flat.  If so, add your top layer on the front of the Z.  

VARIATIONS

Double Z fold, the card base is 5 1/2" high by 8 1/2" long. Score from the left at 1", 2", 3", 4".   These create the mountain and valley peaks as shown, as well as the remaining 4 1/2" main section.  With some of these Z Folds, like the Double Z, its appropriate to sign your card on the back.  If you wish to add a layer of white, cut it at 5 1/4 x 4 or smaller yet.  Who doesn't turn a card over to see the back? Kind of out of habit.  

Layers are 3/4" wide by 5 1/4" high.  

This is a good design to use the many coordinated pieces of a themed paper package, and to make a more deluxe version, one that the receiver may wish to stand on a shelf.   As with the basic Z Fold design, cut the layers 1/4" less on the width and 1/4" less on height of each of the Z sections.  

The pop out piece is a deer in the woods die, which I attached to the two mountain peaks.  If you add a pop-out section like this, make sure to close the card before gluing so you make sure that the pop out will not stick out farther than the card's edge.   For this design, I attached a white layer to the back and glued it on 3 sides so I could slide a gift certificate inside.

                            

This Double Z design is one I made for a neighbor's 100th birthday - Augie Baggiore - in 2023.   He passed away shortly after that, though he hadn't been ill till the last two months of his long life. 

Find me on YouTube to watch the instructions for a Z Fold  Card #4  Z Fold Know Your 4 

Thanks for stopping by! Be Blessed! sb

Card #3 WINDOW PANE - KNOW YOUR 4

     Hello there Crafty Friends - Its Week #3 of KNOW YOUR 4 - Any Reason Any Season.  This week's design is called a "Window Pane."   I've also heard this design referred to as Cathedral Window.

My KNOW YOUR 4 is my Original Idea. Its four (4)  of my favorite designs that I can make when I need a quick card.   You know, when we are running late for a birthday party; or when we have a funeral and no sympathy cards made up in advance.  This happens to all of us, so don't think you are alone in this.  Life happens.........it surprise us. 

Here are some cards showing the layer, a variety of prints, adding dimensionals, Scenery, and Christmas themes.

What are your designs that you go to?  Or do you have just one favorite that you use?   I'd love to know.  We can be inspired by each other's creativity.

In card making, this acronym has been used for many years: CASE.   It stands for Copy And Share Everything.  It means that when you are inspired by a design, it is expected that you can use it or that you will put your own ideas into the design. 

Despite the fact that much of our English language includes many acronymns, I prefer to say that a design "was inspired" by someone, instead of using CASE.  So if you are inspired by these KNOW YOUR 4 Designs, then go get creative!

I like this design because it uses pieces or scraps and you don't really have to use the same pattern ever.   What I think makes this design pop is the layer color under the "window pane" pieces.  

Let's get started, OK?

Today's paper is Velvet Meadow and Scenic Coast, available May 2026 at Stampin' Up! and an assortment of scraps - you use your favorite colors and themes. 

Card Base is 5 1/2 x 4 1/4" an A2 in the USA

One layer would be 5 1/4" x 4.   Using a layer is helpful so you can build your windowpanes on it, while adding a background color that will make your design stand out. 

Window Pane pieces are 1 1/2" x 2 1/4" and I used 4.  Assemble your pieces in any order or design.  You could add a sentiment circle or die cut in the center if you wish.  

(If you use two layers, then 4 3/4" x 3 3/4".   Note the layers on the cards above - even the white design has a layer.) 

Note that the layers are 1/4" smaller than the base (or next layer) so that you see 1/8" border around the edge as shown in the cards above. Memorize that the base for most card designs is 5 1/2 x 4 1/4".  You can figure out without measuring the layers of this size and any other size by just making your layer 1/4" smaller.   Do this often and you will have a card design with layers that you can put together in a short time, just like today's Window Pane design, KNOW YOUR 4. 

Gather smaller pieces of papers (scraps) and cut squares and rectangles to form a windowpane design.  The colors and patterns do not have to match.  Here's a design that uses an assortment of papers, that come together nicely with similar colors. Its layered on navy blue with a card base of white.

 STEPPED UP DESIGN - there are a few varieties of the Window Pane.  

Line up the four rectangles in the design order.  With a 1 3/4" or 2" circle punch, punch the corner out as follows:  Lower right for the upper left rectangle.   Lower Left for the upper right triangle. Upper right for the lower right triangle.  Upper left for the lower right triangle.   It may seem confusing, so look at the picture here.   The punched-out pieces when lined up in the pattern will create a circle in the middle.

Now that you can look at this design, re-read the punching directions, and see it make more sense. I have not tried another punch shape but the corner of a square, oval or hexagon shape may create a unique design.  

You can leave the card design just like this; or add a die cut as shown below.   Add dimensional tape to the center of the flowers to pop them up. What do you think - do the flowers cover up the punched out design?  Maybe.  Perhaps you could create the same without the circle.   It might be that the little butterflies or small flowers would still reveal the punched out circle.   Let me know in the comments what you think.    

                                                     

If you don't regularly use dimensionals, here's how it looks close up.  

                                                                

This design is also good for any occasion - "Any Reason - Any Season". Usually papers that you find in a packet are of a color scheme or theme, and there are many that you want to showcase but which ones?  This design is perfect to show off the various colors and prints.   I especially like this for a Christmas or fall design where you can use many of the prints but also put a themed die cut as your centerpiece. 

Card #4 of KNOW YOUR 4 will be the Z-Fold and many variations.   

Find these designs here on my blog AND

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Thanks for stopping by!  Be Blessed! sb

                                                                Now Go Get Creative!

Card #2 KNOW YOUR 4 - FRONT FLIP/SPANNER (Spring 2026)

 Hello there Crafty Friends - Its Week #2 of KNOW YOUR 4 - Any Reason Any Season.  This week's design is called a "Front Flip" or I've also heard of it called a "Spanner Card."   

This KNOW YOUR 4 is my Original Idea. Its four (4) of my favorite card designs that I know so well: no measuring, and I can assemble it in a short time.  You know how that is! When you are running late for a birthday party; or you have a funeral and no sympathy cards made up in advance.  This happens to all of us, so don't think you are alone in this.  Life happens.........it surprises us. 

This design shows all one print across the front.  It is one of four (4) designs that I created for an order of cards for our local Hospice Home staff and volunteers Thanksgiving of 2025. 

Each KNOW YOUR 4 card is a basic design that beginner card makers can assemble with little supplies or preparation.  PLUS each of the 4 designs will also have a "Stepped Up" version that will include more folding or layers.  Find today's video here on YouTube

Card #1 (blogpost from 4/27/26) is the SHOW OFF.  That's my name for that design.

Today's card, the FRONT FLIP or SPANNER card has many wonderful components:  Its another card that shows off both sides of the papers, or two coordinating prints in the same paper pack; it can be used to create a scene; it has space to write a note as well as a signature; and my favorite surprise, its easy to create a slot for a gift card or currency.

Let's get started ok?

The papers and supplies I'm using are Stampin' Up! from the May 2026 catalog.  Please use any papers you have or those you like from your own collection.

This card design is landscape which means that the fold will be at the top and that it measures 5 1/2" WIDE and 4 1/4" HIGH, opening up. 

                                    

Card Base - 5 1/2" x 4 1/4".  You'll need scissors, or a paper trimmer that has a blade that slides and NOT a blade that is on an arm; a scoring tool, ruler to measure and adhesive of your choice.   I use Tombo liquid glue and/or Art Glitter Glue (no glitter involved) with a fine tip.

CUT the two end sections, with the card out flat in front of you, opened, with the fold in the middle: you're going to cut from the edge up to the fold, 1 1/4" section on the left and the right.   That leaves a middle section that measures 3". 

LAYERS for front: 

Side flaps:  cut 2 pieces that are 1" wide and 4" high, making sure that the direction of the pattern is vertical (up and down). 

Center flap: cut 1 piece that is 2 3/4" wide x 4" high.

Attach the layers to the front of the card.

To figuring out the sizes of layers, just remember this:  for a 1/8" border of the cardstock base all around the layered piece, cut the layer 1/4" smaller.   Example:  the sizes of the cardstock front of this card are: 1 1/4" wide by 4 1/4" high (there are 2 sections like this, one on each end).  So to make the print paper layer, it would be 1 wide and 4 inch high.  Do you see how there is 1/4" less in the width and the height?   

One of the most valuable things I've learned in cutting layers for bases, is knowing that each layer is 1/4" smaller for most designs. Knowing this and cutting that way has saved me so many wasted pieces of paper that were not the width or height that I wanted. 

Fasten the side pieces to the base.  With a very thin bead of glue around the edges of the top card base, attach the top flaps to the base.   

Now you will have the "front flip" piece in the center which opens the card.  On the inside you will have space to write a note on the top and signature on the bottom.   If your cardstock is dark, add a white layer to the inside. 

VARIATION #1   POCKET FOR GIFT CARD, CURRENCY, A NOTE, or STICKERS

Decide which side - left or right - you want to create the pocket.

Instead of gluing the cardstock on the three sides to attach to the card base, glue ONLY the bottom and outside.  This keeps the piece open on the inside edge. 

Its just big enough to stick the edge of a gift card, currency or note in.   

STEPPED-UP VERSION - SPANNER Design   

The two differences in the Spanner design are that there is a 5 1/2" x 1" strip that attaches across the front to the two end pieces.  This piece can be made out of a window sheet, or clear cellophane; or a patterned paper that coordinates with the theme of your card. And then by attaching this spanner piece across the front, the two end pieces open the card first - they are not glued down, and then the center piece is opened.  

                                                        

To begin the Spanner Design, cut the card base the same, with the two side pieces up to the fold.  

Next add the Spanner piece which measures 5 1/4" long and 1 - 1 1/2" high - make sure to check the direction of the pattern so you cut it with the pattern landscape or across. The reason this Spanner piece is not 5 1/2" long is that you want the edges to be hidden under the side pieces.  If this is confusing, you'll see it come together in the pictures.

Once you've glued the Spanner on, then you can add the two end pieces OVER the top of it, just like you did initially.

Now flip up this section and add the layer to the middle section. All the measurements for the layers are the same as the original design above. When you flip this Spanner section up, you can see how it will look when the Spanner section opens first.  

 

   

This Spanner design has more space inside to write and sign, the full 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 as you can see in this last photo.   

Here's the way it looks when it is open. 

                    This design shows the Spanner well because the paper used is a different print.  

                                    

Thanks for Stopping By!  Be Blessed! sb

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KNOW YOUR 4 - Card #1 - April 27, 2026

 Hello Crafty Friends!   I haven't posted for awhile but I'm glad to be back, since writing is my #1 enjoyment right next to crafting.

Here are some current photos that go along with my Youtube and Instagram posts from today, April 27, 2026.  You can also find my original post on my KNOW YOUR 4 card designs here:

Card ConnoisSUEr - Susan Boback: "Show Off" Card Design #1 - Know Your 4

While I still love the beautifully coordinated Stampin' Up! products, some of the products I use and create with are various other brands.   In 2026, the three craft hobbies that come together for me are sewing, cardmaking and junk journaling.   I have to agree with creator Anne Kenlon (junk journalist) that making junk journals really brings together all her favorite crafts!  and that's a Me Too!

I invite you to join me on Instagram, YouTube, Face Book and here on my blog, though my blog name is spelled a little differently.   While I use variations of Card Connoisseur Susan Boback on the other three platforms, my blog name here is cardconnoisSUEr like my name - its the first platform I used to share my card making ideas years back.   Don't forget, then, that I'm the ......SUEr  here on the blog!

                                

Here are the two cards I featured on today's video on Youtube    KNOW YOUR 4 Series: 4 for Any Reason Any Season

These are the "stepped up" versions.   

Here are the basic design - Card #1 of KNOW YOUR 4

Take an "A2" size card - that's 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, scored in half at 4 1/4"

Shown here is the front of the card.  From the fold over to the right, cut 1 1/2" off.  Set that aside.

Now with your printed paper, cut a piece (make sure to check the direction of the print) that is 5" wide x 5 1/4" high.   Cut off 1 inch of the pattern as shown.

Here is a photo of the 2 pieces of printed paper for the front, which you will attach to the cardstock.

Make sure to attach the 1" strip to the 1 1/2" section of the blue cardstock.  Then add glue to the inside of the 1 1 /2" cardstock and press the 4 x 5 1/4" print paper in place.

This is the basic card that you can leave just like it is.  "Let the paper do the work" is exactly how this design is - nothing else is necessary to complete this card.   

Now here's how to make the "Stepped Up" version, which includes another piece of cardstock and few extra folds.

                                                            

Use the piece that you cut off of the front as shown.   Score it in half width-wise at 2 3/4". 

You can punch a hole in it as I have down or you can stamp an image or add a sentiment.  Using this flap gives more dimension and interest to the front.  Center it on the inside and glue.  Then layer it with a white layer - 5 1/2 x 4 - to cover where it is attached.

                                                            

    

          Here's the completed card with the punched-out design of this Scenic Coast paper.   

                                                             

 
And here's one more with the Valley in Bloom papers, both are Stampin' Up! and available in the new catalog as of May 4, 2026.

                            

Thanks for stopping by to view CARD #1 of my KNOW YOUR 4 - Any reason, Any Season card designs.   

Use these when you need a card in a hurry - one you don't have to measure for.   Or look at your own favorites and plan to make your own KNOW YOUR 4 or maybe even KNOW YOUR 2.

Be Blessed!   Go Get Creative!