AUGUST Focus: Stand Alone Mechanism

 My focus for August: Mechanism.  I define that as a structure that makes your card pop or give a surprise to the receiver. 

August Focus: Mechanism #1 demonstrated three different  mechanisms that must be attached at the fold to work.   Look for Mechanism post previous to this date. The Shrinky Charms are a fun extra.

Today's Mechanism: Stand Alone Mechanism, using the Mechanism as the card itself.   This Mechanism is a basic structure with even sides and a tab.  So #1 is a cube.  It does not matter how wide or high the cube is, but it MUST have 4 equal sides AND a small tab to attach the sides together in a cube, AND like every other card you make, it must be sized to fit in your envelope. 

Stand Alone Mechanism Basic Card is 8 1/2" x 4 1/4".  On the 8 1/2" side, score at 1/2" first - this is the tab. Then score over from the 1/2" line, 2, 4, 6.  Now fold at each of the score lines, and add tear & tape or glue to the 1/2" tab, and attach the opposite end, lining it up evenly to form a cube.   Follow the specific directions below to add layers, die cuts and sentiments. 

Mechanism #1 Stand Alone Mechanism  - Tall Tower

The card I have designed fits in a Business #10 Envelope, the reason I call it a Tall Tower.

                                        

Cut a piece of sturdy cardstock 8 1/2" x 8 1/2". Follow instructions above for Basic card.

To add layers to the Tall Tower, cut Designer Series Paper in 4 pieces: 1 3/4" x 8 1/4".  For beginners, do you see that these layers are 1/4" smaller than the width and the length of this card base section?  It is 8 1/2 x 2, thus the layer is 8 1/4" x 1 3/4"

Choose your prints according to your theme - one of the many reasons we love our Designer Papers - they're coordinated.  You just have to pick 2 or 4 pieces.   NOTE: You could add the layers before you put glue on the tab and make it into a cube - it might be easier to get the layer even on each section.

Now that is your card.  Flatten it so that two (2) layers are up and 2 are face down.  It should fit exactly into the No. 10 envelope, but first add some sentiments, ribbon, stamped images or punch art or die cuts.

I've used the bird from Perched in a Tree stamps, with this beautiful "Winter Meadow" papers, available Sept 6, 2023 in the NEW Mini Catalog.  The page with the berries reminds me of our blueberries, now being picked in the Northern Great Lakes region.  

I've designed this Tall Tower as a sympathy card for my very dear friend Diane. I wanted her to have a card she could stand up, as well as flatten for storage if she wants to keep it.  

CAUTION: Your Die Cuts canNOT extend beyond the side of the card.  It can extend over the edge of the center fold, which is why you must fold it flat a couple of ways before you add your die cuts.  The reason to do this in advance is that you don't want your die cuts to be folded as an effort to fit the Tall Tower in the envelope.  

Include a note that explains that the Tall Tower is the kind of card that is designed to stand up on display.

Mechanism #2 Pin Wheel Tower. This is the style of card which showcases the many coordinating prints in a package of Designer Papers.   

Using Basic White cardstock, cut a piece that is 9" x 4 1/4"  This will fold flat to fit in a 5 x 7" envelope.

On the 9" side, score at 3", then 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8.   Fold on the score lines, and see that the card base starts to curl on the scored lines.

To form the shape, roll it inward on the folded inch sections. 

Bring the last 1" section to the first fold/score line on the opposite end.   Glue this down either using glue or Tear & Tape.  

Here's how it looks, standing on end.

Here's how the base looks from the side.

Cut six (6) pieces of Designer Series paper.  Today's card I've used pieces of Winter Meadow, available Sept 6, 2023, that are 3 x 4 1/4.  Usually the top layer is 1/4 inch smaller.  These are not, but you could decide to make them 2 3/4" x 4" if you want that 1/4" border. 

Glue each of the layer pieces on at the 1" section of cardstock, checking the pattern and direction of pattern on the paper as you assemble.

Add sentiments to every other section or small die cuts for your theme. 

This is definitely the kind of card that will need a small note explaining that it is a Pinwheel Tower, designed to stand up.

These are the products I used for these two Mechanism cards.  Hop over to my website to take a look. If you wish to order you can do so from the website at "Shop Now".   Please join my class page on Face Book: Card Connoisseurs - Card Making with Susan Boback, where you can post your projects, watch weekly videos, and be part of our creative community.

Here's my Stampin' Up! website. (click)

I used Winter Meadow papers (Sept 6, 2023)

Misty Moonlight, Basic White cardstocks

Hope & Prayer stamp set

Perched in a Tree stamp set

Courage & Faith

If deer die cuts, they're from Grove Deer dies

Ink colors on sentiments are Berry Burst, Pecan Pie, Misty Moonlight

Tear & Tape

Tombo All Purpose Glue

Water Color Pencils for the bird color with Blender Pen to blend the colors

I'm really pleased with how these two cards with a mechanism turned out.  I might have to make some more with new papers!   Will you make one?   

I'm in love with paper, and as a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, I enjoy a new catalog every 4 months to keep the designs of our cards exciting and interesting.  I also love making 3D projects - that's anything but a card.   If you'd like to join my team, Card Connoisseurs, and get a 20% discount on your purchases, check out my "Join" tab at my website. There is absolutely NO obligation to order another thing or to sell - really!

Thanks for stopping by!  Be Blessed! sb