Let’s take what we learned about explosion cards using the squash fold from yesterday’s projects and expand on the idea. Another fun use for the squash fold is to use it as a card base. By making the starting square of patterned paper larger at 8-1/2″ you can create a squash fold with the finished size of 4-1/4″ x 4-1/4″. This perfect square card not only fits nicely inside an envelope, but also gives you plenty of space to decorate and embellish on it.
Please refer to my video tutorial, Papercrafting Playdate 61, to watch the step by step process of putting these cards together, and then download the inspiration pdf below for your files.
Supplies Needed for Squash Fold Card
- 8-1/2” x 8-1/2” patterned paper or cardstock
- 4 – 4” squares (2 basic white and 2 patterned paper)
- Any pieces you want to decorate the front of the card
Optional Pieces for Closing the Card
- 1” x 9” piece of cardstock for a belly band.
- 16” ribbon
Directions
- Fold the 8-1/2” x 8-1/2” patterned paper as instructed for the squash fold.
- Cut the 2 – 4” squares of patterned paper in half diagonally and adhere on the inside of the squash fold on the triangle spaces.
- Stamp the inside sentiments on the Basic White 4” and attach inside the squash fold.
- Stamp and decorate the front of the squash fold as desired.
- If using a belly band to hold the card closed, wrap it around the closed card and press the sides gently to create the folds then adhere the ends where they overlap. Add a focal point image or die cut onto the front of the belly band.
- If using a ribbon to hold the card closed secure the ribbon under the focal point on the front.
Tips
- If using cardstock for the squash fold, score the cardstock first before folding at 4-1/4” for the half folds. This will help keep the cardstock from wrinkling when folding.
- The finished size of the squash fold will be exactly half the size of the starting square. The 8-1/2” square will be 4-1/4” when folded.
- You can use any size square to begin with to make this fold. The 8-1/2” square is the largest size that will still fit into an invitation size envelope.
Happy squash folding – it’s so much better than folding laundry, I promise! -Robin
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