Traditions of Christmas, Greetings for You Ephemera, Arrow Fold Technique, Christmas Card, Stampin' Up!

Hello and welcome to my blog. Today I have a fun card to share with you. It's called an "Arrow Fold" or "Fan Fold". Not quite sure why the word fold is in it, there's nothing folded except for the usual center of the card.  Anyway, that's what it's called. It's pretty easy to do but there's a lot of pieces to it.  For all the exact measurements and some tips, please check out the video where I found this layout at.  You can see it by clicking here.  I'm having you go there because it's a bit difficult to describe the pieces. Please read on because I do have some tips for you.

The base of my card is a folded half-sheet of Real Red card stock. I accented with Pool Party card stock. I did put a 4" x 5-1/4" piece of Pool Party card stock on the inside and I added a piece of Basic White that was trimmed at an angle for the inside.

On the front I used the "Traditions of Christmas" Designer Series Paper (DPS). 

When I cut the pieces for the large triangle's layers, I made sure I cut from the left upper corner to the bottom lower corner. I kept that orientation for all of the pieces that needed to be cut from corner to corner. If you switch orientation, the pieces won't lay right and you'll have to start over. 

The pieces for the small arrow are done the same.

When taping or gluing the arrows in place, I lined it up where I wanted it to be. I started by holding the pointed end in the bottom left corner and pivoting the piece till the upper tip touched the top edge of the front of the card base.  I held it firmly and used my fingernail to make a mark so I knew where not to add tape.  I did that for both the large and small arrows.  

The words are from the "Greetings for You" mix & match ephemera package. I used the second to the last stitched circle in the "Stylish Shapes" set to cut the Real Red layer. I actually removed the backing from the word piece this time and stuck it to the Real Red circle. Oh my, you really need to be exact with setting that in place because you only have one shot at it. The sticky backing is SUPER sticky! Mine is a little off but it's close enough. I did add Dimensionals to the back of the layers and set it in place on the bottom of the card.  This is going to go to someone very special because a card like this is very time consuming and should go to someone who appreciates the effort that goes into making it!

Before I started my card I cut two sheets of copier paper (I have a stack of scrap- used copier paper). I cut them both in half and then I cut three of those in half again.  I the half sheet was folded in half to form a card base. As I was watching the video I cut the pieces from copier paper so I got a feel of what I was doing and how it was going to go together.  I was glad I did that because when I went to make the actual card it went together so quick and easy.  The issue I had was how to decorate the front. I wanted the DSP to speak for most of the card but I needed some wording. That's when I thought the "Joy" would be perfect for that little space and it was.

This was a fun card to make and since I made one of copier paper I have it for my stack of 3D samples for future reference.  I also mark the date I posted the card using that layout so I can look back to refresh my memory and maybe get some more inspiration. I find those 3D copier paper "cards" handy.

Thank you SO very much for taking your time to stop in and see today's Christmas card,
Wanda