Secret Message Card Instructions

I had so many requests at the Port Sunlight show on Saturday, also in comments and emails, for instructions to make this simple Secret Message Card. It looks complex but once you try it you will realise that it is quite simple and has a variety of options to make it your own style.

There is a sample in my previous post and here, in this one, I used printed card and stamped the quotes on the reverse blank surface.

There are many examples out there on the web of this fold so I won't credit anyone in particular and I have added lots of ideas of my own to the original one I spotted somewhere ages ago.  

 The cards are really effective when standing opened 

 The front

 To make the card cut an oblong piece of card... any size as desired. I generally use an A4 piece of cardstock and cut 2 or 3 inches from the length. Concertina fold it into four sections. You can make a smaller card with just 3 sections. 

Make the sections a minimum of approx 1.25 inches (3cms) for stability. I never measure, I just judge it.

Fold in half and cut through the centre two sections to create the slits. 

These do not have to be measured unless you REALLY prefer to have have four even flaps. 

You'll see here that they are irregular and when complete you'll see that it doesn't matter.

Cut two pieces of card slightly smaller than the quarter sections.

You can use printed card or a good quality 2 sided scrapbook paper 

or you can decorate it yourself. 

Remember to decide where your quotes etc., will be stamped.

If they cannot be on a light coloured surface then they can be stamped and mounted onto plain card.

The quotes/ messages, images can go on to the main body of the card, instead of or, as well as on the inserts.

Weave the inserts alternately into the slits.

If they are too narrow they will slide out.

If they are too wide they will not slide in.

The surfaces can be stamped and decorated before inserting them and, if it helps, you can make a pencil mark to indicate their positions.

I often stamp them in situ and if I make an error I stick a mounted item over the mistake!

If you prise open the centre the card opens to reveal an inner section where your secret message can hide. This will happen on both sides of the card.

Cards can be presented gate fold style with a mounted front stuck on to the left hand side. Remember to trap a ribbon sandwiched behind the front layer of card and the mount if you want the card to fasten.

The cards can also be presented fourfold giving a slim line finished result.

Some options....

The card can be cut with pointed tops on the main card and/ or on the inserts.

A ribbon can be added to the tops so it looks like tags.

This black and white one has been stamped alternately "black on white" then "white on black"

Ribbons can be tied to the slits without impairing the mechanism of the card.

If you add brads then you will need to add something to cover their backs, eg., a stamped, mounted quote,or a toning punched out shape, as all surface will visible at some stage of opening all the sections.

Acetate was layered on the front panel and inserts for this "Time" themed card were made very effectively from good weight acetate, coloured and stamped. 

Have fun if you try this out and please shout out if anything is not clear to you.