Folded with Flair: A W Fold That Pops with Personality!

Made By Alice Hedgeman

Paper Crafting as an Art

Paper crafting is more than just assembling cardstock and ink—it’s about creating meaningful connections through design, texture, and creativity. One such masterpiece is Alice Hedgeman’s breathtaking W Fold Pop-Out creation, a testament to the artistry of handcrafted cards. Thoughtfully designed for the 2025 Jan–April & SAB Swap as part of the Creative Inkers Team, this card blends an interactive mechanism with rich textures, transforming a simple greeting into a cherished keepsake.

A Thoughtful Design

Inspired by the creative genius of Connie Stewart, Alice’s creation was crafted for a swap involving eight participants, ensuring consistency in style while allowing variations in cardstock color. Each card maintained the same W Fold Pop-Out mechanism, Timeless Plaid DSP, Bright Border Stamp Set, and Starstruck Embossing Folder, creating a unified yet personalized collection.

For this swap, Alice created eight cards, carefully selecting cardstock variations to bring subtle differences to each design. While this specific version features Old Olive and Mossy Meadow cardstock, other cards incorporated ink colors such as Misty Moonlight, Pecan Pie, or Old Olive. Despite these differences in cardstock shades, the fun fold structure, DSP selection, and stamp set remained identical across all cards, ensuring an elegant and cohesive aesthetic throughout the swap.

Front View & Layout

The front panel of the card is divided into two sections by a vertical strip of Mossy Meadow cardstock, offering a raised, structured appearance. The Timeless Plaid DSP, framed with narrow borders, creates a cohesive plaid design that adds depth to the visual appeal.

A sentiment panel placed toward the bottom right features the heartfelt message: “From me to you,” stamped in Old Olive ink on Basic White cardstock. This contrast in color ensures the sentiment stands out, framed by additional floral accents stamped in Old Olive ink for a soft, organic touch.

Inside View: Layers & Textures

Opening the card reveals a structured arrangement divided into four sections, blending Basic White, Mossy Meadow, and Old Olive cardstock to create a rich visual experience.

At the heart of the interior design lies the Starstruck embossed panel, a tactile feature crafted with Old Olive cardstock. This raised embossing forms delicate starbursts, adding elegance and depth to the composition.

• Left & Right Sections: Both feature Timeless Plaid DSP, bordered in Mossy Meadow, framing a writing panel accented with floral stamps.
• Middle Section (Embossed Panel): A textured transition between the writing sections, providing a sophisticated focal point.
• Bottom Section (Writing Area): A Basic White panel ensures easy readability for handwritten messages while maintaining a polished aesthetic.

How the W Fold Pop-Out Mechanism Works

This unique card transforms a simple greeting into an interactive experience. Instead of lying flat, it unfolds dynamically, revealing multiple layers and textures that invite the recipient to engage with every detail. The zigzag structure allows it to stand upright, making it a beautiful display piece.

Measurements & Materials Required

To recreate this stunning design, a selection of high-quality materials and precise measurements are required:

Cardstock Measurements

• Mossy Meadow cardstock (base):
  • 14 cm x 21.6 cm – score at 5.4 cm, 10.8 cm, and 16.2 cm
  • 7.6 cm x 15.2 cm – score at 7.6 cm
  • 3.8 cm x 5.7 cm
• Timeless Plaid DSP:
  • 6 pieces – 4.8 cm x 13.3 cm
• Old Olive cardstock:
  • 14 cm x 21.6 cm – score at 5.4 cm, 10.8 cm, and 16.2 cm
  • 7.6 cm x 15.2 cm – score at 7.6 cm
  • 6.4 cm x 7.6 cm
• Basic White cardstock:
  • 2 pieces – 7 cm x 7 cm
  • 3.2 cm x 5 cm
  • 7.6 cm x 10.8 cm
  • 5.7 cm x 7 cm
• Ink:
  • Old Olive, Misty Moonlight, or Pecan Pie (variations across swap participants)

Tools Required

To achieve a clean and precise finish, these tools will help:

• Bone Folder – for crisp folds
• Stampin’ Cut & Emboss Machine – for embossing details
• Paper Trimmer – for accurate cuts
• Stampin’ Clear Blocks – for stamping
• Stampin’ Mist & Scrub, Shammy – for easy stamp cleaning
• Glass Mat & Grid Paper – for alignment
• Multipurpose Glue or Adhesive of Your Choice

Final Thoughts

Alice Hedgeman’s W Fold Pop-Out card is more than just paper and ink—it’s a true testament to creativity and craftsmanship. Designed to captivate and engage, its intricate layers, dynamic folds, and carefully curated elements elevate it beyond a simple greeting, transforming it into a keepsake to be treasured.

This beautifully constructed card is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can turn a simple gesture into a lasting connection. Whether exchanged in a crafting swap or given as a heartfelt gift, this timeless fun-fold creation is sure to make a meaningful impression.