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How to Make a Tunnel Card

Hey guys! Today I'm going to show you how to make a really simple tunnel card. Here are the basics of what you'll need:
-A piece of 4x6 cardstock
-Glue
-Scissors or other cutter-thingie
-A scoring board (optional!)

 Begin with a 4x6 piece of paper with both sides decorated. For this project, I used a sheet of Black & Ivory 6x6 from this month's Alpha Stamps Kit and cut it down to size. I colored the plain back with Tim Holtz Distress Paints, so the paper would have a design on each side. If you have a scoring board, make score lines at 1/2, 1 1/4, 2, 2 3/4, and 3 1/2 inches. If you don't have a scoring board, it's cool! Just wait until the folding steps and carefully mark and fold along those measurements.
 Cut your piece in half, so you'll have two 3x4 pieces.
 Now fan-fold at your score lines (or marked measurements if you don't have a scoreboard) so that you end up with two pieces that are mirror images to one another, paying attention to the patterns on each side. One will be kind of like a "W" and the other should be kinda like an "M".
 Take the back piece of your 4x4 Chipboard Die-Cut Frame and glue your pieces onto the outside edges .
 You'll end up with it looking like this!
Now smear a little glue on the top flaps of your fan-folded pieces to attach the front of your frame.
 Carefully line up the back and front of your frame set and press it down, getting the glue nice and stuck. 
 Now you've got an awesome little card base to get yourself tunnel-bookin' it. 
 All of the hard part is over! And it wasn't even that tough, was it? All that's left to do is reach into the tunnel and glue bits and pieces to those different levels to compose a little scene inside. I found it easier to use an alternative adhesive like an ATG or dot runner to stick on the elements, since there's zero drying time... But regular glue or gluestick will work just fine.
 What's cool is that this little thing will fold flat, so you can mail your mom or dad, or whomever, one of these and they will be super impressed when they get a little 3D surprise.

And here are a couple more examples:


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17 comments:

Deb R said...

Simply gorgeous!

Tina said...

FUN! We loved the pop-up cards, even made a motorcycle one for my father-in-law (who called ALL excited when he received it in the mail). I am not sure who we would send the tunnel card too, but I just know one will be made soon. Thanks for sharing and the inspiration!

Creepy Glowbugg said...

That is awesome!! I will be making one this evening. Thanks so much for sharing!!

Unknown said...

I'm always up for ideas on any kind of "book". I love the tunnel "vision" in this. I have one suggestion--why not add your bits before you glue on the top layer. It would be a lot easier and you could lay the top on to make sure what you add is visible. Thank you for sharing!

Corinne Marie said...

Really lovely....great texture with all layers!!

Corinne Marie said...

Love it....wonderful layers!

Margie said...

Thanks so much for the tutorial - it all looks so easy (when you know how!) Hugs, Margie

Wendy said...

thanks for the tutorial, i must have a go at this, though I'm not convinced my effort would be in the same league as yours!

Sandi McLean said...

Awesome fun!!! I feel one (at least) being created in my studio :)

Kathi said...

So fabulous!

Thanks for the great tutorial with step-out photos for us visual learners.

I'm pinning this!

Renee said...

Thanks for the tutorial, you make it look so easy!

silentblair said...

You're such an inspiring enabler!
I love these cards and as always your color palette tones just blow me away!

Chark said...

so cool, thanks!

Kathi said...

Great tutorial. I'm pinning it for future reference.

I loved all the tunnel cards!

Alicia B said...

Beautiful! I have made one of these in the past but just put a flat picture inside. I LOVE the idea of making them pop out as well! *Hugs*

Crippled Crafter said...

Love this idea & thanks for such a simple tutorial! Please can you add a pin button to your share menu - it would be great to be able to keep it on my pinboard for future reference!

DIANA L. said...

Beautiful card I love it and I will definitely give it a try. YOur papers are so pretty and all the elements you used are so fun thank you for the great idea!!! Have a blessed day
DIANA L.

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