Looking for a card design that’s both easy and impressive? Today, I’ll show you how to create an accordion style fun fold card with a surprise pop-up element on the inside! This fold is such a fun way to add a little extra “wow” factor to your handmade cards while also showing off your favorite patterned papers.
The cards I’m sharing today feature the Fluffy Squirrel Bundle and some autumn-themed patterned paper from Stampin’ Up! But don’t worry—you can easily adapt this design with any supplies you already have in your collection.
Creating the Fun Fold
First let’s talk about how to create the base of this accordion style fun fold card. Start with a 5-1/2 x 11″ piece of cardstock. Score the 11″ side at 1-1/4. 4-1/4, 5-1/2, and 6-3/4.” Accordion fold on all the score lines. That’s it! The hardest part about creating this card is deciding what patterned papers to use to decorate it!
One of my favorite things about this fun fold card is that the design enables you to show off your favorite patterned papers! For this card, I am featuring the Autumn Toile Designer Series Paper along with the Fluffy Squirrel Bundle. The squirrel images make a cute little focal point and pop-up surprise on the inside of the card.
This accordion style folds add an interactive element to your handmade cards without being overly complicated. When the recipient opens the card, they’re greeted with layers of patterned paper and a small pop-up surprise that makes the card feel extra special. It’s the kind of design that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to put together.
Decorating the Card
Once you learn how to create the base of this fun fold card, the decorating possibilities are endless! For this card, I continued using an autumn-theme. However, I did change the colors and patterned paper for this card. I am featuring some of the papers from the Gathering Together Designer Series Paper pack paired with the Fluffy Squirrel images.
The playful squirrel images and rich autumn colors work beautifully with this fold. Of course, you can use any supplies you already have on hand—this accordion fold works well with all kinds of themes, from birthdays to Christmas and everything in between.
Tutorial & Supplies
This accordion style fun fold card adds an interactive element to your handmade cards without being overly complicated. When the recipient opens the card, they’re greeted with layers of patterned paper and a small pop-up surprise that makes the card feel extra special. It’s the kind of design that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to put together. Feel free to download the free tutorial.
I hope you enjoyed this fun fold card idea and are inspired to give it a try. Be sure to watch the video to see the creation of this fold in action. I also have some tips for decorating the card. Have a fun and creative day my friends! ~ Lynn
I bought this squirrel bundle because I am an animal lover. I also bought your squirrel tutorial. Your price is so modest, affordable. Thank you for being so generous with your time and abilities. Love your blog!
hope mitchell
Thanks so much Hope! I appreciate your order and I hope you enjoy the card ideas. Have fun creating!
Fun design. Love the squirrels!
Thanks so much! I do love those little squirrels!
Absolutely beautiful card, video and tutorial, as always. so look forward to your card making videos knowing it will be fantastic! Thank you Lynn!
Thanks so much for your sweet comments. So glad you enjoy the card ideas, videos and tutorials!
I love all your cards you make, so thank you for the PDF’s and videos!!! I also appreciate you Paper Pumpkin alternative cards. Hugs!!
Thanks so much!