Oh my goodness, the Hooray For Surprises stamp set and dies were the first things to catch my eye in the new January – April Mini Catalog and the first new products that I played with. However, I was stumped on how to easily make them work for designing interactive cards. Yes, I wasted quite a bit of cardstock. But I finally figured out an easy fool-proof method to use them with super fun results!
Lining Up the Hooray For Surprises Dies
I started by cutting three pieces of cardstock the same size.
- One to make a template/pattern
- A second for the “bottom” layer that is revealed when the tab is pulled
- And the third for the top layer that will be decorated
For this card, these three pieces were all Basic White and were 3″ x 3″
You want to start by cutting the “template” and the top layer. Stack the two pieces together and run through the Cut & Emboss Machine at the same time so that the die is placed in the exact same spot on each piece.
Keep in mind that these dies do not cut all the way through. The shape will stay attached in a few little places, making it easy to tear out.
To complete the “template,” pull out the die-cut piece. You will be able to use this over and over if you are making more cards with the same size layers. DO NOT pull out the die-cut piece of the other layer – that is for the top of the card and for you to design.
Next, you will want to stamp the secret message that will be hidden until the tab is pulled. Lay the template over the top of the third 3″ x 3″ piece of cardstock (this one has not been die-cut) and stamp your greeting in the opening.
Now it’s time to decorate your front layer. Remember, this has been die-cut, but the piece is not torn out so be gentle with it. I started by stamping the “pull” on the tab so the recipient would know what to do with it.
Then I added some stamped and die-cut images, making sure to only adhere them to the die-cut area.
TIME TO ASSEMBLE – now you will need to adhere the decorated top layer to the bottom layer (that has no die-cut in it.) Make sure to only place your adhesive around the die-cut area (outside of it.) Remember, the die-cut area is meant to be torn out revealing the hidden message.
That’s it – card complete! Fun interactive cards that everyone will love!
Measurements & Supplies
MEASUREMENTS:
- 5″ x 3 1/2″ Basic White Note Card
- (3) pieces of Basic White – 3″ x 3″
- Basic Black – 3 1/8″ x 3 1/8″
Another Interactive Card Idea
Here is a fun birthday card also made with the Hooray For Surprises stamp set and dies. It was so simple to make and I am sure whoever I send it to will get a kick out of pulling the tab to reveal the surprise message.
MEASUREMENTS:
- Basic White Note Card
- (3) pieces Basic White – 4 3/4″ x 3 1/4″
Follow the same directions as above for first making the template, stamping the inside secret message, and assembling the card.
Make These Interactive Cards
Do you want to make these fun and unique cards with a surprise? Once you understand the basics as to how the dies work, the ideas are endless. Design them in any way you want, and add any greeting to the inside!
If you’d like to order the Hooray For Surprises stamp set and die bundle, just click the link below. It will also show you all the supplies and colors that I used.
Doggone Friendly Card Inspiration
Just for fun… here’s a card idea with my second favorite product from the January – April Mini Catalog!
I saw this Doggone Friendly background stamp and my heart melted. In my family, we are all dog lovers. And I think this pup-tastic stamp is going to get a lot of use out of me.
There’s not much to this card, so it’s not going to get its own blog post. Which is why I wanted to just add it in here. Because everyone deserves to see these furry friends!
Card Measurements & Supplies:
- Basic White Thick Card Base: 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
- Basic White: 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, stamped Doggone Friendly in Memento Black, and trimmed edges
- Sentiment and die cut from Timeless Arrangements
- Real Red heart from the Bee Builder Punch
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I totally missed what this was all about! Thank you for waking me up to a great surprise card!
You’re very welcome! These new dies are so much fun, and something so different!
Jackie
Did you try putting a gift card in the one that has the pull strip?
I have not done that yet, but I know that you can! Use larger layers and make sure to put adhesive far enough to the edges to leave room for the gift card.
I will probably get the set to use mostly that way on one of my next orders. I’ll let you know how it works out.
Yes, please do! It’s a great set.