How to Make a Gatefold Card (Side Gatefold With Measurements)

Cut a piece of cardstock to 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches. Jessica uses a dark navy. Lay it on a scoring board with the long side across and score two lines: one at 1-1/2 inches and one at 5-3/4 inches. You can use the scoring blade on a paper trimmer instead. A scoring board is handy if you plan to make a batch, since you only set the marks once.

Fold the narrow flap in along the 1-1/2 inch score line. Line the edges up neatly at top and bottom before you press down. Then run a bone folder along the fold to give it a sharp crease. A crisp crease helps the card stand up and makes the flap sit flat when the card is closed.

Fold the wide flap in along the other score line. Its edge should butt right up against the edge of the narrow flap, with no big gap and no overlap. Check the top and bottom line up, then crease it with the bone folder. If the flaps overlap or gap, the score lines were off, so measure again from the same end.

Cut a strip of patterned paper 1-1/4 x 5-1/4 inches for the narrow flap. Jessica prefers double-sided tape for this. Run tape on the back of the strip and center it on the flap, leaving an even navy border all round. The dark border frames the paper and hides any small cutting wobble.

Cover the wide flap with a 2-1/2 x 5-1/4 inch piece. If your paper has an obvious pattern, like these teacups, start with one 3-3/4 x 5-1/4 inch piece instead. Trim a 1-1/4 inch strip off one side on your paper trimmer. Use the strip on the narrow flap and the rest on the wide flap, and the pattern runs straight across the closed card.

Cut white cardstock to 2-3/4 x 3-1/2 inches. Ink a clear stamp, here a striped teacup, and press it straight down. Clear photopolymer stamps make it easy to see where you are placing the image. Add more layers in other colors, such as leaves and flowers. They do not have to line up exactly, so do not overthink it.

Tape the stamped piece to a 3 x 3-3/4 inch navy mat. Now the important part. Turn the mat over and put adhesive only down its left side. Leave the right side bare. That side will sit over the join between the flaps, and any tape there would glue the card shut.

Open the card all the way so it lies flat on the table. Run a line of adhesive along the edge of the wide front flap, where the panel will land. Opening the card first means no stray tape can grab the other flap. Jessica's honest advice: she learned this one the hard way.

Close the card and use it as a guide for placement. Line up the panel so it sits centered on the front and overlaps the join. Press it down on the left side only. Then open and close the card a few times to make sure it swings freely. If it sticks, lift the panel before the tape sets.

Dark cardstock is hard to write on, so add a white insert to the inside panel. Cut it a little smaller than the panel, about 4 x 5-1/4 inches. Stamp a small flower in one corner or leave it plain for a long message. Run adhesive on the back and press it in place. Your side gatefold card is ready to sign.