Hey, crafty friends! Rick here, and I’m so excited to be on the blog today sharing a fun interactive card featuring some of my favorite products from Miss Ink Stamps. I love finding creative ways to add movement to my cards, and this Sliding Gatefold Card is the perfect way to make a handmade card even more special. Plus, I couldn’t think of a better stamp set to feature than the Owls Stamp Set—after all, if an owl is delivering your message, it might just take a little extra time to get there, right?
The Magic of a Sliding Gatefold Card
If you haven’t tried a Sliding Gatefold Card before, you’re in for a treat! This interactive design looks intricate, but it’s surprisingly simple to create. It has all the charm of a traditional gatefold card, but with a clever mechanism that allows the front panels to slide open in a really fun way. It’s a great way to add a little extra surprise for the recipient—especially when paired with an adorable focal point like these Miss Ink Stamps Owls.
I started by creating the card base and layering on the Cobblestone Stencil for a subtle yet textured background. Stenciling is such an easy way to add depth without bulk, and I love how versatile this particular stencil is. Whether you’re going for a rustic stone pathway or something a bit more whimsical, the pattern works beautifully for so many designs.
Bringing the Owls to Life
The Owls Stamp Set steals the show on this card. These little guys have so much personality, and they were so much fun to color. Whether you prefer bright, bold colors or a more muted, natural look, this set gives you plenty of options. I decided to keep my color palette warm and cozy, playing up the charm of the design.
A little pro tip: When coloring critters, layering light and dark tones can really bring them to life. Start with a base layer of light color, then build up the shadows gradually. And don’t forget to leave a few small highlights on the eyes and beak to keep them looking bright and expressive.
Once my owls were all set, I used the Owls Coordinating Outline Dies to cut them out perfectly. Having coordinating dies makes placement so much easier, especially when working with interactive cards where movement is key.
Assembling the Card
Once all the elements were ready, it was time to bring the card together. I positioned the owls so they would move along with the sliding mechanism, creating a dynamic effect that really makes this card stand out. The final touch was a fitting sentiment that tied everything together, making this card perfect for a special delivery.
Interactive cards are such a fun way to take your cardmaking to the next level, and this Sliding Gatefold Card is definitely one I’ll be making again. If you haven’t given this style a try yet, I highly recommend it—it’s one of those designs that looks impressive but is totally doable.
Video Tutorial
Final Thoughts
I had so much fun creating this card with the Miss Ink Stamps Owls Stamp Set, Coordinating Dies, and Cobblestone Stencil, and I hope it inspires you to try an interactive card of your own. Whether you’re sending a little happy mail or just experimenting with a new fold, adding movement to your cards is always a great way to surprise and delight the recipient.
Happy crafting!
Rick
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning the designer may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them.