See 3 greeting card folio tutorials ranging from simple to more complex. Each folio includes coordinating cards, making them great for gift giving.
Several weeks ago I shared a fun technique for stamping with acrylic blocks. One of the projects I showed included a greeting card folio. Now I only briefly showed the folio and so afterward got several requests from people to share the details. As a result, I decided to make folios the focus of my weekly Facebook Live event.
Now, these folios when filled with coordinating cards make a great gift. The three folio designs each offer benefits based on how much time you want to invest and how big you want the gift to be. Here’s a quick summary of the benefits of each folio:
- The first folio is super quick and easy to make and can hold 2 full cards with envelopes OR 4 postcard style inserts with 4 envelopes.
- The second folio is a bit more involved but still easy to make. This one can hold up to 3 cards and envelopes.
- The final folio is the largest and can hold up to 5 cards with envelopes.
Note: The capacity depends on the thickness of the cards you choose to put inside.
Here’s a top view of the three sizes of folios.
Here’s a view of the spines of these three folios. The spine widths are ⅜”, ½” and ¾”.
In today’s post, I’ll focus on the simplest, smallest folio, and its contents.
That said, you’ll also see the templates for the other two folios at the end of this post. The contents of the second two folios will be shared in separate posts at a later date.
This first folio design is so easy. It doesn’t even require adhesive to put it together!
In the photo below you’ll see the dimensions and scoring required to make this greeting card folio. You’ll score in just three places!
When you fold up the bottom flap and attach it on the ends it creates two pockets for your cards or postcards as shown here:
For the front of this folio, I’ve used the Borders Abound Stamp Set with the Stamparatus, to create the repeating pattern of images.
The images are heat embossed using white embossing powder on watercolor paper. I’ve then done a watercolor wash using Pretty Peacock and Garden Green ink with the largest of my NEW Water Painter brushes. The smallest Water Painter brush was then used to color in select shapes here and there.
For this second version, I did a watercolor wash with Pacific Point ink over the heat embossed images. This one was so quick and easy to make! Check out my Facebook Live video at the end of this post to see how I created this focal piece.
To decorate these simple “postcards” I’ve heat embossed in white on a strip of watercolor paper and then did a watercolor wash.
The envelopes are each stamped with one of the colors included in the watercolor wash for each respective “postcard”.
For my spring-themed version, I used Gorgeous Grape and Melon Mambo ink refills with my Water Painters. Each flower was then colored individually with a little more Gorgeous Grape ink.
For my summer-themed version, I used Pretty Peacock and Garden Green ink refills with my Water Painters. Some of the elements were then colored individually with both colors.
For my fall-themed version, I used Garden Green, Crushed Curry, and Cajun Craze ink refills with my Water Painters. Each leaf was then colored individually with a little more Cajun Craze ink.
For my winter-themed version, I used a Pacific Point ink refill with my Water Painters. Each leaf was then colored individually with a little more Pacific Point ink.
Here’s a close up of these watercolored strips:
I just love the rainbow of colors in this greeting card folio and coordinating postcards and envelopes!
As promised, below is the template for the second folio.
This folio has a complete set of coordinating cards. Watch for another post coming soon, with more details about this greeting card folio and its contents! You can also watch my video, just ahead, to see me create this folio live.
The third folio template is included here.
This folio has a complete set of cards in it as well. Watch for another post coming soon. The construction of this folio is exactly the same as for the second folio. It’s just sized differently so it can accommodate more cards.
Watch my Facebook Live video below, to learn how to customize your folio to make it the size you want it to be!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my projects today and that you’re inspired to make a greeting card folio, (or more than one), for the special people in your life!
At the end of this post you’ll find project dimensions for all three folios and a complete supply list of the products used for my first folio. Check back soon to see more details about the other two folios and the coordinating cards inside!
Happy Crafting!
Melissa 🙂
More Going On Now
- Preorder Mini-Catalog “Taste of a Suite” Product Shares through 8/3/20 ONLY!
- Get a $5 Coupon with Every $50 in Merchandise during Bonus Days! – Click HERE to Shop Now!
- New Technique Class Available – Click HERE to learn about my Dry Embossing with Vellum Technique Class.
- Become a Newsletter Subscriber and get Special Perks!
- GET FREE Card Kits when you Place Orders in my online store!
- Earn Loyalty Leaves with your purchases in my Online Store! Cash them in for FREE Stampin’ Up! products! Click HERE to learn more.
- Join me for my next Facebook Live Event on Thursday 7/30/20 at 7 pm EST. Find me on Facebook by clicking here: Melissa’s Crafting Treehouse Facebook Page
Click HERE to Shop in my Online Store Now!
Current Hostess Code:
R2SBGFZP
Use the current hostess code to get Free Card Kits and other perks with your qualifying purchases!
If your order is $150 or more Do NOT use the hostess code! You’ll get hostess rewards AND Free Card Kits too!
Not sure how to apply the Hostess Code? Click HERE to learn more.
Check out the NEW 2020 – 2021 Annual Catalog PDF below.
Check out my Facebook Live and video tutorial here:
The project demonstration begins at around 5 minutes in case you’d like to jump ahead.
If you watched this video here on my blog and enjoyed it, please go on over to my YouTube channel and give it a Thumbs Up, Share it with friends and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. I’d be so grateful! Plus, once you subscribe, you’ll have the option to click on the bell, to be notified whenever I publish a new video.
Project Dimensions:
Folio #1 (Smallest)
- Body in Whisper White: 8-1/2″ x 10-3/8″ Scored @ 5 and 5-3/8″ (on the long side) Scored @ 2-3/8″ (on the short side)
- Focal Piece in Watercolor Paper: 3-15/16″ x 5-1/16″
- Focal Backing: 4-1/8″ x 5-1/4″
Folio #1 (Postcards)
- Backing in Gorgeous Grape, Pacific Point, Garden Green or Pretty Peacock: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″
- Whisper White Layer: 4″ x 5-1/4″
- Watercolor Strip: 3/4″ x 4″
Folio #2 (Midsize)
- Body in Rich Razzleberry: 8-1/2″ x 11″ Scored @ 1/4″, 5-1/4″, 5-3/4″ and 10-3/4″ (on the long side) Scored @ 2-1/4″ and 2-1/2″ (on the short side)
- Basic Black Layer: 3-15/16″ x 5-3/16″
- Artistry Blooms Designer Paper for Focal Piece: 3-3/4″ x 5″
Folio #3 (Large)
- Body in Mint Macaron: 8-1/2″ x 11″ Scored @ 3/8″, 5-1/8″, 5-7/8″ and 10-5/8″ (on the long side) Scored @ 2-1/4″ and 2-5/8″ (on the short side)
- Soft Sea Foam Layer: 4-3/8″ x 5-1/2″
- Mint Macaron Focal Backing: 3-7/8″ x 5″
- Watercolor Paper Focal Piece: 3-5/8″ x 4-3/4″
Hi Melissa – I have just recently ‘discovered’ you and am thrilled to learn you live in NC. I live in Mills River outside Hendersonville…where are you? I have tried to e-mail you but have never been able to use Outlook. Would you mind sending me your e-mail address so I can communicate with you using another program?
I am a Demonstrator/Hobbyist but am really interested in classes and just getting together and crafting with friends. Laughter is also important to me and doing my part to make the world a happier place.
Please reach out to me at your convenience…and I would love to send you a bunch of book recommendations!!
Hugs – Louisa (Lou) Davis
loudavis2019@yahoo.com
828-505-6744
Thanks for your comment! Laughter is most definitely a wonderful and important part of life. I do it as often as I can! 🙂 I will reach out to you through the email address you’ve provided. Have a wonderful day and Happy Crafting!