Splitcoast Tutorial: Bench Fold Card

This week's tutorial over on Splitcoast is a Bench Fold Card - it's similar to the Bridge Fold Card we did a couple of months ago BUT this card has flat surface in the center when opened that can become a platform for all kinds of little scenes!

I created a little potting table with my card, and made a few adjustments because I'm me and I just can't help it sometimes....! 

I wanted my center platform to look like a table, so I stamped a wood grain border down the panels with my MISTI, adhered them together, then used my grid mat to center a rectangle die on the bottom. This created an opening that gave my little table some legs.

I also wanted some standing elements on my table top, so I created some little pop-up mechanisms out of 1/2" wide strips of cardstock. This one is 4-1/2" long, and I scored it at 1", 2", 3", and 4". The one for the watering can is 3-1/2" long, scored at 1", 1-1/2", 2-1/2", and 3". Those are glued on just 2 sides so they can lay flat when the card is ready to mail or store.

Here's my little trick for getting even lines on the banner - the center pencil is raised up, just there as a spacer so the pencils stay an equal distance apart... then I just followed the curve of the sentiment!

I went a little crazy with the bunnies, but LOOK AT THEM....! They are so cute.

Here's my table top - I love that the stamped elements have matching dies. Those are watercolored using Clearsnap Premium Dye ink, by the way - I have been playing with those this week and I love them - the pads are foam instead of felt, and the inks are so intense and juicy.

Here's what the card looks like all folded down flat - I trimmed mine to 4" high so it would fit in a business size envelope for mailing. So fun!

Stamps and dies from Impression Obsession: Hydrangea Blooms clear set and matching dies, Bunny Poses die set, Pots die set, Foliage die set,

I hope you'll give this one a try - our tutorial sample is a kitchen counter scene, and our author has some other fun ideas as well... me too, I just don't have the dies to create them. My other options were a sewing table and a birthday table... next time. :) Cheers!