How to Make Stand-Up Accordion Cards

When someone gives you a gift, or does something nice for you, its appropriate to send a thank-you card. Theyre all the same, though. A folded card that has images and wording on the outside, then a poem or other message inside. Those are nice but you can do something much more spectacular to tell that special person how much you appreciate them. Make a stand-up accordion card and theyll keep it forever. Theyve probably never seen anything like it so this "thank-you" will be very special, indeed! Use cardstock, poster board, thin cardboard or something similar to make the basic card. Poster board and cardstock come in assorted colors and thats perfect for choosing the design you want for the card. When using cardboard you can simply glue on gift wrap, scrapbook paper or similar coverings.

Use stencils or other methods to spell out a single word or phrase. Draw "THANKS", "I LOVE YOU" or another message. As you draw the letters make sure each one touches the next one. Each letter can adjoin the next by touching it near the bottom, near the top, or along the same side. After youve drawn out the message you want to give simply cut around the letters. Cut them out so that you leave each letter touching the next. So, when youre finished cutting, you have one long piece of paper that has the entire word or phrase connected.

Fold the cutout in an accordion-style manner, making the folds between each set of letters, and folding it right where one letter meets the other. Now all you have to do is stand up the finished card and see how it spells out the message. Fold it back up, make a special envelope, then send it to the recipient. They can stand it on a counter, mantle or other flat area to show it off to friends. You can make the finished card much nicer by using certain craft supplies to embellish it. Use stickers, paint markers, sequin, colored tape, glitter, buttons, fake jewels and similar things to make the design you want. Its nearly guaranteed that the recipient has never seen a card quite like this one. Some different cards you can make include "Graduation", "Anniversary", "Love", "Peace", a childs name or even the name of that childs favorite pet. The messages dont necessarily have to be in the form of gifts for others. Use the unusual technique to make a large centerpiece for a holiday table or just to set on your dresser. There are a lot of different ones you can make and there are many different ways to use them.