12 x 12 Fold Out

You may remember back in April I did a few weeks of 'fancy folds' using 12 x 12" papers.  Some of them are tea bag folding on a large scale, whilst others are simply creasing and cutting.  This is a simple one, which anyone could have a go at with excellent results....you don't have to be a craft expert at all.

Begin with a sheet of 12x12" paper - it doesn't have to be double sided, although my finished example (....yes I did make a completed sample for you...ha ha) I used a double sided sheet.  You will need to score one quarter of it's width on all four sides, ie. 3 inches in from the outer edge on all sides.  Place the opened sheet in front of you and decided which is the top and bottom (this may not make a difference, depending upon your pattern).  On the side pieces only, cut along the 3 inch lines at the top and bottom, until it meets the 3 inch line running vertically - see photos on the left.

If you wish to make holes to thread your ribbon/cord through, it is best to do it now.  I have on this one, but the finished sample below, I simply tied some ribbon around.  If you do punch holes, in the centre of the side panels, you may decide to reinforce these with eyelets, but it isn't necessary.

To close up, fold in the two smaller squares at the top and bottom, then fold these sections into the centre, then finally close the sides in (gatefold style).

To decorate, do so in it's opened out, flat position.  You might decide to add photographs for a special birthday, anniversary or other occasion.  You could add coordinating mats and stamp on panels to decorate, or if you are a computer whiz, why not find a nice verse to split between the panels.

Voila !!!  The decorated and finished sample :) 
Completely closed and tied with ribbon.

On the side panels I just stamped some flourishes, trying to mimic some of the paper's design.  The white panels are 2x5", the mustard 2 1/4 x 5 1/4", the blue 2 1/2 x 5 1/2".  The mustard and blue were colours I selected as they appear in small amounts in the colour palette of my chosen paper.

The smaller square 'reveal', I decided not to use the white, and I swapped the blue and mustard around.  Stamping a similar design on all 4 mats, and simply rotating each of them to form a symmetrical pattern, ensures it looks pleasing to the eye of the observer.
Blue  2 1/4 x 2 1/4", mustard 2 1/2 x 2 1/2"

I simply added a verse to the main large panel. Mat sizes: white 5x5", mustard 5 1/4 x 5 1/4", blue 5 1/2 x 5 1/2"

Again, images were stamped on the top and bottom panels **these do have a direction if you are using a scene style stamp as I have done.  These are exactly the same sizes of mats as the side panels.

There is plenty more scope to add more mats, or photos and some journalling, should you wish.

...... Happy Crafting everyone,
Christine