January 2023 – Elisabeth Hogarth Designs

Hello again

Before I leave fond memories of Christmas 2022 behind, I have one more set of cards to share. This blog post and video were originally made for the team at Graphic 45 and include full instructions for a set of diamond fold cards that can be used with other papers.

Making Christmas cards is an absolute joy, especially when using the wonderful Warm Wishes collection from Graphic 45. This quartet of festive cards are based on one of my go-to card folds – the diamond easel card. This card is a great starting point for beginners or for batch-making cards. However, by adding a few more steps it is easy to create showstopping cards for the extra special people in your life.

HOW TO MAKE THE BASIC DIAMOND EASEL CARD

Each card begins with a basic 5”x5” card blank cut down to create a diamond shape.

Measure and mark 2 ½” along the top edge, the right edge and the bottom edge.

Draw a feint pencil line to create a diamond point.

Using a paper cutter or a pair of scissors – cut away the two triangles to create a diamond-shaped card base.

Use a scoreboard or carefully fold down the 2 ½”. line (the top mark will meet the bottom mark) on the front of the card.

Next, decorate the card using the elements shown below

PLEASE NOTE – THE DECORATIVE PANELS OF EACH CARD HAVE THE SAME DIMENSIONS. However, each card has different elements.

A full tutorial with decorating tips can be viewed on the Graphic 45 YouTube Channel

LINK –

DIAMOND EASEL CARD – PORTRAIT

1 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as shown above

1 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card

2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

2 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

1 – 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles

1 x Warm Wishes Chipboard element to create a stopper

Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate

Decorate the inside of the card first. Then adhere the 3 1/2 “ x 3 ½” white card topper to the triangle (fold) on the front of the card. Remember to glue the square on the lower half of the diamond, before continuing to decorate.

The Warm Wishes 12×12 papers work perfectly with white, kraft and black cardstock.

The Warm Wishes Ephemera makes wonderful toppers and the Warm Wishes Chipboard pieces can be used as toppers to hold the front easel in place on the card.

DIAMOND FOLD CARD – LANDSCAPE

1 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as shown above

1 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card

2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

2 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

1 – 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles

Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate

This time, keep the diamond in landscape mode and decorate as for the portrait card above.No stopper is required.

These cards lie flat for posting and fit inside a standard envelope.

The next card makes a great card for the special people in your life. It is based on the same idea above but this time there is a diamond panel on each end and a large centre panel to add a sentiment.

DOUBLE DIAMOND FOLD CARD

2 – 5”x5” white card blank with a diamond point on front only

2 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card

2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

4 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

1 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

1 – 4 ¾” x 4 ¾” decorative panel from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

1 – Warm Wishes Journalling card – large

Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate

When making the initial card base – remember to cut the diamond point on the front panel only. The two square panels are then adhered together to form the main card. To achieve a clean line – try cutting ¼” away from one of the squares. Then both cards will sit well together, allowing you to close the card flat.

The Warm Wishes Journalling cards work well, both as sentiments inside the card, and decorative panels, to add your own text on the back of the card.

The final card is a real showstopper and would look great on a festive mantlepiece.

TRIPLE DIAMOND FOLD CARD

2 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as diamonds and scored down both 2 ½” marks

3 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card

3 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

6 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers

1 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles

Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate

The two card bases are created in the same way as card number 2. Then both sides should be scored down at the 2 ½” mark. The two centre triangles are folded in and upwards and the centre topper lays flat on both of them. Full details and tips can be followed in my video on the Graphic 45 YouTube Channel.

This set of cards is perfect for beginners and more experienced crafters. By working with one basic card fold, four different cards can be created. They make wonderful Christmas cards, however, each style can be used throughout the year.

Happy crafting!

Love Elisabeth xx

TOP TIPS

Take care with the fold lines and use a bone folder if possible.

Use wet glue to stick the toppers to the triangular flaps rather than to the topper.

Take your time when lining up the diamond toppers to the card base – ensuring that the bottom point perfectly matches the card base.

The Double Diamond Fold card and the Triple Diamond Fold card will lie flat for postage – however if adding additional toppers – consider making a matching box to hold these showstoppers into.

SHOPPING LIST

WARM WISHES 12X12’ PAPERS COLLECTION PACK – https://g45papers.com/product/warm-wishes-12×12-collection-pack/

WARM WISHES 12’X12’ PATTERNS AND SOLIDS PAPERS