Halloween Lantern Cards
Halloween is upon us, and the parties are here! If you have ever walked through a party supply store, you may be thinking about the price of decorations or invitations. Every item adds up, right? To save you some cash, I’m here to share a 2-in-1 project for you that will decorate your party table but also double as a gift or invitation too.
This project combines a pocket card idea with a 3D project – this card turns into a lantern! Add a battery operated tea light and you are set to go. To save you time, this project can be created using any of the A2 sized folded cards that are on sale this month at CutCardStock! I am using the Pop Tone A2 Black Licorice card stock for this example.
You will take 2 of the folded cards and glue them together so you have 3 panels – essentially a tri-fold card. Next, you’ll take a basic die cut to create a window on each panel. I’m using a top note style shape that has a stitched border.
Once these are cut, flip the tri-fold over and cut out 3.25″ by 4″ panels in CTI Clear Glama Vellum, and adhere them over the openings of the 2 side panels. I like to use a clear glue or a clear adhesive tape to minimize the glue showing through. However, in this case, my borders cover this up.
The middle is covered with a 4″ by 5″ rectangle die cut panel made in Basis White 80lb. paper. Then, I cut matching top notes and stitched borders with the same rectangle die cut in a couple different colors: DCS Medium Purple and Pop Tone Limeade Green. Add the contrasting borders to each side window.
Flip the paper over again and you now have the windows covered. I have the remaining DCS Medium Purple and Pop Tone Limeade Green trims that I can add to the outside windows, also covering the glue.
Into my die cut stash I go! I’ve had many of these Halloween shapes for years – so use what you have! You can also cut basic shapes on an electronic machine, if you have it. These ghosts and witches are cut in some Pop Tone Black Licorice scraps of paper, and adhered to the front of the CTI Clear Glama Vellum windows.
One note – when this project folds up, you will be able to see the 2 different panels from the front. I recommend placing your Halloween shapes strategically so you see them both! Now, stamp sentiments to the front and back of the white panel, and set this project aside.
The pocket of this card also doubles as the top of your lantern! For this, cut a 6″ by 6″ square of Pop Tone Black Licorice paper. Add fold lines in a criss-cross pattern, and trim one corner of those lines to the center of the square.
Fold the corner of the cut side in on itself until you have a 3 sided pyramid shaped triangle. You can glue this together or, if you want to fold it up later, use some washi tape to keep it together for the lantern. Add this to the top of your folded card and it should hold your shape in place. Don’t forget to put that tea light underneath.
If you are going to mail this or keep it for next year, you can fold this lantern top up at the diagonal, and again in half. This becomes the “pocket” for the card, and is also easy for you to store when it is not in season. Slide the tri-fold card into the middle and tie it up with a ribbon.
I love this project! Especially when something has multiple uses, and can double as a gift. I appreciate you joining us today on the blog – remember to check out the folded card sales going on at CutCardStock this month as you plan your crafty party ideas. See you next time!
