A card that folds flat, stands up on its own and gives your favourite paper a lovely frame. That’s what I wanted to create with this easy sunflower fun fold! 🌻

Bruno here today, sharing a “Hello Friend” card made with Sunflower Fields Designer Series Paper and the Radiant Sunflowers Stamp Set and Dies. The square front opens into a freestanding display, with coloured flowers across the frame and a place to write your message on the back.

An easy fun fold with a simple structure

I worked out the idea with a scrap-cardstock prototype before making this version. The structure uses two scored pieces joined into a box that can fold flat.

The clever part is how the front attaches. The outside frame is attached to one side of the base, while the centre panel is attached to the other. As the base opens, the frame and centre move apart to create the display.

There’s no complicated mechanism hidden inside. Once you see the assembly in the video, you can adapt the decoration with papers and stamps you already enjoy using.

Warm colours and a textured frame

I chose Cajun Craze for the outer frame and Pecan Pie for the structure. The Sunflower Fields paper adds colour and detail to the centre panel, giving the flowers a coordinating background.

I embossed the frame with the Timeless Herringbone Embossing Folder. This was a demonstrator preorder item when I filmed the video, so it may not yet be available to customers when you’re reading this.

Embossing softened the frame a little, so I added an extra cardstock frame behind it for support. A narrow Pecan Pie frame on the front added another border and helped tidy the edges.

If you’re trying this with an embossed frame, check how firmly it holds its shape before attaching it to the base. An extra layer can help keep the finished display standing neatly.

Adding depth to the flowers

I stamped the flowers onto Basic White cardstock with Memento ink and coloured them with Stampin’ Blends. During the replay, I show how I build up the colour to give the flowers more depth.

The colouring palette included Golden Glow, Daffodil Delight, Smoky Slate, Cajun Craze, Mossy Meadow and Old Olive, with a little Calypso Coral around the edges.

The coloured flowers sit across the front of the frame, alongside the “Hello Friend” sentiment. I tried a few extra decorative pieces during the live session before settling on the finished design. Sometimes it helps to place a piece, step back and decide whether the card actually needs it!

Measurements to get you started

These are the main measurements I shared at the end of the video. Watch the replay for the cutting and assembly, particularly where the frame and centre attach.

• Front panel: 6" x 6".
• Outer frame: cut an opening leaving a 3/4" border.
• Centre opening: approximately 4-1/2" square. Trim the finished centre panel slightly smaller if needed so it moves freely.
• Structure: two pieces measuring 6-1/2" x 6".
• Score each structure piece at 3" and 6" along the 6-1/2" side.
• Suggested rear decorative panels: 2-7/8" x 5-7/8". I used slightly smaller panels on my sample.

A place for your handwritten message

On the back, I added coordinating patterned paper and a Basic White panel for writing. A stamped and coloured floral detail connects the back with the front.

I love that the recipient can display the card and still have your personal message tucked around the back. A simple “Hello Friend” is a lovely reason to reach out without waiting for a special occasion. 💌

Watch the full YouTube replay

Want to make one? Come and craft along with me! In the replay, I show the frame cutting, the scored base, the flower colouring and how the pieces fit together.

You’ll also see the little changes I made along the way, including strengthening the frame and trying different finishing details.

If the video isn’t displaying, watch the full sunflower fun fold tutorial on YouTube here.

Make it with your favourite paper

You can take this fold in your own direction with different patterned paper, colours and a sentiment you’d like to send. Try making the structure from scrap cardstock first, then bring out your favourite supplies once you’re comfortable with the assembly.

If you make one, Kylie and I would love to see it! Share a photo with us and show us how you’ve made it your own.

Live in Australia? Shop Stampin’ Up! supplies with Kylie and Bruno below.

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Shop the Stampin' Up! products used in this project.

What paper would you choose for your version? 😊