How to Make an Interlocking Gatefold Card

Gatefold cards are always fun, but why not kick it up a notch with a cool way to close it? Design Team Member Kate is here to show you how to make an interlocking gatefold card!

Supplies

• Bazzill Smoothies in Watermelon Sensation, Guava Sensation, Coconut
• Patterned Paper: Hello Spring by American Crafts
• Thank You stamp from Concord and 9th
• Infinity Circles Dies by Hero Arts

Start with a piece of cardstock cut to 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches. Score at 2 1/8 inches in from both sides. Trim your patterned paper to 1 7/8 x 5 1/4 inches (you will need 2 of these). Attach these to the front of the folds. If you are using a colored cardstock for the base of your card, you will need an insert piece so there is a place to write on. This piece should measure 4 1/8 x 5 3/8 inches (or smaller).

Now for the interlocking piece. Take two dies that are close in size (any shape will work--squares, ovals, circles) to make the frame. One will be the center piece of the "lock" and one will be the outer piece of the "lock". 

Now to attach the "locks" - hold your card closed and line up your frame and the inner shape. This will help you determine where the adhesive will need to go. One side of the frame piece needs to be adhered to the left "gate" and the opposite side of the focal shape needs to be adhered to the right "gate". It really doesn't matter whether the frame is attached to the left or right sides. It's just important to remember that the frame needs to be attached to one side, and the focal shape needs to be attached to the other side. See photo above to see how this should look. 

I like to add the extra circle that was made from making the frame to the back side of the focal shape to give it some extra support. It is also a good idea to add a few more frames to make the lock portion of the card sturdy.

Now when you close the card, the smaller circle fits inside the bigger circle frame to lock the card closed. 

-Kate

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