Kinetic Spinning Aperture Card with Layered Elements

A project from our live show CREATE AND CRAFT - Join Carley Duff for her brand new IMALA 22 Launch show 1 - Broadcast 4th OCT 22 · 04/10/2022 · watch it from 9:00

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Create a stunning interactive Christmas card featuring precision-cut spinning apertures that layer together to reveal a festive winter scene. The design showcases a delicate reindeer and tree motif in soft blues and purples with crystalline snowflake accents, all set within an elegant scalloped frame. Using die-cutting and layering techniques, you'll construct a kinetic card where the apertures rotate to create dynamic movement and dimensional interest.

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Step by step

1. 

   Die-cut the largest aperture frame from your cardstock using the slot spin die from the crystal Christmas die set. This creates the decorative circular frame for your spinning mechanism.

   ▶ watch this step (9:15)
2. 

   Die-cut a smaller decorative aperture frame from white card. This will layer on top of the larger aperture frame to create dimension and detail.

   ▶ watch this step (9:30)
3. 

   Stamp a frame design from the festive frames die set onto your card using black ink. Position the stamp carefully and press firmly to ensure a clear impression.

   ▶ watch this step (16:30)
4. 

   Insert the bottom tab of one aperture piece into the top slot of the other aperture piece. Ensure the pieces can spin freely once connected. The decorative scalloped edges should be visible on both circular pieces.

   ▶ watch this step (17:00)
5. 

   Place a small die-cut 3D tree embellishment in the centre of the aperture as a focal point. Position it carefully so it sits centrally within the circular opening.

   ▶ watch this step (20:00)
6. 

   Arrange multiple aperture layers around the outside edge of your card without gluing them down. Position the decorative die-cut frames so they can move independently, creating a kinetic spinning effect.

   ▶ watch this step (20:15)
7. Mount your completed spinning mechanism onto a decorative card base. The finished card features layered circular elements in pink and green with a central 'JOI' sentiment, surrounded by decorative die-cut snowflakes and stars. ▶ watch 20:30

Tips from the show

• The dies are engineered so pieces fit together perfectly without wires or glue.
• Both crystal Christmas and festive frames die sets work together because they share the same aperture measurements.
• You can create an advent calendar by placing numbers in the empty apertures for a countdown to Christmas.

More from this show

• Textured Aperture Card with Crackle Paste and Heat Embossing
• Watercolour Painted Stamp Portrait with Blended Colours
• Wet-on-Wet Watercolour Background with Random Stamped Dots
• Layered Stamp Masking Technique for Scene Building
• Ink Blending and Watercolour Wash Technique on Stamped Image

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly