How to Make Expanding Christmas Cards

LEARN HOW TO MAKE SHOWSTOPPER CHRISTMAS CARDS USING YOUR CRICUT CUTTING MACHINE
Okay, this card is definitely a showstopper! It expands out to roughly 24 inches but folds into a 5×7 card size.
Now, I didn't come up with the basic design for this card. I have seen this style on Pinterest before but it wasn't until I saw it a YouTube video from Sam at Mixed Up Craft that I knew I wanted to bring this style to my Cricut and add my own embellishments to it.
I chose muted colors of silver, gold, cream, and gray. The patterned paper also makes everything pop in silver snowflakes. So pretty!
This card may seem intimidating because of the layers involved but once you make it, it is well worth it. Display this on your mantle for years to come. Slip the belly band on it and store it in one of my envelope boxes to bring out every year!
In this tutorial, I’ll give you my step by step instructions and tell you what materials I think work best when making this project.
Basic and Premium TBH Crafters Club Members can download the SVG cut file for this project in the File Library.
Not a Member? Click here or the link at the bottom of the page to join!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS EXPANDING CARD – MATERIALS LIST
- I am using my Cricut Maker. You could also use your Cricut Explore Air 2, Cricut Explore 3, or Cricut Maker 3!
- Cricut LightGrip Cutting Mat (blue) or Cricut StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cricut Scoring Wheel or Scoring Stylus
- Cardstock in your choice of colors. I am using my white cardstock, cream cardstock, gray cardstock, glitter cardstock, and patterned paper.
- Glue
- Adhesive
- Cricut Brayer
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Tweezers
Merry Christmas Expanding Cards
This tutorial will show you how to make a very impressive expanding Christmas card that folds into a 5x7 size!
Materials
- My Merry Christmas Expanding Card SVG Cut File
- Cardstock
- Glitter Cardstock (optional)
- Glue or adhesive
Tools
- A way to cut out your cardstock. I am using my FABULOUS Cricut Maker!
- Cricut LightGrip Cutting Mat (blue) or StandardGrip Cutting Mat (green)
- Cricut Scoring Wheel or Stylus
- Cricut Brayer
- Cricut Scraper
- Cricut Tweezers (optional but so helpful!)
Instructions
STEP 1 - DOWNLOAD THE SVG CUT FILE
Download the SVG Cut file for the Merry Christmas Expanding Card (#109) from The File Vault. Get access by joining the club.
STEP 2 - UPLOAD THE SVG FILE TO CRICUT DESIGN SPACE
If you aren't familiar with uploading SVG files into Design Space, take a look at my quick and easy tutorial here. Using your smartphone? Click here for my step-by-step guide on uploading SVG files with the Cricut App.
STEP 3 - UNGROUP CARD LAYERS
The file will upload into Cricut Design Space grouped together. You will want to hit the UNGROUP button to separate the layers.
STEP 4 - CONVERT FOLD LINES TO SCORE LINES
Scroll down the list in the LAYERS panel and find the envelope. Click the fold line.
Change the fold lines to score lines by changing the OPERATION from BASIC CUT to SCORE.
Attach the score line and the envelope by highlighting the GROUP and selecting the ATTACH option in lower right hand corner.
Repeat this step for the three card base pieces.
Click the GREEN Make It Button.
STEP 5 - MAKE YOUR MATERIAL SELECTIONS AND PREPARE YOUR MATS
You will see the thirteen mats for this card in the mat preview.
Click the CONTINUE button.
For this tutorial, I am using Medium Cardstock as well as Glitter Cardstock. Select your materials accordingly.
Attach your cardstock to the Cricut StandardGrip Mat using the Cricut Brayer.
STEP 6 - LOADING YOUR MATS AND CUTTING YOUR MATERIALS
To load the mat into the machine, press the double arrows button. Do make sure that the mat is positioned under the mat guides.
You will know the machine is ready to cut your material when you see the flashing "C" button. Press that to start the cut.
Follow Design Space prompts to change out the scoring wheel and fine point cutting blade.
Once the cut is complete, make sure to peel the mat away from the cardstock rather than the cardstock from the mat. This will prevent any curling of your design.
Repeat Step 6 for until all layers have been cut.
STEP 7 - ASSEMBLE YOUR CARD
Now that everything is cut, we can start to assemble the card.
Begin by layering the letter panels together.
Set aside.
Layer the inside cover panels. Adhere the rectangular pieces together then place the two oval pieces on top.
Next, layer the angel together.
Place the angel onto the cover panel..
Repeat for the other inside cover panel.
Now, layer the front and back cover panels.
Set aside.'
Fold the card bases along the score line. With the 5x7 portion at the top, fold the card toward you on the first score line.
Continue folding in an accordion style until your card looks like the picture below. Burnish the folds.
Repeat this step for the other card base.
Fold the extender piece along the score lines in an accordion making a "W" shape.
Apply glue to the extender pieces and attach to the two card bases.
Attach the front and back cover panels to the card.
Next, attach the inside cover panels to the card.
Now, attach the letter panels to the accordion of the card. Apply the top layer from left to right and the bottom layer from right to left.
The top row needs to be flush with the top of the card base and the bottom needs to be flush with the bottom of the card base.
Add the letters and snowflakes to the letter panels. The top row needs to be in the lower right corner and the bototm row needs to be in the lower left corner.
Fold the card up.
To form the belly band, add glue to one piece and attach together.
Place the card on the belly band making sure to center it.
Wrap the belly band around the card and cut off the excess.
Add glue to one side of the belly band and attach the other side.
Layer the angel cutout onto the circle.
Place onto the belly band covering the seam.
Your card is all set.
I wouldn't recommed using the included envelope. The card is quite thick so I wouild use one of my Envelope Boxes. You can find that tutorial here.
Keep the included envelope for another card!
I know this card will make anyone say “WOW!” I hope you make this one!
Post a photo in the comment section or tag your projects on social media @thebeardedhousewife using the hashtag #beardedhousewife! I’d love to see how yours turn out!!
Happy Holidays!
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Wow, you ended this holiday series with a huge bang Nick! This card is gorgeous and so elegant looking. I love it so much. Sad to see this holiday series come to an end, but all good things do. lol It was a great first annual holiday series and I’m already looking forward to next year. Thanks for a wonderful 12 days of files and fun! Hugs, Brenda
Wow! This card is amazing !
Isn’t it cool?
Nick,
These cards are great! thanks so much for sharing them with us.
Thank you, Sheila!
Thank you for the wonderful holiday gifts. Every day’s email brought another delight. You are much appreciated!
Thank you so much, Charlene!
What a wonderful 12 days with you. All of the cards are beautiful. Can’t wait to make the ones I haven’t had time to do yet.
Thank you so much Nick!! 😊
Lovely card ! thank you