If you enjoy cards that surprise the recipient when they open them, today’s project is one you’re going to love.
This Gatefold Explosion Fun Fold card looks like a classic gatefold design on the outside. But when the card opens, the Designer Series Paper inside pops outward into a beautiful diamond-shaped insert that creates a fun “explosion” effect.
It’s one of those cards that looks complicated, but once you understand the fold, it’s actually very easy to create.
And the best part? It’s a fantastic way to showcase your favorite Designer Series Paper.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
If you prefer to craft along with a demonstration, you can watch the full tutorial below where I walk through the entire card step by step.
In the video, I show you:
• How to create the gatefold card base
• How to fold the Designer Series Paper explosion insert
• Where to apply adhesive so the mechanism works properly
• Several variations you can create using the same fold
The Basic Gatefold Explosion Card
For my first example, I kept things simple so the structure of the fun fold really stands out.
This version uses a standard gatefold card base with layered panels on each side of the front. I used a blue and white color combination for a clean, classic look and added a simple sentiment across the center.
From the outside, it looks like a traditional gatefold card.
But when the card opens, the surprise appears.
Inside the card, the Designer Series Paper is folded in a way that allows it to expand into a diamond shape when the gatefold opens. This creates the “explosion” effect that gives the card its name.
It’s a simple technique that adds a big wow factor to your handmade cards.
How the Explosion Insert Works
The explosion insert begins with a scored piece of Designer Series Paper that matches the width of the gatefold card base. After scoring, a series of diagonal folds are made to create the pop-out structure.
When the gatefold panels open, those folds expand and reveal the diamond shape in the center.
Only the side triangles of the insert are attached to the gatefold panels, while the bottom portion remains free. This allows the insert to move properly when the card opens and creates that beautiful explosion effect.
Once you see how the folds work, you’ll realize that this card is much easier than it looks.
Card Design Variations
One of my favorite things about this design is how easily you can change the look of the card simply by adjusting the front layout.
Here are a few variations created using the same explosion insert.
Belly Band Variation
For this version, I added a belly band around the front of the card and embossed the front panel for extra texture. Belly bands are a great way to add a focal point without permanently attaching anything to the gatefold.
Double Gatefold Layout
This card uses the same explosion insert but changes the front layout by positioning the panels differently. I also added an embossed layer behind the inside Designer Series Paper to give the interior a little more visual interest.
Full Front Panel Variation
For this variation, a larger focal panel is attached to one side of the gatefold. This creates a bold front design while still revealing the explosion insert inside.
It’s the same fold, but the overall look of the card is completely different.
Want the Measurements and Folding Diagram?
To make this card easy to recreate, I created a detailed Inspiration Sheet that includes:
• All measurements (both imperial and metric)
• A folding diagram showing exactly how to create the explosion insert
• Adhesive placement tips
• Layout variations for the cards shown in the tutorial
The Inspiration Sheet is available inside my Inspiration Library, which is currently in preview mode for my email subscribers.
If you’d like access to the library and the growing archive of inspiration sheets that go along with my tutorials, you can sign up here:
Once you subscribe, you’ll receive immediate access to the Inspiration Library and can download the sheet for this project along with many others.
Ready to Make Your Own?
If you’d like to recreate the Gatefold Explosion, you can shop for the supplies used in this project through my online Stampin’ Up! store.
Click here to shop Stampin’ Up! Supplies.
Shopping through my store helps support the tutorials and inspiration I share each week, and I truly appreciate it.
A Fun Fold That Looks Complicated (But Isn’t)
This Gatefold Explosion card is a perfect example of a design that looks intricate but is actually very beginner friendly.
Once you make one, you’ll quickly see how easy it is to recreate using different papers, colors, and sentiments.
It’s also a wonderful way to use some of your favorite Designer Series Paper while creating a card that truly stands out.
If you give the Gatefold Explosion card a try, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment on the video and let me know which variation is your favorite.
Until next time…
Stay Crafty 💚