Who doesn’t love a fun fold card? Especially one that looks a little complicated but is actually pretty easy to make!
Today I’m sharing what I call the Swing Bridge Fun Fold. You may have seen a similar design called a Spanner Panel Fun Fold, but I think Swing Bridge is a much better description of how this card works!
What makes this design different is the way it opens. The two outside panels are connected by a narrow strip of cardstock that acts as a bridge. When you lift that bridge, both side panels swing open together, revealing a center panel that opens separately.
It’s a fun little surprise for whoever receives the card, and it’s a great way to show off some pretty Designer Series Paper!
And the best part? Once you learn how to make this fold, you can use it for just about any occasion.
Watch the Swing Bridge Fun Fold Tutorial
In today’s video, I’ll walk you through the construction of the Swing Bridge Fun Fold, share a few tips for getting everything lined up, and show you four different versions of the same design.
If you enjoy learning new fun folds, cardmaking techniques, and creative ways to use your Stampin’ Up!® supplies, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss my weekly tutorials!
How Does the Swing Bridge Fun Fold Work?
The secret to this card is actually pretty simple.
We start with a standard card base, but instead of leaving the entire front intact, we make two cuts that create three sections.
The two outside sections become the swinging panels, while the middle section remains separate.
A narrow strip of cardstock connects those two outside panels, creating the bridge that gives this card its name.
When you lift the bridge, both outside panels move together. Then you can open the center section to reveal the inside of your card, where there’s plenty of room to write a personal message.
Pretty clever, isn’t it?
One important tip: Attach your bridge strip before adding your Designer Series Paper to the outside panels. This helps keep the ends of the bridge neatly tucked underneath the paper.
And when you’re adding your stamped images, die cuts, or other embellishments, pay attention to where you place your adhesive. You don’t want to accidentally attach the swinging panels to the center section!
Ask me how frustrating that would be!
One Fun Fold, Four Different Looks
One of my favorite things about cardmaking is taking a basic design and changing it up with different colors, papers, and embellishments.
For this tutorial, I created four versions of the Swing Bridge Fun Fold to show you just how versatile it can be.
A Little Sweet Treat
For the card I demonstrated in the video, I used Gray Granite cardstock with Crisp Cantaloupe and Very Vanilla.
The little candy die cuts and the “You Deserve a Little Treat” greeting make this a fun card for someone who deserves a little something special.
I even added some shimmer to the candy wrappers because, well, sometimes you just need a little sparkle!
I love how the black patterned paper in the center contrasts with the softer colors on the outside panels.
A Colorful Thank You
For another version, I used products from the Painted Patch Suite, which I’m featuring in my October Double the Sweetness online event with Dana Sullivan.
This card has a completely different feel with its colorful pumpkins, soft patterned paper, and embossed side panels.
I used Two-Tone Cajun Craze cardstock for those panels, embossed it, and lightly sanded the surface to bring out the white core.
It’s a great way to add interest without needing another piece of patterned paper.
Autumn Appreciation
For my third card, I went with a more traditional autumn look using rich purple patterned paper, pumpkins, and acorns.
The acorns make a fun focal point on the bridge, while the “You Are Appreciated” greeting turns this into a card that would be perfect for thanking someone or simply letting them know you’re thinking of them.
I also added a little twine and a few embellishments for some extra detail.
Holly Jolly Wishes
And just to prove that this fold isn’t limited to fall, I made a Christmas version!
This one features shades of blue and green, winter trees, and a cheerful snowman holding a “Sending Holly Jolly Wishes” sign.
Same construction. Same basic layout. Completely different look!
That’s what I love about working with a design like this. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time you sit down to make a card.
Want the Cutting and Scoring Measurements?
If you’re ready to give the Swing Bridge Fun Fold a try, I’ve got you covered!
The complete Inspiration Sheet is available in my Crafty Klock Inspiration Vault.
It includes the cutting and scoring measurements in both imperial and metric, along with photos of all four finished cards and helpful assembly tips.
The Inspiration Vault is my growing collection of cardmaking inspiration, including fun folds, design templates, techniques, and more. New Inspiration Sheets are added weekly, so there’s always something new to try.
Make It Your Own!
Here’s what I hope you’ll take away from this tutorial: You don’t need to use the same stamps, papers, or colors that I used.
Look through your own supplies and see what you have on hand.
Maybe you need a birthday card, a thank-you card, or a few more Christmas cards. This design can work for all of them!
You can change the placement of the bridge, experiment with different focal points, or keep the embellishments simple and let your Designer Series Paper do the work.
The important thing is to have fun with it and make it your own.
And if you need to add a few supplies to your crafting stash, I’d love to help!
Now I’d love to know: Which of my four Swing Bridge cards is your favorite? The sweet treat, colorful pumpkins, autumn acorns, or the holly jolly snowman?
Leave me a comment and let me know!
Thank you for checking out my blog, and stay crafty!