Here is another version of the Side Step Card for you to try.  This version was designed to hold the clouds above our April Showers image. 

Step 1.  Measure Card Base

For this card I used a piece of cardstock that measured 5 1/4 by 10 1/2.  This example will give you a finished card that measures 5 1/4 inches square.

Step 2.  Mark Right and Left Side of Card

Use a pencil and ruler to measure 3/4 of an inch from the left side of the card and the right side of the card.  Mark lightly so that it will be easy to erase your guide marks later.  These lines will be the cut line guides as well as the edge of the score lines that you will make in the following steps. 

Step 3.  Measure and Score

Using a scoring tool, score at 2 5/8", 5 1/4", 7", 8 5/8" and 9 1/2".  The score line that you make at the 5 1/4 inch measurement will be the only score line that goes from the left edge of the card all the way across to the right side of the card.  All of the other score lines should stay between the guide marks that you drew in Step 2.

Step 4.  Cut Step Area

Use a straight edge and a craft knife to cut along the lines made in Step 2.  Begin the cut at the 2 5/8 inch score line and continue it to the 9 1/2 inch score line.

Step 5.  First Set of Folds

Fold a "mountain fold" along the 2 5/8 inch line.  Fold a "valley fold" along the inner portion of the 5 1/4 inch line.  The two outer edges of the 5 1/4 inch line will be "mountain folds".

Step 6.  Second Set of Folds

Fold a "mountain fold" along the 7 inch score line.  Fold a "valley fold" along the 8 5/8 inch score line. 

Step 7.  Last Fold

Fold a "mountain fold" at the 9 1/2 inch score line. 

Step 8.  Finished Folds

Here is a side view of the card once all of the folds are done. 

*Note* - I had some problems with this card and the measurements.  I really thought a 5 1/4 inch card would be more manageable for mailing so I set out to make one.  You may have a little trouble with the 8 5/8 inch fold.  If the bottom doesn't line up perfectly then insert the bottom into your paper cutter to make it perfect.  I know, I know...that is kind of cheating.  But trust me, only you and I will ever know.  :)

Now you are ready to decorate and personalize your card!  Be sure to look through our Online Store to find great images to use on your cards.  And don't forget to share your creations!  Send me pictures and you may find your masterpiece featured in our gallery.  :) 

Step 9.  Optional Step

My cards usually have alot of design elements.  And the embellishments you add to the side step card add more weight than you might think.  This weight can cause the card to "do the splits" when you are displaying it.  To fix this problem I came up with the idea of adding a ribbon to the bottom of the card.  For my card I decided that I wanted a 4 inch spread.  I cut my ribbon at about 4 1/2 inches.  I attached one end of the ribbon under the patterned paper on the front of the card.  Once attached I measured 4 inches and attached the other end of the ribbon behind patterned paper on the back of the card.  It works!  And when you fold the card the ribbon easily tucks under the step folds.  

A few more tips.

This card uses the "April Showers" image.  To get your own copy of April Showers click here. Once I printed my image I decided to cut it out using 2 layers of paper.  This just gives the image a little more stability since it stands alone in the center of the card.  To make the rain for my card I used silver thread and glass beads.  I tied knots every so often to space the beads on the thread.  The thread is then held between two layers of the clouds at the top.  The bottom of the thread is inserted between the patterned paper and the second step fold.  I like to use glue dots or tacky tape to hold the thread.

The sentiment is computer generated.  And the paper that I used is from pop culture. 

If you have any questions about making this card please don't hesitate to send me an email.

Be Inspired! :)