Accordion Tree and Star Card Tutorial

Note: The cutting file is already up on Silhouette here.

Project Description:
Over the past 30 years I have designed and made by hand many different Christmas Cards. (Click here to see all the many designs.) This accordion style Christmas Tree card is my design for 2013. You are getting to see it even before I send it to my friends and family! It is simply 2 cut files, folded and glued together, quick and easy yet fascinating because of the interplay between the two layers.  The accordion fold allows it to stand on its own. The design is sized to fit in a standard A2 invitation envelop. I cut my card from 8.5 x 11 white index card stock and used a dark green envelop.

Accordion Christmas Tree and Star Card Tutorial:

Tutorial assembled using Silhouette Software Release 2.7.18. This tutorial assumes you already know how to use the Silhouette and Silhouette software. It can be cut on both Cameo and Portrait Silhouette machines.

Supplies Needed:

• Template from Silhouette On-Line Store here.
• Spray adhesive
• Silhouette Cameo or Portrait
• Card Stock
• 4" x 8" scrap piece of cardboard (optional)

Steps for completing the Accordion Tree Card:

1. Download the cutting file for your Silhouette Cutting machine from the Silhouette Online Store here. This is how the file is set-up. It almost completely fills 1 8.5 x 11 sheet. If working on a Portrait Silhouette you will need to copy each half to its own file and rotate it to fit it within the 8" cutting width.

2. Prepare and cut the file.
For Cameo users it is set to cut.
For Portrait users do the following:

• Note: If the file is grouped together, select it by clicking on it, go up to the OBJECT MENU in the Silhouette software, and down to the UNGROUP command. This will allow you to copy individual elements and paste in a new file (FILE MENU to NEW).
• Copy and paste each card half into a new file and rotate it 90º.
• Here are the cut parts:

3. Fold the each piece as shown in the photos below. 

• Fold along the dotted fold lines.
• The top piece folds back on the center star fold and up on the two side folds as shown.

• The back piece folds the opposite way, forward on the center fold and back on the two side folds as shown below.

• Practice intertwining the two halves together BEFORE you apply adhesive. You want to understand how they nest together so you can accurately place them once glued.
• The front goes over the back, lining up outside corners. The two trees on the back protrude through the front layer.

3. Now glue the two layers together. 

• I have a cardboard box set up as a spray glue station. You can use regular paper glue if making just 1 or 2 cards. I will be making 70 so I work for mass production!
• Glue is to be applied to only the two outside panels of the the front piece. I cut a piece of heavy cardboard 4" x 8". 
• Place the cardboard over the center two panels of the backside of the front card section and apply spray adhesive. Work carefully to not get ANY glue on the center 2 portions.

• Place the card front over the card back, making sure the trees protrude through, then carefully line up the corners of the left side and press in place.

• Working quickly, move to the right side and line up those corners and press in place.

• This is what the card looks like from the top when properly assembled. Bend it back and forth to make sure everything is correctly lined up.

• Now make enough for everyone on your list!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with creating!

**********

© 2013 Marji Roy, Ashbee Design

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