Cascading Pleats Fancy Fold Birthday Card Tutorial
Hello, Crafty Friends!
I’m so excited to share my latest handmade card creation with you—a Cascading Pleats Fancy Fold Birthday Card using the December Notes from the Heart Paper Pumpkin kit.
This card is an absolute show-stopper and is perfect for celebrating someone special. Whether you’re an experienced paper crafter or just starting out, this card design will inspire you to try something new and fun!
A Peek Into the Design
The focal point of this card is the unique cascading pleats fold, which creates a layered, elegant look. I used the delightful die cuts and coordinating stamp set included in the Notes from the Heart kit.
To add an extra special touch, I stamped the corners using the brand-new Stampin’ Up! Spring Corners Stamp Set, which will be available in the upcoming Online Exclusives launch next Tuesday.
I love how the corner designs enhance the panels—they’re beautifully showcased when the card is opened, and they remain a charming detail when the card is closed. The combination of the pleated fold and these decorative corners truly makes this card one-of-a-kind!
Made to Mail
One of the most common questions I get about fun fold cards is: How do I mail it? Don’t worry—this Cascading Pleats Fancy Fold Card is perfectly sized to fit inside a standard Stampin’ Up! Medium envelope. If you’re using the envelopes from the kit, they coordinate beautifully for a polished and professional look.
Free PDF Guide & Video Resources
Ready to try this fold yourself? I’ve got you covered with a free PDF that includes step-by-step instructions, a fold template, and a complete supply list for making this card. Simply click to expand the section.
I’ve created this step-by-step guide for you. It provides detailed measurements, a template and a complete with a clickable list of materials.
NOTE: I have revised the pdf as I had measurements for a portrait Cascading Pleats card, not the landscape originally. It is correct now. 1/5/2025
Below is a list of the products I used to create this card. For more info on each, or to purchase, click the thumbnail.
Plus, I’ve included this video from my previous Cascading Pleats Class. In the video I’ll walk you through creating the fold in detail. If you’re new to card making, don’t worry—this tutorial is beginner-friendly, and I break everything down into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Did You Love the Kit?
I made three cards from the Notes from the Heart kit following the instructions, and they turned out beautifully. I’ve also shared a video showing how to create these cards for inspiration.
Did you already complete your kit or miss this month’s release? No problem! Refills are still available in my online store (while supplies last), so you can recreate these stunning designs.
Kit Video
Curious about the kit? Check out this unboxing video to see all the contents and how to assemble the cards per the kit instructions.
Create all-occasion cards with the Notes From the Heart Paper Pumpkin Kit. This kit includes card bases with scalloped edges, beautiful hand drawn designs, precut vellum, and sparkle gems. And it even has coordinating envelopes!
Don’t Miss January’s Kit!
If you loved this kit, you’re going to fall head over heels for the upcoming January Hearts for You Paper Pumpkin Kit. Imagine the joy of finding this happy mail in your mailbox! When you subscribe to Paper Pumpkin with me, you’ll also receive free alternate project videos from the amazing PPX Crew, giving you endless ideas for using your kit.
Subscribe by January 10 to join the excitement!
Let’s Get Crafting!
I can’t wait to see how you make this card your own. Be sure to grab your free PDF, watch the tutorial, and share your creations with me. If you’re looking for more crafting inspiration or Stampin’ Up! supplies, head over to my online store.
Happy crafting,
~ Tami
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Coordinates with April – June kits. Available now while they last.
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You amaze me. This is beautiful!
Your PDF for the flower cascading card is incorrect – I had to watch your video to understand the base card measurements is incorrect. Your PDF says to cut the base card 5/12 x 8 1/2 and your video tells us to cut 4 1/4 x 9 1/2. scoring is also different.
Oh no!! Thank you soooo much for bringing this to my attention. I had put the portrait measurements instead of landscape. I’ve fixed it.
Have a great day!