Doodleology Shutter Card

I first saw an example of a shutter card a while back in a sample by Clarity DT member Wendy Thorburn.  She kindly shared the instructions and I have also watched various YouTube videos demonstrating the method.  In the end I used the measurements given by Diana in her YouTube video.  This is my version.

Cut a piece of Clarity stencil card to measure 8.5" x 5.5" and score 2⅛" in from each side to create a gatefold blank.

Cut two panels 4" x 3.5" out of stencil card and score 0.5" in from each short edge.  Find the centre and cut out a triangle from each side opposite the fold line.

Cut decorative panels for the inside centre of the card (2.75" x 5.25"), inside side panels (1.25" x 5⅛") and for the outside of the card (1.75" x 5⅛").  Stamp them using the large A5 stamp from the Doodleology squares set designed by Cherry Green for Claritystamp in Majestic Blue Versafine ink.

Mat each of the panels onto dark blue card leaving a narrow border (centre panel inside 3" x 5.5") and colour them using Boldmere watercolour pencils blended out with a water colour brush pen.

Using the Martha Stewart all over the page scalloped square punch, punch a hole centrally in the top part of the panel for the inside middle of the card.

Add the decorative panels to the front of the card.

Add a narrow strip of foam tape along the top and bottom of the punched panel and add it to the inside of the card in the centre.

Add tape to the scored sections of the flag shaped shutter panels near to the fold.  Add them below the central panel with the outer edge of the scored section along the gatefold score lines and attached only to the outer panels of the card blank.  Make sure they are straight and that the card closes (I had to trim a little off the points of the shutter pieces at this stage).

Add the decorative panels to the inside of the card.

Open the card fully and stamp 'Love' from Mini Word Chains 5&6 into the opening in the same ink as before.

As the card closes, the shutters come together, hiding the message.

To hold the card closed, cut a piece of large stencil card 1" wide and the full length of the card.  Wrap it round the card from the front, trim the excess from the back and use strong tape to stick the overlap.

To decorate the belly band, stamp the smallest square from the same stamp set as before in Majestic Blue Versafine ink onto a scrap piece of stencil card, trim leaving a narrow border, colour and mount onto dark blue card. Glue the square in place in the middle of the belly band.

This should slide on and off the card to hold it shut.