I’m so excited to share today’s project with you—it’s a fabulous Z-fold card with a twist that makes it both fun and super versatile! The base of this card starts with a single layer of Crumb Cake cardstock, cut to the usual card size. I topped it with a beautiful striped green-and-white print from the Nests of Winter Designer Series Paper, which gives the whole card such a fresh and cheerful feel.
The real fun begins with the Z-fold element. I took another piece of Crumb Cake cardstock, cut to 9 3/4″ x 4 1/4″, and scored it at 3 1/4″ and 6 1/2″. Folded into a Z shape, it adds a delightful pop of dimension and movement to the card. A bit more of that striped DSP decorates the front panel of the Z fold, while Basic White cardstock was added to the inside panels to create space for writing or even more embellishing.
For the card front, I had to reach for my Trusty Tools stamp set and coordinating dies. This set is just too perfect for masculine or handy-themed cards, and it pairs beautifully with the layout. I cut the largest circle from the Stylish Shapes dies using Basic White cardstock—those stitched edges always make me smile. I also used the largest banner from the same die set to stamp the sentiment.
The real stars of the show are the hammer and tape measure. I stamped them onto Basic White cardstock scraps with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then brought them to life with some Stampin’ Blends. The tape measure’s case got a pop of Granny Apple Green ink, and the hammer handle came to life with Shaded Spruce. I added shading and dimension with light and dark Daffodil Delight, Smoky Slate, and Granny Apple Green blends. There’s something so satisfying about coloring with Blends—it’s like crafty therapy!
Once everything was colored and die-cut, I layered the elements on the large stitched circle and banner, trimming the circle with Paper Snips where it overlapped the edge of the card. I even added a few nuts and bolts cut from Brushed Silver cardstock to bring in some fun, metallic detail. Everything was secured with a mix of Seal adhesive, glue, and Stampin’ Dimensionals, and I adhered the Z-fold portion to the card base using Tear & Tape for a nice, strong hold.
What I love about this card is how easily the layout translates to other themes. I created a couple versions using the Notes & Totes bundle with Country Woods DSP—it’s absolutely perfect for slipping a gift card inside the tote!
I also made a purple-y version using Perennial Lavender DSP paired with the Spotlight on Nature stamp set, keeping the Stylish Shapes dies again for the focal point and sentiment piece. Stamping was done with Memento Tuxedo Black and Lost Lagoon inks. You can take this layout and run with it in so many directions!
And because I just couldn’t stop there, I turned this card idea into a scrapbook layout to capture all the fun and memories from our 2024 Christmas. I placed the Z-fold card right in the middle of the page with journaling inside—it’s a great interactive element for junk journaling and memory keeping!
I’ve put together a full video tutorial to walk you through creating this card and layout step by step. Whether you’re making a card, a journal insert, or a scrapbook page, this Z-fold is sure to become a favorite.
I’m entering the fun Trusty Tools card in The Card Concept challenge 216. I love the colors in the photo and thought they’d translate perfectly into this card. Those colors were the perfect jumping-off point for me when I was gathering my supplies for this fabulous card!
I can’t wait to see what you make with it!
Supplies Used to Make the Trusty Tools Card:
Supplies Used to Create Perennial Lavender Card:
Supplies Used to Create the Notes & Totes Cards: (stamp set – 165239 & dies – 165240) available in the 2025-2026 Annual Catalog
Supplies Used to Create Scrapbook page:
What a fabulous card design! Love the special fold as well as that beautiful green striped designer paper, perfect for our challenge this month! Thanks for playing along with us at The Card Concept- we hope you can join us again soon 🙂
Thank you so much for the wonderful comments, Julie! I appreciate it. Looking forward to playing along with The Card Concept again soon
Hi there, JuiliaSue. Your card is absolutely awesome. I always struggle with masculine cards, but you really “nailed” it. lol Thanks so much for sharing with us at The Card Concept. We love seeing your art and hope that you’ll join us again soon. Blessings!
Haha! That’s good one, Karen! The challenges at The Card Concept are so fun and I truly enjoy playing along with them. Thanks for your kind comments.