Idea of the Month

Spinning Message Card

This unique project was made using the R191 Peace Around the World stamp, but it could be recreated with other "round" images.   Spin the wheel, and a different greeting appears in the window!   Step-by-step instructions are included below.

Here is the completed card:

Supply List

R191 Peace Around the World (or other round image)

Small message stamps of your choice

Close To My Heart Exclusive Inks™ Black ink pad

Coloring medium of your choice (markers, colored pencils, waterbrush and ink pads, etc)

White cardstock

Colored cardstock for card base

Gold Brads

Scissors

Long pin

Adhesive

Step 1: Stamp and Color Main Image

First, stamp the Peace Around the World  in black ink in the center of a piece of white cardstock 4.5" x 5".  (Note: if you choose a different image, you will need to change the dimensions to fit).    Color in image as desired.  I used a waterbrush and ink pads.   This color scheme was inspired by fellow consultant Alisa Steig.  

Stamp the heart one more time on a scrap of white cardstock, color, and cut out.   This will eventually be glued to the end of the ribbon on the right side of the globe, pointing to look like an arrow.   The area where the arrow points will be where your message will appear when the card is complete. 

Step 2: Create Message Wheel and Window

Cut a 4.25" diameter circle out of white cardstock.   Stamp small messages in black around the edges.   Get as close to the edge as possible!   I used messages from our various Super Sets.   "Taller" images work better than "wider" images.   I stamped 8 messages total. Sponge the edge of the wheel in ink to coordinate with your color scheme.

This next part is hard to describe, so refer to the photo at the top of this page.   Using scissors, cut a wedge-shape from the right side of the image where the arrow is pointing.   Cut from the edge of the paper to the edge of the globe.   I cut on angle from the edge of the paper through 1/2 of the dolphin to the globe, then from the edge through 1/2 of the bear to the globe.   Then cut off the remaining part of the wedge along the globe.   Your cuts will not come to a point at the globe; rather, they will be about 3/4" apart on the globe "line."  

Step 3: Create the Spinning Mechanism

Using a long pin, make a hole through the center of the globe (the "knot" of the heart bow) and through the center of your message circle.   Place the message circle UNDER the globe so the holes are lined up and one of your messages shows in the window (ie: the wedge you cut out).   Test it by placing a gold brad through both layers.   When you spin the wheel, each message should show nicely.   You may have to play with the position of your holes, especially if you didn't get the exact middle on your message circle.

Temporarily remove the brad.   Lay the globe over the card base (fold at side; 5.5" tall and 4.5" wide).   You will have a 1/4" border of card at top and bottom to frame it, but no card showing at sides of card.   Use the pin to poke a corresponding hole through card base.   Use scissors to cut a corresponding wedge out of the card base.

Poke brad through message wheel and globe piece and turn over.   Put adhesive (I used double stick tape) around edges of the white globe piece, being careful not to let it interfere with the turning of the message wheel.   Poke brad through card front (you now have all layers on the brad), and press everything down to adhere.

Step 4: Finishing

Use a .05 Black Legacy Writer™ to draw a frame around edge of the white rectangle, and along the edges of the wedge.   Glue remaining heart to look like an arrow onto the ribbon at right side of globe.   I let only about 1/3" of the arrow extend over the window (so as not to obstruct the messages too much).   Tie ribbon around card at fold line.  

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  ©Linda Harrison 2003