Sled 3D Gift Card Holder

Gift a spending card for a wintertime birthday

or other celebration. Fun to display, but underneath 

is concealed an attached "envelope" that holds 

the standard-size plastic gift card.

Disc-n-twine closure keeps it in place. 

Add nail heads for more authenticity

(or use cut circle shapes included in file. 

For extra fun, add the "smooth sledding layered tag". 

Measures approx. 4.5" w x 8" l (runner tips) x .75" d.

ASSEMBLY:  1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A main slats base (with corner guide marks)
B main slats reinforcement
C slats with duplicates for build up (5 each)
D runners left & right
E steering bar and build up (3)
F runner accent shapes
G card holder frames and build up (4)
H card "release" tab
I & J card cover flaps l & r with
closure discs (4 large, 4 small)
K optional tag elements
NOT SHOWN: nail heads positioning guide
(see step 19)

2. Identify the slats main base by locating

the corner (frame) positioning guide marks,

then . . .

. . . layer the reinforcement shape on top

and attach.

NOTE:  as this shape, and others, are

layered for build up or reinforcement,

it will be helpful to flatten with large flat

weights to help avoid curling or warping

as liquid adhesive dries.

3. Layer each of the five slat shapes with

duplicate shapes, glue to attach,

and flatten while glue dries.

4. Position each slat onto the base reinforcement, 
matching corresponding edges as accurately 
as possible.

5. Layer and align the card frame shapes,

taking care that outer and especially inner edges

align as precisely as possible.

Flatten with weights while glue dries.

6. Prepare the card release tab by bending

ends back as shown, then glue the end "tab"

to the corresponding end portion.

7. Position the plain end of tab under the frame
at one end, centered in the cutout window,
with end even with frame outer edge,
and glue in place.
NOTE that the tab end should overlap
the opposite end of the frame,
and line up with the notch on the inner frame edge.

8. Identify the closure discs -

shown below for one disc . . . 

. . . then layer the large discs
and glue together. Layer and
attach smaller discs on the back.

9. Prepare each of the card covering

flaps by bending back on each of

the pair of tab and "thickness" edge

perforations (shown at left of flap here).

10. Cut a 6-7 length of twine or string.

Lay one end over the punch hole on

the pointed flap . . . 

. . . then push through to backside with
a short tail exposed behind.

Position a disc assembly over the punch hole,

with hole aligned, glue a narrow margin at

hole edge in place, then attach a rivet shape

to secure disc and twine in place.

Also apply disc to the other flap.

11. Position the frame assembly side edge over
flap tab flange, frame edge at first perf line,
and glue in place. 
Repeat for the second flap.
NOTE that the "thickness" area created by
the double perforation lines should remain exposed.

12. Test the closure mechanism, if desired,

by folding flaps into position,

wrapping twine around discs in figure-8 fashion.

13. Prepare the runner shape by bending back

at the center, bending long flange and

punch tab flanges forward, as shown.

14. Position and attach the accent shapes

on corresponding left and right runners,

offset within the edges of the runner, except

that squared-off peaks align near tab perforation lines.

15. Apply glue to one half of backside, then fold
each runner in half and apply pressure to attach.

16. Position each runner along side the flap/frame

assembly with accent side outward, long flange

under the bottom edge of frame, center, then

glue long flange in place.

17. Locate again the corner guide marks

on the underside of the slats base . . .

. . . apply glue to the underside of flaps/frame

assembly, including exposed surface of

long flange, then position frame corners

at guide marks and apply pressure until secure.

Also apply adhesive between the side

of the runner structure and the

"thickness" edge of the flaps/frame,

in three places, then apply pressure 

to attach.

18. Prepare the steering bar by layering

build up shapes together and gluing, pressing flat.

Apply rivet eyelets to ends, if desired.

Insert a regular size brad at the center bottom hole . . .

. . . then insert prongs through the corresponding

hole at top of the center slat, and secure in place.

NOTE that the steering bar can pivot
as if steering somewhat realistically.

19. Add finishing embellishments as desired:

FRONT nail heads, use positioning guide

placed with wide margin side aligned at bottom

to mark dots through punch holes,

then rotate to align at top sides to mark

positions there, as shown.

BACK RUNNERS place nail heads (or punch dots
from cut file) over the punch holes on the
runner side tabs.

TO INSERT CARD: open flaps, place card into

recess with removal tab end exposed

(concealed behind fingers in this shot).

Remove by pulling up slightly on tab.

Here is the sled viewed from the backside.

For a coordinated design sentiment tag,

consider using the "smooth sledding"

layered tag, assembled as shown.

Here is completed project shown from front

with tag attached, cord strung through

rivets of steering bar.