Needles 'n' Knowledge: Thanksgiving Rocker Side Step Cards

Round-edged rocker-style cards, each available

as separate design files, have either

right side bends that create a pair of “steps”

on one side, or single steps on both sides

for a more symmetrical look .

Scalloped doily and faux-stitched overlay panels

add interest to base. Upper half-circle of card bends back

to form a self stand. Double layer bracket frame panels

displays either folk art wheat stalks with

layered quilt star hanger ornament or

pair of wheat stalk curls.

“Thankful” or "Gather" welded word cut card fronts.

Each card measures approx. 7x7 flat.

Gather Wheat Curl design will be described first,
followed by the Thankful Quilt Block design at Step 11.

GATHER WHEAT CURL CARD
ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:
A card base B front scallop shape C front faux stitch shape
D back scallop shape E back faux stitch shape
F & G left and right side scallop and faux stitch shapes
H frame whole base I frame accent J frame front
K Gather word cut L wheat curl base silhouette
M shorter wheat curl overlay
N optional additional Gather word cuts for layering

2. Prepare the card base by bending back at "mountain" folds

perforation lines across center portion, side back

and side front, and bending forward at

"valley" fold lines at mid sides . . .

. . . following the diagram.

Arrange and adjust folds so that the card is folded into
its roughly half-circle form.
Use folding tool or finger tips to ensure crisp folds,
including those beneath the top layer.

3. Layer the contrast scallop shapes with corresponding

faux stitch shapes: front, back and sides.

Use straight edges to align layers then join.

4. Position the front layers onto the front portion

of the card base, aligning the top straight edge

at the top fold, side cut edges, and lower side

fold lines, then attach in place.

NOTE: it may be easier to accomplish this positioning

while the card base is open and flat on the work surface.

5. Repeat to position the back accent assemblies . . .

. . . and the side assemblies as shown.
NOTE that the side pieces should be snug up against
the back shapes at cut edge which will allow
folding space at the valley folds.

This is how the card assembly will look at this point.

6. Prepare the frame assembly by layering

the front frame with the accent margin middle layer . . .

. . . then adding the back whole layer behind.
Secure all layers together.

7. Position and attach the frame assembly on card front,

centered side to side, and just high enough that

the side edges being indicated will still hide

the corner of the first step.

8. If you have chosen to use multiple layers of

the "Gather" word cut, stack, carefully align,

and glue those together at this point.

If using liquid glue, consider using a flat weight

to press during the glue-drying process.

9. Prepare the wheat curl layered shape by
positioning and attaching the shorter overlay
on top of the base silhouette, aligning cut edges.

10. Position and attach the wheat curl unit on top

of the frame, then position and attach the Gather

word cut on top.

Here is the completed card, in folded position.

Here card is shown in its flat position to slide into

an envelope for mailing or giving.

THANKFUL WHEAT SIDE STEP CARD

11. Prepare the card base by carefully folding along

perforation lines as shown, bending back as

"mountain" folds on the left side center fold,

at the top, bottom and center left folds.

Bend forward as "valley" folds on the remaining two lines . . .

. . . according to the diagram as shown.

NOTE that it is a little tricky to fold in different directions
on the same round shape, and will require a little
manipulation to allow portions not being folded to extend
away as the folds are bent.

With folds started, force the side steps into their finished
positions . . .

. . . and apply pressure with a folding tool or
finger tip pressure to ensure crisp folds.
Here is the "arial" view.

12. Layer and attach the front and back contrast scallop

shapes with corresponding faux stitch shapes, using

straight cut edges as alignment guides

13. Position and attach the front assembly onto

the front panel of the case base, using straight

cut side edge or perforation lines to align accurately.

NOTE it may be easiest to position and attach

these assemblies as the card base is flat on work surface.

14. Position and attach the back unit in similar manner.

15. Position and attach the side contrast shapes into
corresponding step panels, using upper cut edges
to align with panel perforation or cut edges.

16. Assemble the frame by layering the front frame

over the contrast margin middle layer, using

outer edges to align, then . . .

. . . position and attach to the whole frame base.

17. Assemble the wheat stalks unit by layering
and attaching the middle unit on top of the base unit
(with square) and then the front unit . . .

. . . using straight
edges to position and align.

18. Assemble the quilt square by layering and

attaching the star cutout shape over the base shape . . .

. . . with the frame on top. Take care to align

the hole punches of each layer.

Position and attach the pentagon shape

over the star cutout.

19. Position and attach the quilt square over
the square base of the wheat assembly.

20. Thread thin twine or perle cotton thick thread
through the punch holes, and tie a knot and bow.
21. Position and attach the wheat/quilt square assembly
over the center of the frame unit.