MOTHER Accordion Card with Twist Letters

 
Six accordion panels with letter-mounted plaques 

are connected to frame by twine (or perle cotton) so that 

they “twist” within their frame windows. 

Layers of frame panels and letter plaques give this display card 

definite weight. Accordion panels are connected with 

3 or 5 folding brackets. Letter plaques can be assembled using 

“print & cut” interior letters that include leaf and berry

printed details, (or, optionally simply as letter cut outs), 

with narrow offset black base letters for outlined effect. 

Panels each measure approx. 4.125” wide x 5.75” tall. 

Completed card measures approx. 24.75” long, 

is self-standing for display. 

Bundle and tie the completed and folded card using 

a narrow ribbon threaded through front panel slot. 

Coordinates with Envelope 3D Pocket Pleated separate design. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A front end single card base panel

B middle double card base panels (2)

C back end card base panel

D panel "hinge" strips (3 or 5)

E offset accent panels (1 front end, 5 reg)

F offset accent front frames (1 front end, 5 reg)

G twister medallion base (6)

H split twister medallion overlays (6 left, 6 right)

I medallion front accent panel (6)

J print & cut MOTHER letters

K opt. berry overlay  tiny circles (6)

L narrow offsets for letters MOTHER

2. If selected, follow the print & cut procedure to

print the MOTHER letters with cutting registeration

lines on white cardstock, then . . .

. . . place printed sheet on cutting mat and send

to cutter.

Finally, remove the cut letters

3. Prepare the twister medallion bases by

positioning each split half onto the whole base

with outer cut edges of both layers aligned

as precisely as possible. (This assembly will create

the narrow channel for the twine.) Repeat to assemble

all 6 twister bases. Press under flat heavy weight

until fully dried.

4. Layer the main letter shapes on their offset (outline)

contrast bases, then . . .

. . . center onto the contrast twister medallion shape.

If selected, position and attach the separately-cut

berry circles over the printed berry.

Place the assembly on flat surface, then press flat

with heavy object such as this thick book, possibly

with something else heavy on top.

Repeat the letters process for all 6 letters.

5. Cut six 5" to 5.5" lengths of twine or perle cotton

in selected color. Position (centered) over twister

medallion front channel, and glue in place. Repeat

for all 6 medallion assemblies.

7. Position the letter/medallion assembly on top

front of medallion base, with side edges aligned,

and centered top to bottom, and attach in place,

concealing all but ends of twine plus extra tails.

Repeat the pressing and drying process.

leaving under weight until fully dried,

for several hours or over night.

8. Prepare the double card panels by bending at center

perforation line as mountain folds.

9. Assemble the front end panel by positioning

and attaching offset frame over front of base,

aligning window opening cut out, with equal narrow

margins all around.

10. Position the appropriate letter inside the window

of panel frame . . .

. . . then add quick-grab glue into the top and

bottom channels. Immediately position the twine ends

over the channels and press to attach ends securely.

When glue is sufficiently dried and ends secured,

use scissors to trim ends even with channel ends.

11. Position the top frame accent over front of

panel assembly, aligning window opening,

with equal offset margin all around, to

conceal the twister twine ends underneath.

Press flat until thoroughly dried.

Repeat for all 6 letters.

12. Repeat the assembly process to prepare

back end single, double panels in similar manner.

Take care to attach the correct letters

in the appropriate positions, with 'O' and 'T'

into the first double panel, and . . .

. . . the 'H' and 'E' in the second double panel,

with the 'R' on the back end panel.

13. Prepare the "hinge" brackets as mountain folds

to attach between the separate panels.

If desired, also prepare the optional 2 brackets as

valley folds to position and attach at double panel

center perforated folds.

14. Position the bracket behind the first seam area . . .

. . . centering top to bottom, with panel edges tucked

as snugly into the fold as possible to still allow

the panels to bend together face to face, and glue

to edge of each of the involved panels.

(This image shows the 'M to O' seam, from backside.)

Repeat for the other three seam positions

to connect all four panels.

If desired, position the optional brackets (valley folded)

behind the double panels, tucking the fold snugly into

the panel bend.

Once brackets are in place, fold the entire assembly

into its accordion arrangement and . . .

. . . apply fingertip pressure along the seams

to lock in the foldability.

15. To finish the card, thread a length of ribbon

through the front end slot . . .

. . . pass the lead end around the card counter clockwise,

then tie knot and bow, either on the side as shown,

or at center of the medallion (backside).

Consider preparing the companion pocket envelope

design where the closed card can be tucked

for presentation.

Find the assembly guide for the pocket HERE.