Pilgrim 3D Hat Easel Card

 

Round card has layered under-lid panel that bends 

to prop up the attached pilgrim’s hat. 

(Assemble the hat, attach pleated “ruffle” strips around 

cylinder platform, attach hat on top to conceal platform.) 

Attach the double layer sentiment panel with “Harvest Blessed” 

and wishbone with hearts to provide the “stop” 

for the easel mechanism. Decorate with included hat band 

and layered buckle shapes, then add purchased 

floral blossom, sprigs, berries, leaves or ribbon tails 

as desired for this extra special card suitable for 

Thanksgiving giving and display. 

Card measures approx. 5” x 5” x 2.75” tall when closed. 

Companion “Turkey Feathers Round 3D Box” design 

provides a stylish, unique package for gifting 

this dimensional card. 

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:

A card base (attached front & back)

B front whole circle overlay

C back whole circle overlay

D & E interior accent offset shapes

F 'stop' panel shapes (3) for build-up layering

with 'Harvest Blessed' words, hearts & wishbone

H pleating platform boxing strip   G platform top circle

I pleating strips (3)   J accent scalloped circle

K hat brim   L hat crown   M hat band

N buckle inner & outer layers

2. Prepare the base circle by bending back at

center short perforation, then forward at center

long perforation across center of top circle.

(NOTE: this is slightly different than previous

easel card designs have been presented;

if preferred, follow this LINK to see the other option,

beginning in Step 2.).

3. Position and attach the reinforcement whole circle

onto the backside of base assemble, with edges aligned.

4. Position and attach the front whole circle onto

half ONLY of the front card, as shown.

This attachment and hinges create the 'easel' effect.

5. Position and attach the interior whole offset circle

onto the inside base, and the interior half offset circle

onto the lower half of the upper base with straight

edge aligned AT perforation line, as shown.

6. Layer the 'stop' panels for thickness, to hold

the easel edge in upright position, taking care

to align all shape edges as precisely as possible.

NOTE that is will be helpful when gluing up layers

using liquid adhesive to press the assembly under a flat

heavy weight such as this fabric covered flat weight

until completely dry (hours) to avoid warping and curling.

7. Position and attach the 'Harvest Blessed' word cuts

(take care where 'Harv' and 'est' are separated)

just above the lower rounded edge of the panel,

test for placement, then adjust as needed and attach.

Also position wishbone at vertical centerline with

hearts on either side,

8. Position and attach the stop assembly at the interior

base circle near bottom of accent circle as shown.

This image shows how the easel function works.

9. Prepare the pleating platform side wall boxing strip

by adding curl along its length, using a rod-like tool

such as this pencil, applying pressure between thumb

and pencil as strip is drawn across. (Think curling ribbon.)

10. Bend the upper edge set of small tabs inward

(and the lower edge tabs outward).

NOTE that the end tab IS NOT bent; guide marks only.

11. Form the strip into a tube to bring straight end edge

to overlap opposite tab to perf guide marks,

and glue side seam.

12. With top tabs all bent inward at 90 degrees,

invert the ring/tube and apply adhesive along the back

 surfaces of tabs, then . . . 

. . . insert the platform top disc into the ring . . . 

. . . and push down til it touches all tabs flush.

Apply fingertip pressure around the inside repeatedly

until ALL the tabs attach completely.

13. With bottom tabs bent outward at 90 degrees,

insert the platform assembly through the bottom of

the accent scalloped circle shape center opening . . .

. . . and push through the opening until bottom tabs

touch the backside of the scallop circle, then

glue the tabs in place.

Apply fingertip pressure all around the base of

the platform to fully attach tabs in place.

14. Prepare the pleating strips by bending the end

tab forward, then . . . 

. . . continue the accordion folding sequence

(back, forward, back, etc) across  the strip until

the entire width is pleated.

Repeat for the other two strips.

15. Join the strips into a ring by aligning and positioning 

the straight (left here) end of one strip over end tab

to perforation of second strip, aligning top and bottom edges,

and gluing seam. Repeat to join the third strip, then . . .

. . . form the strips into a ring to align and join

the final seam.

16. The pleating strips ring will eventually be

condensed  . . .

. . . and flattened into the pleats ring that will

be positioned and attached around the platform wall.

Using a quick-grab glue such as Fabri-Tac or hot melt glue,

apply bead around base of platform and up the wall

sides approx. 1/8", then quickly . . . 

. . . condense and flatten the pleating circle around

the platform to evenly arrange the pleats and

join in place.

While adhesive is still pliable, push inward all around

the ring to force the pleats in toward platform

and cause to attach in place. Hold until fully dry.

17. Position and attach the scallop accent circle

and pleating/platform assembly onto the front of card.

18. Prepare the hat crown shape by bending back

along each vertical perforation line, top platform hexagon,

end seam flange, and top tabs. Bend bottom tabs

forward.

19. Form the crown into a tube to bring the straight side edge

to overlap the opposite flange to perforation line,

and join the seam.

20. Bend top tabs inward, apply glue to surfaces,

then bend the top down into position, adjust so that

straight edges align at perforation lines as precisely

as possible, then hold in place until attached.

Invert and apply pressure to the edges from inside.

21. Apply glue to the face surfaces of the bottom crown tabs,

then slip the brim circle opening over the crown . . .

. . . until it is fully seated, then apply fingertip pressure

all around until attached completely.

22. Prepare the hat band single shape by bending

back slightly at each of the vertical short perf lines,

then form a ring and complete the side seam.

NOTE: if print pattern dictates best presentation by

cutting 6 individual band portions, join those 

together first, then proceed with the joining into a ring.

23. Position the hat band over the crown, then . . .

. . . slide down into position. Apply glue between band

and crown to attach in place where it fits snugly.

24. Layer the two hat buckle shapes and join,

then position and attach over band at selected 'front'.

25. Apply glue to backside surface of brim, then

slip the hat over the platform, center it, and attach

to the pleating layer.

26. Audition, then attach selected ribbon loops,

leaf wands, sprigs, berry stems, blossom, etc.

as desired, using the sample as a guide.

This image shows how the hat will present in

easel-erected position . . .

. . . with front upper base edge catching and holding

at top edge of 'stop' panel.

Consider constructing the companion 

Turkey Feathers 3D Box as card's gifting or

storage container.

Thanksgiving Pop and Twist Cards

These action cards are surprisingly easy to assemble, 

with Thanksgiving and Autumn themed card bases 
and front decorations for fun seasonal giving.

Lift card front to open and see the panels spread wide 

with smaller stylized stencil panels mounted. 

Offset interior panel provides more visual interest. 

Each card measures approx. 5.25” wide x 7” tall.

Here is are 10 second videos to demonstrate
how the cards open with a "twist" and the arms "pop" wide:

ASSEMBLY: (NOTE the shapes layouts for both appear first,
followed by the Hat assembly, with Acorn following at Step 21.)

1. Identify and cut the shapes:
FOR THE ACORN CARD:
A card base front panel  B card base back panel (with perf.)
C mechanism   D mechanism lower accent panel
F 'arms' accordion strip with acorn stencil panels
G acorn silhouette (shows thru as lower acorn nut)
H acorn cap (sample uses the punch hole version)
I rickrack body overlay  J leaf accent shapes

FOR THE PILGRIM HAT CARD

A hat base (combined front and back)

B mechanism   C mechanism lower accent panel

D mechanism lower accent panel

E 'arms' accordion strip with acorn stencil panels
(not shown: contrast underlays for E stencils;
see Step 10)
F hat crown base   G brim  H band with buckle
I lrg and med leaves, tendril swirl
J wheat stem

2. Prepare the mechanism interior panel

(this is the same for either card design):

a) fold forward in half and crease the horizontal

perforation line all across;

b) open, then fold back along each of the diagonal
perforation lines.

c) open, then direct the side 'arms' in . . .

. . . toward center
as shown to create . . .

. . . the basic house silhouette. 
d) apply pressure to each crease, including those
middle layers to make sure it can fold as flat as possible.

3. Position and attach the lower interior accent panel

on the bottom extension, offset slightly 

on sides and bottom.

HAT CARD ASSEMBLY (continued)

4. Position and attach the brim strip along

the bottom of the hat crown base shape.

5. Locate the spread out perforation guide marks

across the crown, then . . . 

. . . position (centered) and attach the hat band

at along and above the perf guide line.

6. Before the hat band adhesive is completely joined . . .

. . . tuck the tendril stem and the wheat stem

under the hat band, and attach.

(NOTE it is better to have the wheat stem down

further onto the crown than the sample shows

to avoid having it bent when the card is opened.)

Also position (centered) and attach the buckle.

7. Arrange and attach the medium and larger leaves

at the left edge, overlapping the band, tendril

and crown as shown.

8. Fold the hat base in half at middle cross perforation.

9. Position the hat assembly on the card front,

with offset margin all around, and attach in place.

10. If desired, position and attach the contrast panels

behind the leaf and turkey stencil shapes.

11. Fold the 'arms' strip in accordion fashion

to form the 'W' shape as shown.

12. Position and attach each of the accent stencil

panels in each section of the arm panel.

13. Prepare to attach the mechanism to the inside

of card base by opening flat on work surface,

and locating the visual center of the perforation line.

14. Apply adhesive to the backside of the lower
center extension 'house' shape of the mechanism
(strong hold roll-on double sided 
adhesive 'tape' recommended). Position the mechanism
(centered) on the card base with the tip exactly at
the center of the perforation line.

Then BEFORE applying pressure, carefully close
the card top/front to allow the mechanism to
"self-adjust" slightly to allow the card to continue
to close appropriately, then open and apply pressure
to ensure that the mechanism is fully secure.

15. Open top layer and apply adhesive 'tape' 
to the top 'house' panel portion of the mechanism . . . 

. . . then close the card and apply pressure
to attach in place to the inside front of card.

The result should be that the card will open as shown.

16. Prepare to attach the 'arm' strip by folding in half

and positioning the fold, centered top to bottom,

at the middle point of mechanism where perf lines

intersect. Take care that it is perpendicular

to the cross perforation fold line, and that

the tiny portions of the mechanism 'arm' extensions

that remain exposed above and below it

(left portion in this image) are equal.

17. Apply adhesive tape to the upper portion

of the right arm extension, keeping it only

in the area where the arm end panel will connect

(as shown with the dash line and arrow).

Open the arm strip flat and apply pressure so that

it attaches firmly where the adhesive was applied.

18. Fold the left half back . . .

. . . and apply adhesive

tape to the lower portion in similar manner

as in Step 17 above, then . . 

. . . unfold the strip to position and . . .

. . . apply pressure to secure the left end of strip.

19. Assist the mechanism with strip to close up
as intended by slowly folding the top portion
forward into place . . . 

. . . as the mechanism arms pull inward
with the right end twisting downward and
the left end twisting upward . . .

. . . until the arms strip is fully rotated into its 'stacked'
position between the front and back panels as shown.

Apply full pressure to secure all the inner surfaces.
The card assembly is complete at this point.

20. If desired, rotary cut a .5" wide x 11-12" long strip

of decorative print-weight paper as a band

to keep the card closed for gifting.

Position it vertically across center of card, then . . . 

. . . fold back at top and bottom to wrap around
card. On back side, overlap the ends 
(trim if necessary), then . . . 

. . . use a 'seal' shape of some kind -- such as

this 'waste' turkey shape from the stencil panels --

to attach and hold the band in place.

ACORN CARD ASSEMBLY (continued)

21. Prepare the card base back by bending

forward at the tip perforation line.

22. Position the card front and back base panels

back to back, align edges, then attach the two

above the perforation line to create a 'hinged' base.

23. Prepare the acorn decorative front by attaching

cap on top of 'nut' base with edges aligned.

Position and attach the oak leaf half overlay.

Position the rickrack overlay below the cap edge,
center and attach. Position and attach the berry
punch circles into the leaf overlay recesses.

Attach decorative brad or stud at cap punch hole
if desired, then position leaf and 
attach overlapped surfaces.

24. Prepare the 'arm' strip by folding in accordion

manner into the 'W' shape as shown.

25. Position and attach the acorn stencil panels

into each of the 'arm' sections

(attach the contrast panels behind stencils first

if desired).

26. Refer to the Pilgrim Hat card Steps 2, 13-19
to prepare the mechanism shape, position
and attach it (point of 'house' shape should be
placed just below the perforation line where
base shapes attach), position and attach 'arm' strip
to mechanism arm extensions, etc.

Then assist the card and mechanism to

close initially in the same way.

Here is the completed Acorn card.

27.  If desired, rotary cut a .5" wide x 9-10" long strip

of decorative print-weight paper as a band

to keep the card closed for gifting.

Position it horizontally across card, then . . . 

. . . wrap ends around to backside of card,
overlap (trim if necessary), then attach with
a seal shape of some kind, such as the leaf cutout
'waste' from the Pilgrim Hat arms panel.