Tuesday, April 30, 2019

How to Make a Simple Handmade Tunnel Card

Hello crafty friends! Have you ever made a handmade tunnel card? Making handmade cards that are dimensional and interactive has become so popular! There are pop up cards and slider cards and cards in all sorts of shapes. I was fascinated by the depth and possibilities of a tunnel card, so I started playing around and making them. 

Today's handmade cards features some underwater friends from Impression Obsession. I think an ocean scene is perfect for a tunnel card, because there's lots of fun sea life to layer together. Let's dive in and take a look! 

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A tunnel card is comprised of multiple layers, with concentric die-cut shapes. For today's technique, you'll need foam sheets, or adhesive foam tape, a few layers of cardstock, and nesting dies in a few sizes. The first card I have for you has four layers, but you can do as few or many as you want.
Here's how to get started on this card:
  • Trim cardstock pieces to fit card front (5.5x4.25) For this card, you'll need four pieces - one kraft, and three shades of teal. 
  • First we'll die cut a circle from each piece, starting with the largest. Begining with the largest circle, allows us to line each smaller circle up properly. Cut the largest circle from kraft cardstock, then lay the kraft panel over the next layer (light aqua) as shown. See how I've lined up the next circle die in the center of the opening? Tape die in place and cut. (photo below)
  • Next, we'll repeat the process. Line up the light aqua with the next layer, and use the opening to line up the third circle die. (photo below)
  • After cutting the third circle, layer all the pieces together and now you can really see the layout of the card. All of these layers will be attached to your card base. 
  • As you consider adhering these layers together, you have some options. You can use foam adhesive and just layer all your pieces together, or you can do some more die cutting. Below you'll see what I did. Using three foam sheets, die cut a circle from each. (I used a die slightly larger than the kraft circle, so there would be no visible edges.) Then adhere the layers together, using your adhesive of choice.  TIP: Using foam sheets is also a great way to get the dimension you need for a shaker card! 

Next comes the FUN part - decorate your card! Use stamped and/or die cut images to create a scene. Tuck them between the layers, and use foam adhesive to create even more variety in depths.

Think about how many layers you want to use, and what shape tunnel you'd like to use. Here are some more ideas to inspire you!
Create a fun underwater scene on a handmade card, by creating a tunnel card with nesting circle dies. Stop on by my blog to see three different tunnel cards and a full tutorial to create your own!
This card features stamps from Spellbinders. I paired it with an embossing folder on two of the layers, which adds some fun texture.
Have a Wild Birthday - Tunnel Card Idea and Tutorial with Impression Obsession Stamps and Dies. Check out these ideas to create a simple tunnel card with foam adhesive and nesting dies.
Here's one last idea, one that doesn't feature an under water scene. Dies with detailed edges add fun personality to tunnel cards. This jungle card uses pinked-edge circle dies instead of oval dies. 

I hope you have LOTS OF FUN creating your own handmade tunnel cards. Once you get started, you'll think of so many creative ideas to try! I'm so glad you stopped by today! Let's connect again - subscribe so you don't miss a blog post! 
Shop the Supplies on Today's Cards:
love using the Magic Mat with my die cutting machine, because it alleviates those pesky cutting lines on the underneath side of die cut shapes. You know, the ones from your best used cutting plates? 

Looking for more fishies inspiration from Impression Obsession? Here's one more!


updated 8/22/24
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27 comments:

Donna Phelan said...

Pretty cards and lovely coloring! That Tunnel Card is everything!!!

Lori Kobular said...

I am in love with the colors on your second card, looks perfect! The first card is stunning with the way you framed out the sentiment and made the underwater scene around the frame!

Shari Czerwinski said...

Cute underwater scenes! Love the depth and style of the first card especially!

Kelsey Thomas said...

These are cute. :)

Christine Chan said...

So adorable! Awesome works as always !

TLady said...

LOVE this Fish Stamp Set! SO MANY CUTE IMAGES in the set! LOVE your card, Laura! I am thinking, FISHEY'S NOW! LOL ;)

Colorado Crafter said...

Wonderful cards!!!

Becca Yahrling said...

Love all the layers on your first card; beautifully designed. And the 2nd card is so pretty with your perfect BG and that sweet jelly!

Mary Holshouser said...

Love the layering of the first card.
The backgrounds and then the
marine critters in the front - so
much dimension to the card.
thanks for sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

Denise Bryant said...

Super cute sea creatures on these adorable cards!

MadeByMeghanK said...

I LOVE THIS SET! What great backgrounds you did! I love how you colored the creatures!

B. Poteraj said...

Good idea to use the embossing folder as water. Good way to stretch your tools.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Great card design with the fishies and I love the tunnel technique used for it.

Amy C. said...

Your underwater scene cards are so cute!

Plum Crazy Valerie said...

Nice cards, love the fishes!

Leanne said...

Adorable cards!

Jean said...

Darling cards!

The Scrapbooking Queen said...

Adorable card and love the technique you showed for the tunnel effect.
Cute fish stamps too!

char said...

Both of these cards are great but I LOVE the 2nd card. The sentiment is so cute!!

Dee Earnshaw said...

love your cards - the frame on the first one is very creative:)

Jeanne Beam said...

Such fantastic cards! Love the stamps and sentiments.
Thanks so much for sharing...

Laurie2cats said...

So cute! Tunnel cards are my recent obsession.

Sue D said...

Great cards. I really like the tunnel card.

Kelly Kennedy said...

Great cards! Love the look of the first one but great sentiment on the second card!

Jane Booth said...

Love the adorable sea critters!

Jeanette said...

Great cards! Thanks for sharing!

Lee Ann Barrett said...

Adorable cards! I am partial to the jelly- such a cute design; great ocean background and so simple!