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! 

This blog post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, I may receive compensation at no cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my crafty heart!

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!

This card features stamps from Spellbinders. I paired it with an embossing folder on two of the layers, which adds some fun texture.

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:

Have you heard the news? Impression Obsession is closing their doors at the end of 2024. Grab today's supplies while they're still in stock, check out the awesome sales and support this wonderful business while you can!

Take Me to the Sea Clear Stamp Set

(plus grab the coordinating dies)

Summer Cupcake Topper die set

Crab Sayings Clear Stamp Set

Pop-Up Die Cutting Foam Sheets

Stitched Pinked Circles Dies

Modern Ovals Dies from Spellbinders

Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine

Magic Mat that fits Platinum 6

I 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? 

Shop all the Magic Mat sizes here

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

updated 8/22/24

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