The Impossible Card: Discover The Secret Behind This ‘Impossible’ Design!

The ‘Impossible Card’ has been on everyone’s lips this year… why? because despite how it looks, it’s actually not so impossible to make after all! Using the clever template provided here, you can discover the simple secret behind the impossible card, and make it time and time again, decorating each one however you wish! Check out Vikki Gorham’s step-by-step instructions below, and discover just how possible the impossible card really is!

This fantastic card takes less than an hour to make – and is nowhere near as complicated as it looks! This card is based on a 6×6 size version, but I guarantee you will not stop at one…. the impossible card is addictive!

You Will Need:

• The Impossible Card Template [DOWNLOAD HERE]
• Score Board
• Scissors
• Paper Trimmer
• Patterned Paper
• Black Card – heavyweight
• Double sided Tape
• Glue with fine tip applicator
• Decorative Circle Dies
• Sentiment Die
• Metal Charms
• Bone Folder
• Butterfly Die
• Gold Mirror Card
• Gold Gems
• Die Cutting Machine

How To Make The Impossible Card:

Step One:

Take a sheet of black heavyweight card and cut it, using your paper trimmer, to 6×6 inches.

Step Two:

Place the card into your score board and score at 3 inches the whole way down your card. Next, rotate your card clockwise and score at 3 inches, this time only down to the 3-inch score line. Rotate your card again, this time scoring at 1¼ inches and 4¾ inches, only scoring to the 3 inch line.

Finally, take a pair of scissors and cut on the score lines, as per the photo above.

Step Three: (Video)

Using your bone folder, gently crease your score lines on your base card, folding your middle panel backwards and forwards; again, this will help make it easier to twist…

Step Four:

To make your two side mats, cut two pieces of patterned paper to 5 7/8 inches x 2 7/8, then cut out a panel measuring 3 x 1.5 inches from each piece as shown above, and discard.

Top Tip: If you are using paper printed with words or patterns, be sure to check that they are the correct way round!

Next, cut one piece of coordinating patterned paper to 3 3/8 x 2 7/8 inches; this will be your centre mat panel.

To form your brace/sentiment area, cut a piece of black heavyweight core card to 5 x 1.5 inches, then cut a piece of coordinating patterned paper to 4 7/8 x 1 3/8 inches.

Step Five:

Matt and layer your base card using double sided tape or glue, then matt and layer your brace/sentiment. Cut the sentiment die from black card, and repeat with gold mirror card, then stick these together using your fine tip applicator glue, just offsetting slightly for a shadow effect. Finally, attach to your brace bar, and secure onto your card.

Step Six:

For this card, I used the Birch Press Kaleidoscope Layering Dies. Cut layers A, B and C using your die cutting machine and alternating the patterned paper; you are only using the three outer layers. Cut layer A again, this time from black card – you are only using the centre of this die-cut.

Finally, I die cut butterflies several times and layered them up, added gold gems, and placed these randomly around the card. for a pretty finishing touch!

Impossible Card Top Tips:

Use heavyweight cardstock for your base; this will enable you to embellish your card without affecting its ability to remain standing up! When decorating, also be mindful that if you place things over the edge, you will need to create a larger envelope or box for your finished card.

Love this cardmaking project? Check out the rest of our papercraft tutorials and articles right here!

Keen to get started, and create the Impossible Card? Download your template, stock up on cardmaking essentials, and get started!