Make the Flap Card
Make a flap card by folding cardstock, cutting a flap, decorating with markers and stickers, and writing a secret message inside.
About this activity
Make a flap card by folding cardstock, cutting a flap, decorating with markers and stickers, and writing a secret message inside.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Fold the cardstock in half and press along the fold to make a sharp crease.
- 2
Step 2
Use the ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle on the front with its top side sitting on the folded edge.
- 3
Step 3
Cut along the three open sides of the rectangle with scissors and leave the top side uncut so the rectangle becomes a flap.
- 4
Step 4
Open the flap to make sure it swings up and down easily.
- 5
Step 5
Press along the folded top edge of the flap with your finger to make a strong crease.
- 6
Step 6
Decorate the front of your card with your colouring materials using drawings and colors you love.
- 7
Step 7
Put stickers onto the flap and around the front to make the card bright and fun.
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Step 8
Lift the flap and write a secret message inside the card with your pencil or markers.
- 9
Step 9
Add small drawings or extra decorations around your secret message if you want.
- 10
Step 10
Share a photo of your finished flap card on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make a flap card?
Fold a sheet of cardstock in half to make the card base. On the front, lightly draw a rectangle or shape for the flap, leaving one edge attached. Use scissors (or a craft knife with adult help) to cut three sides of the shape so it opens like a door. Decorate the front and flap with markers and stickers, then write a secret message inside. Add tape or a small sticker to keep the flap closed.
What materials do I need for a flap card?
You’ll need a piece of cardstock or heavy paper, scissors or a craft knife (adult use), a ruler and pencil for measurements, markers or crayons, stickers and decorative paper, glue or double-sided tape, and optional washi tape or sequins for embellishment. An envelope is handy if you’ll mail the card. Use safety scissors and simple supplies for younger children.
What ages is this flap card activity suitable for?
This craft suits a wide range: toddlers (3–5) can stick stickers and color with close supervision; preschoolers (4–6) can help fold and decorate while adults do cutting; school-age kids (6–10) can cut simple flaps with guidance and write secret messages; older kids (10+) can design more complex flaps and embellishments independently. Always supervise cutting tools for young children.
What are the benefits of making flap cards?
Making flap cards builds fine motor skills, hand–eye coordination, and scissor control. It encourages creativity, planning and storytelling as kids design and write secret messages. This activity also supports emotional expression and letter-writing practice, and it’s inexpensive and adaptable for different abilities. Working together on cards fosters parent–child bonding and gives children a tangible, proud keepsake to share or gift.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have cardstock, a ruler, or stickers?
Use heavy-weight construction paper or a flattened cereal-box for cardstock, the straight edge of a book or a printed paper edge instead of a ruler, and glued-on magazine pictures or cut colored paper in place of stickers.
My flap won't swing freely or I accidentally cut the top hinge—how can I fix it?
If the flap sticks, trim the three open sides again so the rectangle can move, press the folded top edge firmly with your finger or a ruler to re-crease it, and if you cut the top hinge by mistake tape the top back on with clear tape and crease the fold again.
How can I change the activity for different ages?
For preschoolers, pre-draw and pre-cut the rectangle and let them color and stick stickers and write a short word under the flap, while older kids can measure and cut their own rectangle with the ruler, add detailed drawings and multiple flaps, or use a craft knife with adult supervision.
How can we personalize or extend the flap card once it's finished?
Personalize it by adding layered flaps, a small photo or secret drawing under the flap, extra decorations around your secret message with markers and stickers, or make a set to photograph and share on DIY.org.