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.
Step-by-step guide to make a flap card
Step 1
Fold the cardstock in half and press along the fold to make a sharp crease.
Step 2
Use the ruler and pencil to draw a rectangle on the front with its top side sitting on the folded edge.
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.
Step 4
Open the flap to make sure it swings up and down easily.
Step 5
Press along the folded top edge of the flap with your finger to make a strong crease.
Step 6
Decorate the front of your card with your colouring materials using drawings and colors you love.
Step 7
Put stickers onto the flap and around the front to make the card bright and fun.
Step 8
Lift the flap and write a secret message inside the card with your pencil or markers.
Step 9
Add small drawings or extra decorations around your secret message if you want.
Step 10
Share a photo of your finished flap card on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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.
Watch videos on how to make a flap card
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EASY Flap Fun Fold Tutorial YOU MUST TRY!🧡
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Facts about cardmaking and paper crafts for kids
♻️ You can upcycle old magazines or scrap paper to decorate flap cards—creative and planet-friendly!
✂️ A single straight cut and a fold can make a flap that hides a surprise—simple pop-up tricks power many flap cards!
🎨 Cardstock is thicker than regular paper so it keeps crisp folds and bright marker colors without wrinkling.
🔐 Flap cards are a kid-favorite because the little reveal moment (opening the flap) feels like finding a secret.
🎩 Handmade greeting cards became huge in Victorian times when cheaper postage made sending cards popular.
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