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If you’ve been craving a project that’s creative, quick, and a little different, you’ll like this tutorial. Today’s accordion-fold watercolor card is as fun to make, and it looks just as pretty standing up as it does laying flat.
I love to send cards that are engaging, tactile, and don’t look like anything you might find in a store. Today’s card checks all the boxes:
You don’t need a lot to make this project—just a few tools and a little time. Here’s what to gather before we get started:
Start by using your ruler to draw a diagonal line. Begin from the upper left corner of the watercolor paper and draw to the middle right.
Then, cut along that line.
Once you’ve cut the watercolor paper, use your ruler and pencil to divide it into three even sections.
Then, use your bone folder to make an accordion fold as shown below.
Now, fold your card together. Then, use your pencil to draw jagged mountain shapes on each section.
Next, use your scissors to cut out the mountain shapes.
Now, use a mixture of purple and blue watercolors to paint jagged connected triangles in all different sizes. (Once you paint a few, you’ll notice they look like mountains.) For a more finished look, I like to add mountains to the front and back of the card. If you’re short on time, you can just paint them on the parts that show when the card is folded.
Next, paint a few larger jagged triangles behind your first mountain range. If you have a nice turquoise or deep green tone, that’s a great color choice.
Finish up by filling in the remaining mountains with a warm gray tone.
Next, write a quote on the first panel using watercolor calligraphy. (It’s a good idea to make a pencil draft first, but you don’t have to.) For a cohesive look, stick to the same watercolors as your mountain scene.
Once you’ve calligraphed or hand-lettered a quote, use your everyday handwriting to write a note on the next two panels.
Then, fold up the card and secure it with a piece of twine. Finish up by tucking it into a #10 envelope to send!
This card concept was inspired by Phyllis Macaluso’s Staggered Floral Trifold Card Tutorial. I love the interactive aspect of that card, and I wanted to put a masculine spin on it. Mountains felt like the perfect way to give the concept a more rugged, nature-inspired look.
Remember, there are plenty of possibilities beyond flowers and mountains. Anything that repeats beautifully or creates a sense of rhythm will work well—think leaves, cityscapes, stars, or seashells.
Thanks so much for spending a little time with this tutorial! I really enjoyed the rhythm of this project—cutting out mountains, layering colors, adding a quote, and tying everything up with twine. It’s one of those projects that’s satisfying from start to finish, especially if you’ve been craving something hands-on and creative. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I did!
Warmly,
*This post contains affiliate links to Amazon
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