Create 4 Tropical Christmas Fun Fold Cards | Free Class Featuring Paper Rose Studio

If you're anything like me, when July rolls around, you're already dreaming up your holiday card designs. But let’s be honest—it can start to feel a little repetitive after a few seasons of red and green everything. That’s exactly why I decided to mix things up this month and bring you something that feels fresh, festive, and just plain fun. Welcome to my free Christmas in July card class, where we’re taking a tropical twist on the holiday season and making four unique fun fold cards featuring the Tropical Christmas 12 x 12 Pattern Paper Collection, Tropical Christmas Cut Aparts, and Crisp Christmas A5 Sentiment Sheets—all from Paper Rose Studio.

Each one of these designs was created to help you break out of your routine and feel excited to craft again. If you’ve ever sat down at your desk in the middle of summer, wanting to start your holiday cards but feeling like the traditional look just didn’t fit your mood, this class is for you. I’ve built in movement, surprise, and storytelling into every card—without making them overly complicated to recreate.

You can watch the full video tutorial with all four cards at the end of this post, but for now, let me walk you through the inspiration and ideas behind each design.

Create 4 Tropical Christmas Fun Fold Cards | Free Class Featuring Paper Rose Studio:

Surprise Box Fold Card: A Little Pop of Paradise

This one might just be my favorite—because who wouldn’t want to open up a card and be greeted by a palm tree covered in twinkling Christmas lights? I used a bold tropical print from the Tropical Christmas Pattern Paper Collection to decorate the flaps of the box, then layered in all the fun: a surfboard wrapped in florals, a cocktail with a candy cane, and a snowman in sunglasses. Everything came from the coordinating Tropical Christmas Cut Aparts, which made building a scene quick and cohesive.

The sentiment—Merry Christmas & Happy New Year—came from the Crisp Christmas A5 Sentiment Sheets, which I can’t recommend enough. These sheets are printed, ready to cut, and filled with elegant sentiments that work for both whimsical and classic styles.

Pro Tip: When using a box fold design like this, I always cut and arrange my elements before I adhere anything down. It lets me play around with balance and dimension before committing.

Hidden Gatefold Card: Seashells and Surprises

This card is all about that little reveal moment. From the outside, it looks like a simple card, but when you open it, there’s a surprise tucked inside. I used the patterned paper with softly decorated Christmas trees—think red bows and seashells instead of tinsel—and framed the inside with stitched circle die cuts to anchor the Shell Christmas Wreath focal point.

For the front of the gate fold card, I layered one of the larger tropical floral arrangements from the Tropical Christmas Cut Aparts, and added a sentiment I trimmed from the insert sheet on the back of the pattern paper pack. I love when companies include those little extras—it’s like finding a hidden gem in your stash.

Pro Tip: If your paper pack has an insert with sample thumbnails or extra prints, don’t throw it out. Use it as a coordinating embellishment source. It’s perfect for sentiment strips, layering pieces, or even mini tags.

Angled Gatefold Card: A Twist on Tradition

This one felt like a true play on pattern. I chose a print with lush tropical plants decorated in red Christmas ornaments, and the backside of that paper was covered in adorable holiday flip-flops. By cutting the gatefold panels on an angle, I was able to showcase both prints at once, and the result reminded me of twisted ribbon.

The sentiment came from the Crisp Christmas Sentiment Sheets again—this time a smaller strip that felt just right nestled along the angled edge. The balance between the busy paper and the clean sentiment kept the whole design from feeling overwhelming.

Pro Tip: Angled folds are a great way to make patterned paper the star of the show, especially when you can’t choose between two coordinating sides. Let the paper do the work for you.

Extra Fun Easel Card: A Seaside Celebration

I don’t know about you, but I love a card that stands up and shows off a little. This easel design was built around one of the 3x4 cut aparts from the paper pack—specifically, the one with a tropical Christmas drink surrounded by florals and the words Merry & Bright. It was such a natural focal point, I knew it had to be the star.

For the base, I used the patterned paper with a seaside Christmas dinner scene—imagine palm trees, ocean breeze, and a table full of holiday dishes. To finish off the front flap, I added a festive crab in a Santa hat from the Tropical Christmas Cut Aparts, because who doesn’t need a little beachy whimsy?

Pro Tip: When making easel cards, make sure your “stopper” element on the inside (the piece that holds the card up) is layered with enough foam or dimension so it can actually support the card front. A flat sentiment won’t do the trick.

Want to Make These With Me?

If you’re ready to bring a little sunshine to your holiday stash, I’d love for you to join me in the free video class below. I walk you through each of these cards from start to finish, sharing my thought process, tips, and how you can customize them using what you already have on hand.

And if you want even more holiday fun fold inspiration, keep an eye out for my “Merry & Bright and Folded Just Right!” Christmas in July Fun Fold Card Class PDF, coming July 20th. It includes a supply list, step-by-step instructions for ten fun fold cards along with photos of each the cards, plus bonus tips you won’t see anywhere else.

Free Monthly Card Class: Tropical Christmas Fun Folds! Video Tutorial:

If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking Here!

(Wondering what I used in this video? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible). As always I appreciate your support of my videos!

Materials Used:

Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.

Happy Stampin'

Rick Adkins

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