Nautical Accordion Fun Fold Card Using the Seaside Memories Collection
- Rick Adkins
- 13 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Every now and then I like to create a card that has a little extra movement and dimension, but still feels approachable and practical to make. Fun fold cards are perfect for that. They add visual interest without requiring a lot of complicated techniques, and they’re a wonderful way to showcase beautiful patterned paper.
For today’s project, I designed a nautical-themed accordion fun fold card using pieces from the Seaside Memories Collection from Paper Rose Studio. The goal was to let the patterned papers and die cuts do most of the storytelling while the fold itself provides the structure and surprise. I also filmed a video so you can see how this accordion layout comes together and how the elements are arranged.
If you enjoy learning new card layouts and seeing how patterned papers and die cuts can work together in a cohesive design, the video will be a helpful visual companion to this post.
Why an Accordion Fun Fold Works So Well
Accordion-style cards are one of my favorite designs when I want to add dimension without adding complexity. The fold naturally creates multiple panels, which gives you space to build a little scene or visual story as the card opens.
With this nautical theme, the accordion panels allowed me to highlight different elements from the Seaside Memories collection—a palm tree, a sentiment panel, and a small seahorse focal point. Each piece gets its own space, but they still work together as a single design when the card is fully opened.
This type of layout is especially helpful when you’re working with patterned paper collections that already coordinate beautifully. Instead of trying to create the background from scratch, the patterned paper becomes the backdrop and helps guide your color palette and placement choices.
Letting Patterned Paper Do the Work
One of the things I love about the Seaside Memories patterned papers (12 x 12) and (6 x 6) is the soft coastal imagery and subtle map details. Designs like these are ideal for fun fold cards because they naturally create atmosphere without needing extra layers or techniques.
Rather than covering the card with embellishments, I kept the layout fairly clean and allowed the palm tree imagery and nautical textures to set the scene. This approach keeps the card from feeling busy, even though there are multiple panels and layers involved.
The small embossed die cuts from the Seaside Memories collection also helped simplify the process. Pre-designed elements like the seahorse and palm tree make it easy to build focal points quickly, and they coordinate perfectly with the patterned paper.
For the sentiment, I used the Large Layered Script Best Wishes Metal Cutting Die, which adds a bold but elegant focal point. Script dies like this work especially well on fun fold cards because they stand out visually without overpowering the rest of the design.
Design Balance on Multi-Panel Cards
When working with accordion fun fold cards, one of the biggest design challenges is balance. Because the card opens into several sections, it’s easy to accidentally place too many elements on one side or make the card feel visually heavy.
A simple way to avoid that is to spread focal points across the panels instead of stacking everything in one area. In this card, the seahorse image sits on one panel, the sentiment is centered, and the palm tree element anchors the opposite side. This helps guide the eye naturally across the card as it opens.
Using Midnight Navy Cardstock for the mats also helps tie everything together. Dark mats provide contrast against the lighter coastal tones and help define each panel without overwhelming the design.
Common Fun Fold Mistakes to Avoid
If you’re newer to fun fold cards, there are a couple of things that can make the process easier.
First, try not to over-decorate every panel. Leaving a little breathing room helps the fold stand out and keeps the design from feeling crowded.
Second, think about how the card will look both closed and open. A focal point that looks perfect when the card is open might disappear visually when the card is folded shut. Planning for both views helps create a more polished result.
Finally, strong color anchors—like darker cardstock mats or bold sentiments—help unify the design when multiple patterned papers are involved.
Adapting This Idea with Your Own Supplies
One of the best things about this accordion layout is how adaptable it is. You can easily recreate the idea using supplies you already have in your stash.
If you don’t have the Seaside Memories collection, look for patterned papers that share a common theme or color palette. Florals, holiday collections, travel themes, or even masculine cardmaking papers work beautifully with this fold.
The focal elements can also be swapped out easily. Instead of embossed die cuts, you could use:
Stamped and colored images
Ephemera pieces
Small die cut shapes
Sentiment strips
The key is choosing a few elements that work together visually and allowing the fold itself to create the interest.
This layout also works well for a variety of occasions. With a few simple changes, the same accordion design could become a birthday card, thank-you card, retirement card, or even a holiday greeting.
A Little Creative Encouragement
If you’ve been curious about trying fun fold cards but weren’t sure where to start, accordion folds are a great place to begin. They look impressive when finished, but they’re surprisingly approachable once you see how the structure works.
And remember—there’s no single “right” way to decorate a card like this. Sometimes the best results come from simply letting your supplies inspire you and seeing where the design takes you.
Watch the Card Come Together
If you’re a visual learner, you can watch the full process and see how this accordion fun fold card comes together in the video below.
If you have problems watching the video here on my blog you can always watch it on my YouTube Channel by Clicking Here!
If you give this accordion fun fold idea a try, I’d love to hear what theme or supplies you used. It’s always fun to see how different cardmakers interpret the same layout.
Download Project Sheet
(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 Crafting,
Rick Adkins
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