Cascade card tutorial + free template

Create a Stunning Cascade Card!

Looking for a show-stopping card that's easy to make? This cascade card is guaranteed to impress! Follow this step-by-step guide and watch Lou's tutorial (scroll down!) to find out how to make it.

cascade card with butterflies and sentiment

Step-by-step cascade card tutorial

Gathering Your Supplies Before we begin, gather your crafting essentials:

Cascade Card template (scroll down to download for free!)
Cardstock of your choice
Cutting tools (trimmer and scissors)
Adhesive (repositionable glue or tape runner)
Bone folder
Embossing folder (Lou uses Bold Floral Background from TEXT{ures} Floral Folk Art)
Distress Oxide ink (optional, for adding texture)
Embellishments (butterflies, gems, sentiments)

Assembling the Base

Print out the cascade card template and cut it out. Use repositionable glue to attach it to your cardstock, aligning it precisely.
Follow the lines on the template to cut the cardstock into two identical halves. These will serve as the base of your cascading card.
Score along the dotted lines on both halves. Use your scoring tool or a bone folder for a clean crease.

Creating the Cascading Effect

Carefully fold the halves into a concertina style, creating a zigzag pattern. Make sure that the smaller panels are facing outwards on alternate halves.
Slide the back panels of one half into the corresponding back panels of the other half. This will give your card its cascading structure.
Secure the back panels together using low tack tape, ensuring they stay in place.

Embossing and Matting

Emboss your chosen cardstock panels using an embossing folder. Apply a light coat of Distress Oxide ink to the embossing folder for added depth.
Trim your embossed panels slightly smaller than the corresponding sections on the card. Apply them to the front panels using adhesive.

Adding Decorative Elements

Layer up your chosen embellishments. Lou has opted for butterflies from her TEXT{ures} Layering Folk Art Butterflies die set.
Glue the butterfly elements onto the card front, making sure not to obstruct the creases. This allows the wings to be lifted for a dynamic effect!
Add sentiments and gems to complete the design and add a touch of sparkle.

Happy Crafting!