I designed and crafted this retractable invitation entirely by hand, taking care of every detail to make it unique and special. It’s a slide-style card: when you pull the top tab, both the top and bottom unfold at the same time, displaying the full invitation message.
For the base, I used thick pearly white cardstock, which gives it an elegant and luminous touch. On top of that base, I placed details in gold metallic cardstock, which serve as a frame and provide the subtle shine I was looking for. The centerpiece features a scalloped circle with several layers: the first in plain white cardstock and the second in gold, creating a 3D effect. In the center, the phrase “My 15” was cut from gold vinyl and overlaid with white vinyl to add contrast and volume.
I made the fairy wings from gold glitter cardstock, carefully cut and glued to the sides of the centerpiece to give the illusion of a magical fairy. I textured the envelope or sleeve that holds the retractable mechanism with a dot embossing folder to add a tactile detail that makes it even more special.
Inside, I printed it in gold tones using an elegant cursive font and added a silhouetted fairy detail at the end, continuing the magical theme. The entire design features pearly white and gold as its main colors, which together reflect delicacy and sophistication.
I achieved the technical side of the retractable mechanism with a system of internal cardstock strips, carefully aligned and glued so that when the tab is pulled, the top and bottom slid smoothly together.
It was a project I thoroughly enjoyed creating because it combines design, precision, and a touch of fantasy.
