Pocket Card Tutorial

Jacki Joy
Mar 1
3 min read

Updated: Mar 17

If you're looking for a card style that's beginner-friendly yet looks advanced, pocket cards are perfect! They are surprisingly easy to make, yet deliver a delightful pull-out surprise that turns a simple greeting into something special. Feel free to let the beautiful patterns of your paper do most of the talking and to keep your decorations simple- you will create a beautiful card that will truly wow your recipient.

In this tutorial, I'll guide you through constructing the basic pocket foundation and the coordinating card insert. From there, the fun begins! You can decorate it to match any occasion or style.

Close-up view of a handmade pocket card with decorative patterns and a small pocket — I used my Sizzix for most of the decorative elements on this card.

Setup:

The patterned cardstock is from a 12" x 12" "Honey Blossoms" pad by DCWV that I purchased on clearance from JoAnn Fabrics (RIP).

I embossed the light pink cardstock for the outside pocket with small polka dots using my Sizzix.

Get the Scor-Tape as close to the edges as you can.

Assemble the Pocket

To get started, I am going to make my outer pocket by attaching the two 4.25" x 5.5" black pieces together. Make sure you have diagonally cut one of them, as shown above in the setup photo.

I like to use Scor-Tape when I make pockets because it is easy to pull into a straight line and tear with your fingers. It has a permanent bond that will secure everything together. I also appreciate that it doesn't have any of the potential oozing that you can get from glue.

If you don't have Scor-Tape, glue will also work for this step. Make sure you apply it in a straight, thin line.

Next I'm going to attach the pink embossed piece to the outside of my pocket using Tombow MONO. Double-sided tape also works well for this step.

Embossing isn't necessary; you can use a pattern or a solid that matches the other cardstock in your project.

Stamps and flat die cuts look great on the inside of your card.

Create the Card Insert:

The 3.75" x 10" piece will make the card that fits inside of your pocket. Score it at 5" and fold it in half. I attached the two 3.5" x 4.75" white pieces of cardstock with my tape runner.

I had some extra heart dies on my desk so I added those for a little pop of color. There is plenty of room here to add a stamped sentiment, stickers, or any other fun details you like!

Decorate

Now that the card foundation is finished, you can decide how you want to decorate it.

The finished pocket card foundation is ready for decoration.

I have a box of die cuts and other elements ready to go for easy designing. Whenever I use my Sizzix for any project, I cut extra shapes and store them sorted by color. It saves me time and allows me to play around with elements in different colors to find the best fit for my project.

No die cutter? No problem! Using patterned paper enables you to minimize decorations and still create a beautiful card. Hand cut tags, stamps, ribbon, rhinestones, 3D stickers, paper flowers, etc. all work well here!

I found these lace border dies on Amazon and I use them a lot! I always create extra die cuts to give myself plenty of options for future projects.

Here I'm using a Sheer Shimmer STIX to add subtle sparkle to the flower die cuts.

I used textured cardstock for the flowers and added a bit of sparkle with this Shimmer STIX. You shake the stick, wipe it over your elements and then let the liquid dry. This is the first time I've tried this product and I'm happy with the results. It added a bit of fine glitter without warping the paper.

This tag was created out of a scrap of white cardstock from a previous project.

I like to play around with everything until I'm happy with the layout.

I'm using double-sided foam tape to mount the sentiment. Gluing the flower and leaf elements on top of and below the tag will add dimension to your project. A tiny dot of Tombow MONO will keep rhinestones securely attached.