3d162 - Twisted Easel Graduation Card!

I'm thrilled to be your 3d hostess this week and with graduation right around the corner, I wanted to show you how to easily create a twisted easel card to match your school colors along with adding a paper tassel!  Directions to construct a twisted easel card can be found in the Tutorials HERE.  The graduation card dimension is 5x5 closed so you will cut a 5x10 piece of card stock and score at 5 inches.

Here's another view of the card and you can see that it is a fairly simple design.  The key to an easel card, whether it is twisted or not, is to create a dimensional element to hold the front flap in place for display purposes.  Here the stars are elevated with foam tape.

Okay, let's get to the paper tassel!  My son graduated from high school in 2011 and his school colors were burgundy and white.  The actual tassel he wore was both burgundy and white which inspired me to do the same here.  I was also inspired by the "Class of 2011" gold charm that was part of his tassel so, again, I re-created a paper tag and added a jump ring on one end.

To match the string, I colored it with a Copic marker on my craft mat.  Just hold the marker onto one end of the string and pull until the desired length is colored.  Depending upon your string, you may have to re-color a few times to get even color.

Here's how to construct the two-color paper tassel:

Cut 2 strips 1-3/4" x 4" (one strip white, one strip burgundy)

Lightly draw a line 3/8" along the long side which marks where to end the fringe cuts.

I used my Martha Stewart fringe scissors all along the strip.  Regular scissors will work as well to create the fringe.

Affix both strips together with double sided tape to hold them in place when rolling.

Run a length of Scor Tape or similar along one edge of the strips.  Lay one end of the string onto the tape at the point where you will begin rolling.  I used my craft tweezers and began rolling (keep it neat and fairly tight) until you have the desired tassel size.  You may have to cut away some of the fringe.  

Step-by-step photos and instructions to construct the paper tassel can be found HERE.

If you'd like to play along, just upload your photo HERE and be sure to add the tag 3d162 so I can add it to our album.  I'd love to see your version and your school colors!