Step by Step Tutorial: Cuckoo Cottage Chiming Christmas Bridge Card Tutorial

Hello, crafty friends! I'm Heejung Hunsberger, and I'm thrilled to be back as a Guest Designer for Spellbinders, showcasing another exciting project from the Cuckoo Cottage Collection! In this tutorial, I'll guide you through creating a unique bridge card featuring a delightful cuckoo clock design using the Chiming Christmas Die and the Cuckoo Cottage Die. This interactive card not only stands upright beautifully for display but also includes a charming swinging pendulum for added fun! If you'd like to get to know me better, visit my blog or follow me on Instagram. Additionally, I have a YouTube channel where I regularly post video tutorials. Let's get started!

Step 1: Create the Bridge Card Base

• Cut a piece of Waterfall cardstock to 5 1/2 inches in length and 5 3/4 inches in width.
• On both long sides (5 3/4-inch sides), score at 3/4 inch and 1 1/2 inches from each edge.
• Fold the scored lines in a zig-zag fashion to create the bridge card base. The two outer folds should be mountain folds, and the two inner folds should be valley folds, building the bridge structure.

Step 2: Add Embossed Background Panels

• Die-cut Oceanside cardstock using the Starshine Background Die to create an embossed pattern.

• Cut a piece of the embossed Oceanside cardstock to 2 3/4 inches in width. Adhere this piece to the inside back panel of your bridge card base.
• From the remaining embossed Oceanside cardstock, cut two strips, each 1/4 inch in width. Adhere these strips to the inside of the two side "wings" of your bridge card base.

Step 3: Die-Cut and Assemble the Cuckoo Clock

• Using the Cuckoo Cottage Die set, die-cut the candy house elements from Blush, Waterfall, and Cranberry cardstock.
• Die-cut several candy cane sticks to give the Cuckoo Cottage a candy house feel.
• Assemble the candy house according to the die set's design, incorporating the candy cane sticks.
• Create the clock face and hands from the appropriate die cuts.

For the sentiment, use the Cuckoo Cottage Sentiments BetterPress Plate and Die. Ink your chosen sentiment with Taffy BetterPress Ink and press it onto a piece of cardstock. Die-cut the sentiment once pressed.

Step 4: Create the Swinging Pendulum

• Die-cut the clock's pendulum circle from the Cuckoo Cottage Die set.
• Attach a circle foam sticker to the top circle of the pendulum for a pivot point.
• Add foam adhesive around the sticker to dimensionally lift the clock mechanism.
• Position the candy house with the pendulum on the bridge card base and lightly mark where to adhere the mechanism for free swinging within the card.

Step 5: Assemble the Main Card Elements

• Fold one side of the bridge card base, leaving the other side unfolded.
• Adhere the sentiment only to the protruding "wings" on both sides of the bridge card base.
• Carefully align and adhere the pendulum mechanism to the marked area on the bridge card base, ensuring it can swing freely.

Step 6: Embellish the Cuckoo Clock

• Die-cut and assemble the various decorative elements from the Chiming Christmas Die set, such as the snowman, penguin, reindeer, and Christmas trees.
• Adhere these delightful decorations onto and around your candy house cuckoo clock, bringing your festive scene to life.

Step 7: Add a Personal Message Panel

• Cut a piece of cardstock to 11 inches in length and 2 3/4 inches in width.
• Fold this piece in half to create a message panel.
• Adhere this folded message panel to the back of your bridge card.

Your Chiming Christmas Bridge Card is now complete! This unique design allows the card to stand upright for display and features a fun, interactive swinging pendulum, adding an extra touch of charm to your holiday greetings. I hope you enjoyed creating this special card. I look forward to seeing your wonderful creations! Happy crafting! Heejung