Blue Jay Z-Fold Card

My father-in-law's birthday is coming up soon, and I thought I would make him a fun fold birthday card featuring blue jays. I used Altenew's Cardinal Love layering die set for the birds and branch on this card, and I just used blue cardstocks to make them look like blue jays. 

For the card base, I trimmed a piece of white cardstock to 4 1/4 by 11. Then I scored it at 2 3/4 and at 5 1/2 inches to create the z-fold base. Then I trimmed some Spellbinders pattern paper with stars on it to 1/8-inch smaller dimensions to fit all the panels. I used the same white cardstock and starry cardstock for the smaller card on the right side of the card, too. 

I added my blue jays and branch to the front of the smaller card using Altenew's 1/8-inch thick and 1/4-inch wide Instant Dimension Foam Tape. 

For the inside of the card, I die cut "happy" and its shadow using Altenew's Versatile Greetings 2 die set and then used my Nelko label maker and transparent tape to create the "BIRD-day" sentiment. 

To finish the card, I added a few star gems to the front of the card.

If you're interested in doing some crafty shopping at Altenew, I'd be so grateful if you used my affiliate link here: Carrie's Altenew Link.  I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Altenew carries many wonderful craft products and has great weekly sales. 

Challenges I'm entering:

Creative Creases Challenge: ATG with a fun fold project. I'm on the DT and sharing just for fun. 

613 Avenue Create: ATG with option of any holiday (2/8; ends at the end of the month)

Krafty Chicks Challenge: Birthday (ends 7/8/26)

Heart's Quest for Shaped Cards and Tags: ATG with shaped cards or tags (ends at the end of the month)

The Creative Crafters: ATG (2/3; ends 7/8/26)

Mix It Up Challenge Blog: ATG with option of shape card (2/5; ends 8/15/26)

Love To Craft Challenge Blog: ATG (2/5; ends 8/15/26)

Paper Rocks Scissors: ATG with paper and/or scissors (2/5; ends at the end of the month)

Triple B: ATG with birds, blooms, and/or butterflies (2/3; ends at the end of the month)

Word Art Wednesday: ATG (2/5 for the week; 5/10 for the challenge; ends 7/8/26)

Classic Design Challenge Blog: ATG with option of summer fun (unlimited; ends 7/12/26)

A Perfect Time To Craft Open Challenge: ATG (ends at the end of the month)

Crafty Catz: ATG (5/5; ends 7/3/26)

Fab 'n' Funky Challenges: Something starting with "B": I have a bird and blooms (ends 7/7/26)

Crafter's Cafe: ATG with the option of blooms (ends 7/12/26)

Crafty Animals: ATG with animals/birds/etc. (2/3; ends at the end of the month)

Critter Crazy CHALLENGE BLOG: atg with critters (2/3; ends at the end of the month)

Crafting from the Art challenge: ATG (3/3; ends 7/8/26)

Craft Rocket Challenges: Animals (unlimited; ends at the end of the month)

simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/: Stars and/or stripes (1/5; ends 7/6/26)

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge ...: ATG (2/3; ends 7/19/26)

https://lovethoseprettypapers.blogspot.com/2026/07/atg-love-those-pretty-papers-july-2026.html?m=1: ATG with pattern papers (1/3; ends at at end of the month) 

I'd like to leave a blessing for all the lovely visitors to my blog: 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.

--Numbers 6: 22-26