Can a card really move like a real cuckoo clock? Let’s make one and find out!
Are you ready to add some movement to your holiday cards? This year, I wanted to take my interactive card game up a notch – and what better way than with a cuckoo clock that really comes to life!
I’ve made a similar card before (watch it here!) with spinning hands and a swinging pendulum, but this time… well, let’s just say there’s a sneaky little surprise that will literally step things up. 😉
Would you like to see today’s card in action?
Watch me make this card live, step by step! In the video replay or on YouTube HERE (Scroll down for more pics and details).
#INTERACTIVE
Whether you’re a fan of pop-ups, sliders, or moving elements, interactive cards are such a fun way to wow your friends and family. And this holiday version is perfect for anyone who loves a touch of festive magic.
Ready to Reverse Slide?
A friend recently gave me the idea to “slide” one of the figures across the front of the clock, and I knew I had to take on the challenge. I didn’t want to add a basic pull mechanism right next to the clock – so I got creative. That’s when I remembered an old die set from Julie Ebersole that creates a push-pull mechanism.
💡 Suddenly, the idea clicked: pull the tab and watch the figure travel across the front of the clock… in reverse!
I hadn’t made a card like this in ages, so I did a quick test of the mechanism and measurements first. Even with planning, a few tweaks were needed – the main ones being how to cover the slider hole and make sure none of the other elements interfered with the mechanism.
BONUS IDEA: Even though I used a die set for this card, the die cuts are mostly hidden – except for the tab pull – and it’s all easy to recreate with a craft knife or similar dies if you have them in your stash. I’ve even made my own tab pull without any special dies: a half of a small nesting circle works a treat!
I wanted to Christmasify my card so I decided to make the figures into Mr & Mrs Claus. Then another idea popped in my head – I could walk Mrs Claus across the clock to meet Santa!
What would I change about this card?
If I made this card again, I’d switch up the layer beneath where Santa and Mrs. Claus are standing – something in a wood pattern or a slightly fancier option (decorated like their pink house 😉) would look fabulous.
The mechanism was a bit tricky to grab, so next time I’d probably cut a tab from the main card base or add a little layer underneath for dimension to make it easier to pull. I did slip an enamel dot underneath the tab, which helped a lot – but there’s always room to make it even smoother!
I hope this interactive holiday cuckoo clock card gives you some ideas – you can slide almost anything across a card! 😂
If you try the reverse pull slider, share your creations in the comments or tag me on social media so I can see what you’ve made. See you again real soon!
Happy Papercrafting,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄
SUPPLIES:
Concord & 9th: SHOP THE NEW RELEASE HERE
Inks: Altenew – Sunray | Chamomile | Snapdragon | Sea Glass | Ocean Waves | Blue Horizon.
Alcohol Markers: E00 | Y19
Cardstock: Concord & 9th – Ballet Slipper | Poppy | Aqua Sky | Oceanside – Altenew – Pale Gray | Brushed Silver.
*Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon, this content is provided ‘as is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
 Cuckoo Cottage SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Chiming Christmas SSS | SB UK | SB US |  Seasons Greetings Bundle OTH |  Seasons Greetings SSS | OTH |
 Seasons Greetings Die SSS | OTH |  Take Action Sentiments SSS | SB UK | SB US |  A2 Layers Die SSS |  Altenew Cardstock ALT | SSS |
 Concord & 9th – Cardstock SSS | OTH |  Neenah Solar 110 AMZ | SSS | Neenah Solar 80 AMZ | SSS |  Brushed Silver ALT | SSS |
 Nocturne SSS |  Tweezers ALT | SSS |  Bone Folder ALT |  Score Board ALT | SSS |
 Platinum 6 ALT | SSS | SB UK | SB US | 9″ Fiskars Paper Trimmer AMZ | Bearly Art Glue AMZ | SSS |  Glue Tape ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape NEW sizes! ALT | SSS |  Satin Masking Tape ALT |
Magical, Therese! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they made a couple who would kiss when they meet up?
=]
oooh, now you know I will have to think about how I can do that lol.
This is a whole lot of CUTE, Therese and I love the colors!
I am loving this cuckoo clock and obviously addicted to all things interactive right now, so buckle up lol.