When you have a good idea & then can't work out how to do it !

[Whizzz]

Had a great idea for dads day card for my dad who has suddenly re-gained interest in fishing (great as I had no idea what to put on his card!).
Had a great idea of a pop up/out card featuring fishing rod with fish on end that pokes out of aperture when you open the card or folds flat pointing up when card is in envelope and then pokes outwards when you open. Just spent last 15 mins trying to work out how to do it. Grrr still none the wiser ! Anyone any ideas?
Cod - don't say - go to Clintons cardshop

[nicnack2]

this could be utter bs think you need thick card folded into 4, cut out said rod enuring that the bottom of th stand out part is still in one piece.[uncertain emoticon]

[SoupDragon]

Um... Card with square hole on front. Rod with fish on end) pokes through this into the inside of the card. If attached to the front with some sort of paper hinge, it should fold out when the card is opened and poke through into the middle. Would def work (I think!) if you attached the rod to a fish attached to the far (greeting) side of the card.

[Whizzz]

Yes its the paper hinge thing I'm struggling with I'll try again later !

[SoupDragon]

Do you have a child's pop up book?

[Whizzz]

Yes I also have books telling you how to make pop up cards but I just can't get it just right!
I will have a go tomorrow using an 'explosion' fold out card - that might work!

[SoupDragon]

Have you managed it yet? I think I have it in my head but it keeps sliding away from me the more I think about it IYSWIM!!

[Whizzz]

Not had chance to fiddle yet Soupy. Just got a last bit of assignment to do & then I'm free to play
I have vague idea to hinge the rod to the inside front so that it folds up when shut & is able to open out when the card is open?????? We'll see

[SoupDragon]

But will it "spring" out if it's been shut up? That's what's bugging me. Although why it should when I'm not making it is beyond me...

[SoupDragon]

Did you ever make those "gaping mouth" chick cards when youwere younger? Fold paper in half, cut a horizontal slit from the folded edge then fold back triangles in origami "squash folds". If you do this but only fold one side, you can attach the rod to it and it kind of pops out. Or, if you do both, you can turn it into a gaping fish mouth with a rod and line hook end in maybe?

[Whizzz]

I'll let you know & post a pic (bet I end up just sticking a fish onto the front of a card)
Thanks for all the suggestions !!

[Whizzz]

Right - no one laugh - this took me ages!
I will also jazz up the front a little I think

\link{http://uk.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/mumsnetcrafters/photos/view/a529?b=34\drum roll....}

The next pic shows the inside

Password - mumsnetter & netters
(Can't crop the photo as I haven't put editing tools back on PC)

[SoupDragon]

Fab! Does it fold down into the envelope OK?

Don't jazz it up too much though - I like the simplicity of it. Maybe some pond weed or water.

[SoupDragon]

My rough one looked obscene because I made it out of pink paper... :o

[Whizzz]

Yup all folds up OK - good idea - might paint weeds on the front like the pic inside!
You could make an alternative rude one!!

Please no one ask me to make another of these !! The weight of the fish is critical too I found!

[UCM]

Thats lovely Whizzer, is it a real fish? Seriously thats a wicked card and I am still struggling with how you have done it.

[Whizzz]

I have now added weeds to the front with my newly acquired watercolour skills

[UCM]

I have to say I noticed the pretty watercolouring inside the card. I sort of guessed you'd had a hand in it. Water colours are lovely aren't they? And you are obviously very good at it

[SoupDragon]

"is it a real fish" Snort! In this heat it's going to smell interesting if it is :o

[Whizzz]

yup - glued an old sardine on the end of the rod

[Carolinett]

Brill card Whiz

[Whizzz]

cheers matey ! It was the sardine that swung it ! Dad will probably open it & it will fall to bits

[kiwibella]

it is fabulous Whizz... love your watercolours.

[hunkermunker]

That's lovely, Whizzz! My brain folded up on itself trying to work out the hinge needed for this! (ROFL at Soupy's obscene version )

[Whizzz]

Thanks all
Think I will do more with watercolours - they look fabby on cards!

[SoupDragon]

Whizzz...Saw \link{http://www.thebookpeople.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10051_10277_100_10029_10028_category_\this} and thought of you :)