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Graduation season is a time of excitement, achievement, and celebration — so why not make your card as special as the occasion? Today’s project is a Graduation Easel Card made from a single sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock, complete with a layered graduation cap and shimmering “Celebrate” sentiment that will wow any grad.

Plus, in this video tutorial, I’ll showcase my adorable 3″ x 4″ journals as extra gifts using Stampin’ Up! products — the perfect pairing for a thoughtful graduation gift set!

✂️ What You’ll Need

Here’s the list of key pieces and materials for this project:

✅ Basic Black Cardstock (Base):

Cut to 5.5″ x 11″
Score along the 11″ side at 2.75″, 5.5″, and 8.25″
Refer to my video tutorial to shape and score fold lines for the standing easel mechanism.

✅ Graduation Cap (Topper):

Base Layer: 4″ square in Basic Black
Top Layer: 3 7/8″ square in Basic Black, covered with a piece of foam adhesive sheet (see video for assembly details), glue to base layer.
Hat Button: Use a tab die from the Mini Pocket Envelope Dies set
Tassel: Use your choice of Baker’s Twine to make a hat tassel.

✅ Card Layers (Front & Back):

Basic White:
- 5 3/8″ x 2.5″
- 1 7/8″ x 1.25″
Basic Black:
- 5 1/8″ x 1.5″

✅ Celebrate Sentiment:

Use the WANTED TO SAY dies
Cut “CELEBRATE” in Gold Glimmer Paper for the base
Cut the letters in Basic Black cardstock and glue using a Fine Tip Glue.

✅ Back Sentiment:

Use Day to Celebrate stamp set with various ink colors for a festive, personal touch.

✅ Embellishments & Tools:

Cellophane Packaging with Ribbon
Foam adhesive sheets
Die-cutting machine
Adhesives, scissors, bone folder, scoreboard

🛠️ Project Highlights

✨ Graduation Easel Card
The base structure uses strategic scoring and folding to create a standing easel card that proudly displays your graduation cap topper and glittering sentiment. The easel design is interactive — it folds flat for mailing but pops up to stand on a mantel, desk, or gift table. I used a “if it fits – it ships” padded envelop.

🎓 Layered Graduation Cap
This layered piece gives the card a standout 3D effect. With the foam adhesive adding dimension, the cap almost pops right off the card! The tiny button detail made using the Mini Pocket Envelope Dies adds a polished, realistic touch with the tassel.

🎉 Celebrate in Gold & Black
The “Celebrate” sentiment from the Wanted to Say dies gleams in Gold Glimmer Paper, layered over Basic Black letters for bold contrast. Using “star” dies to create accent pieces. It’s a statement piece that instantly makes the card festive and on-theme.

✍️ Back Panel Sentiments
I finished the back with a mix of celebratory stamps from the Day to Celebrate set in assorted ink colors — think confetti, stars, or graduation sayings — to personalize your message for the grad.

📚 Bonus Project: 3″ x 4″ Graduation Journals

In this video, I also share my mini 3″ x 4″ journals as sweet add-on gifts. Using Stampin’ Up! new and retired products, these little notebooks are perfect for grads to jot down dreams, goals, or memories as they start their next chapter.

They make a wonderful companion gift to tuck in the envelop with your easel card — or to give out as party favors at a graduation celebration!

📺 Watch the Full Video Tutorial

👉 Check out the step-by-step video tutorial where I guide you through cutting, assembling, decorating, and finishing this project. I cover tips for:

Perfect easel folds
Layering foam adhesive for dimension
Assembling the cap and button
Adding glimmer details
Decorating the back panel
Creating matching graduation journals

WATCH HERE:

🛍️ Get the Supplies

All products used are available at my Stampin’ Up! online store — be sure to check out the latest catalog or online exclusives for all your graduation crafting needs!

🎓 Let’s Celebrate Together!

I’d love to see how your Graduation Easel Cards turn out! Share your creations with me on social media or tag me in your photos — let’s inspire each other to craft meaningful, memorable gifts for the grads in our lives.

Happy crafting,
Kat 💖