13 Ways to Personalize Your Page Kit. #8: Secret Flip-Up Space

It's time for installment #8 of 13 Ways to Personalize your Page Kit! Can you believe we're on #8 already!? If you've been with us this whole time, you'll know we've covered a variety of ways to make your page kits your own and number 8 another great option! If you're just joining us now, that's ok! Each post can stand alone, but if you'd like to catch up, here's what we've done so far: embellishments, inking, pop up dots, expansion, sewing, journaling, and pop-up photos. You can click on any of those to be taken to that post. 

If you're just joining us you might be wondering why 13? Down Memory Lane turns 13 this year and we're finding lots of ways to celebrate. Along with weekly and monthly deals throughout the month of January (check them out on our Facebook page!), we're releasing 13 brand new page kits and doing a blog series on 13 ways to personalize them - 1 post for each of the years we've been blessed to be a part of your memory keeping. 

I had a tough time coming up with a great name for number 8, but it's still awesome! The best I can do it: Secret Flip-Up Space. It's utilizing space beneath large die cuts or photo mats on your layout to create journaling or extra photo space. Our newest page kit, Bride & Groom Adventures seemed like the perfect page kit to showcase this option.

Personalization Option #8: Secret Flip-Up Space

Before we start the transformation process, let's take a look at the original page kit and talk about why I thought this page kit would be perfect for this option.

Original Bride & Groom Adventures Layout

The main point of this transformation option is to create space behind items to keep the main design of the layout intact, but to allow space for other personal notes or keepsakes. It's easiest to create large spaces behind photo mats or large die cuts. This layout has plenty of photo mats to use, but it also has two very large die cut groups. I decided to use the title piece and the group of suitcases to create my hidden sections - then you can get an idea of how to create these areas behind odd-shaped items.

Bride and Groom Adventures layout with added Secret Flip-Up Space

I realize that some of you are probably thinking "what in the world is secret flip-up space?" This photo above shows what we'll be creating. These areas are totally hidden when the die cuts are down, but you can flip them up to reveal journaling or additional keepsakes. 

The first thing we're going to do is assemble the die cuts so we have the cutouts exactly the way they will be on the page. Once you've selected and assembled them, place them on your desired cardstock and trace them with a pencil. Make sure you have the side you want to see to be face up when tracing. I only had textured cardstock and I knew I wanted to use this as journaling space, so I made sure the smooth side was facing up so it'd be easier to write on.

Trace you die cuts lightly with a pencil.

You can see the outline of the traced set.

 Next, you'll want to cut it out, but be sure to cut just inside the pencil marks to keep it slightly under the original size so it doesn't poke out when the die cuts are flipped down. This will also eliminate pencil marks on your layout. In order to connect this to your original die cut, you'll need to leave additional paper along the side of the die cut where you want it to hinge. I wanted the hinge to be at the top of the die cut, so instead of cutting across the top pencil line, I added about 1" to 1 1/2" flap on the top that I would be connecting to the die cuts. If you are uncomfortable eye-balling that, you can cut a 2" high strip the length of your die cut and glue it to the underside of the traced piece leaving about 1 1/2" out.

Traced piece cut out and flap attached to top to create a hinge

After you've got your back piece, take your die cut and line it up on top of the piece and make sure it fits nicely. Trim any pieces you need to hide it underneath. The top flap should stick out well above the die cut.

 Once you have it lined up, carefully fold the top flap over top of the die cut to create a crease along the top. Be sure to keep the die cut securely in place so it doesn't shift while you are folding.

 Remove the die cut and crease the top flap completely. You can trim it down to your desired size and place glue on the top to adhere to the die cut.

 Place the die cut back on top with the glued section pressed down. Your back piece should now be completely hidden behind the die cut.

Title die cut with hidden space attached underneath.

 Once the adhesive is dried, lift the flap to reveal your secret space!

Hidden space!

This title came with a solid background piece so it was easy to create a flip up section. But what if the die cuts are not all part of one complete piece? Next, I'll take the luggage die cuts and show you how to easily create a background piece that will attach to your hidden cardstock.

The easiest way to do this is to take a few small rolls of tape, and tape your die cuts to a piece of cardstock. Then, using a pencil, trace the die cuts. Cut the background out and then glue the die cuts to the background in the same way that you had taped them. It's simple and it takes just a couple of minutes to do. It will make creating the flap so much easier. 

Die cuts adhered to the background I created. It makes them much easier to move around and attach.

 Next, you'll use the same method as above to create your hidden space. 

Trace your die cuts and cut out a hidden back piece. 

Next, create a flap and adhere to the back piece. Then, using the original piece as a guide, bend the top flap over and crease. Prepare to glue it to the top piece.

 You'll notice that since the top part where the is set is not flat, that there is extra cardstock that pokes out. Just simply take a small scissors and trim the excess cardstock. Since the flap is about 1/2"-1" long, it reaches far enough down the original die cut set to trim the tops and not harm the hinge section.

Untrimmed Hinge

Trimmed Hinge

And we're all set! You've got a second secret flip-up space!

I love this option because there are many times that I love the look of the original layout and don't want to disturb it, but I also want to add my own stuff. This option lets me do both! The original design of the layout is there when the die cuts are flipped down and I have my own special sections when I flip them up! It's the best of both worlds and all I needed was a little extra cardstock!

Flipped Down 

Flipped Up

I'd love to know what you think and how you might use this option. Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page and let us know!