I love this stamp set, perfect for this time of year! I have created a Tower Pinwheel Card using the Cap & Gown stamp set from Stampin’ Up! which is available in the current Mini Catalog on page 57. This fun-fold, Tower Pinwheel card is like 4 different cards all rolled into one. It even folds flat to fit into a regular A2 envelope.




Measurements:
- Basic White card stock 4-1/4″ x 5-3/4″ – card base
- Real Red card stock 2 @ 2-3/4″ x 4-1/4″, 1 @ 2″ x 4-1/4″
- Basic Black card stock 1 @ 2-3/4″ x 4-1/4″, 2 @ 2″ x 4-1/4″
- Basic White card stock 2-3/4″ x 4-1/4″, 2″ x 4-1/4″, 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ – stamping
Instructions:
With the long side at the top, score the card base @ 3/4″, 1-1/2″, 2-1/4″, 3″. Fold and burnish each score line. Fold inward along the score lines. Using Multipurpose Liquid Glue, adhere the 3/4″ panel to the largest panel to make a square. Your card should now stand up and have 1 page sticking out.
Place each piece of card stock in one of the Basics Embossing Folders, run through the Stampin’ Cut & Emboss machine. I used the same embossing folder on each page.
Next, add each of the 2-3/4″ x 4-1/4″ embossed, panels in the following order to the card base. Starting with the white panel, adhere it to the 1 page that is sticking out. Turn this clockwise, add the Real Red embossed panel to the 3/4″ section. Turn clockwise, add the Basic Black embossed panel to the next 3/4″ section. Turn clockwise again and add the last Real Red embossed panel to the 3/4″ section.
Now it’s time to add the 2″ x 4-1/4″ embossed panels in the following order to the card base. Add the Basic Black embossed panel to the “back” of the Basic White panel. Turn the card clockwise, add the Real Red embossed panel to the “back of the Real Red panel. Turn clockwise, add the Basic Black embossed panel to the back of the Basic Black panel. Turn clockwise, add the Basic White embossed panel to the back of the Real Red panel.
Die cut the numbers 2024 from both Basic Black and Basic White card stock using the Alphabet Ala Mode Dies. Die cut a black and a white circle using the Stylish Shapes Dies. I used the 2nd largest circle for the black and the 3rd largest for the white circles. Die cut a white banner from the same set of dies, use the largest of the 2 smaller banner dies.
On to some stamping. On the banner you just die cut, using Momento Black ink, stamp the greeting, “Class Of”. On the white circle, stamp another sentiment using Momento Black ink. Stamp the graduation cap (the largest in the stamp set), the diploma, the robe, and the smaller graduation cap. I also stamped, “Congratulations, Graduate”. I die cut this using the largest banner die but shortened it to fit on the card.
I colored the tassel with Real Red and Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends on both tassels. I colored the ribbon around the diploma with Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends. I fussy cut both graduation caps, the graduation gown and the diploma.
I adhered the Basic Black numbers over the top of the Basic White numbers to look like a shadow. I adhered them to the Real Red Panel at a diagonal with Multipurpose Liquid Glue. I then added the banner greeting to the top with Dimensionals. On the next page, which is Basic Black, I adhered the largest graduation cap, the greeting and the diploma with Dimensionals. The next page is Real Red, I adhered the cap and gown with Dimensionals.
On the last page I cut a 13″ piece of Real Red ribbon and adhered it to the back of the black die cut circle with Tear & Tape. Use Dimensionals to adhere to the card. Use Multipurpose Liquid Glue to attach the white, stamped and die cut circle to the black circle.
I colored 3 clear rhinestones using the Dark, Real Red Stampin’ Blend then added them to the last page.
Product ListOnce you learn how to make the template, you can use any DSP, embossing folder, stamp set or dies to create a Tower Pinwheel card. This fun-fold card is actually very easy and Stampin’ Up! makes it even easier with the coordination of their products. My husband loves these cards because they stand up!
I’d love to have you try this card and let me know how it went for you. If I can be of any help, please contact me and let me know! Now only would I love to help you with this card, I’d love to have you order from me. Please use the current host code which is in the column on the right at the top.

Another Tower Pinwheel Card:





Wrong year? No, my niece is graduating in 2025 from the University of Florida; their mascot is the “Gators” and their school colors are blue, orange and white. I used the gator from the Jungle Pals stamp set.