A first look

Follow the thread.

1. 01

   Mark the tent fold

   Trim the cardstock to exactly 7 inches wide by 10 inches high. Place it portrait and mark a horizontal line 5 inches above the bottom edge. This midpoint divides the sheet into two equal 7 x 5 inch faces.

   About 7 min
2. 02

   Fold the tent

   Score the 5 inch line with a ruler and the back of a spoon. Fold the two faces toward one another, then open the sheet into a tent with the crease at the top. Press the fold from the centre outward so both faces meet evenly at the bottom.

   About 9 min
3. 03

   Centre the photograph

   Place the 6 x 4 inch landscape photograph on the front 7 x 5 inch face. Centre it so the side margins are 1/2 inch and the top and bottom margins are 1/2 inch. Mark its corners lightly, then lift it while you prepare the adhesive.

   About 8 min
4. 04

   Glue the photograph

   Apply a light, even coat of photo-safe glue stick to the back of the photograph, carrying the coverage all the way to the edges. Return it to the four corner marks and smooth from the centre outward. Press it under a clean book for 8 minutes.

   About 10 min
5. 05

   Fold the paper stop

   Take the 3 x 1/2 inch paper stop strip and fold 1/2 inch inward at each end, leaving a 2 inch flat span between the folds. Crease both ends sharply; the folded ends will be the only parts glued to the cardstock.

   About 10 min
6. 06

   Glue the stop inside

   Open the tent and glue one folded end of the stop to the inside bottom edge of the front face and the other folded end to the inside bottom edge of the back face. Keep the 2 inch centre span flat across the gap so it limits the opening without pulling the fold.

   About 10 min
7. 07

   Set the display

   Let the stop settle, then stand the tent on a flat surface. Check that the bottom edges open until the paper stop is gently taut and the photograph remains centred. Write a caption on the back face only after the glue is dry.

   About 6 min