Some links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use and genuinely enjoy in my own cardmaking. Read more here.
If you are wondering how to make a pull tab card, this project taught me that the mechanism is only half the story. The movement has to feel like it belongs.
I thought I had already solved the main idea for this card. I only needed to find a way to make the mechanism work.
When I printed the Train Driver digital stamp, I immediately noticed the window. It was large, right in the centre of the image, and it felt like the perfect place for a hidden sentiment to appear as the pull tab moved.
It seemed like the right idea at first.
Then I started planning the slider.
The problem was not the idea itself. It was space. The hidden message needed room to move, and when I worked through the mechanism, I realised it would cover part of the train driver. That was the part of the stamp that caught my attention, so hiding it behind the mechanism didn’t feel right.
I moved the hidden sentiment above the train instead, and that small change made the card work much better. The train remained the focus, and the pull tab still gave that little surprise when the message appeared.
This card was created for the Polkadoodles Design Team as inspiration for their Anything Goes challenge. The front-facing Train Driver digital stamp gave me a great starting point for an interactive card, but the final design came from testing, adjusting and finding what worked best.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a pull-tab card with a hidden message using a digital stamp, an ink-blended background, and a simple slider mechanism. I’ll take you through the construction, the design choices and the small checks that helped the pull tab move smoothly.
Which supplies do I need for this interactive train card?
Before I started making this pull-tab card, I gathered supplies for the parts that required the most planning. When I’m working on an interactive card, I always think about the mechanism first. A layer can look fine when you place it on the card, but still leave too little room for the slider to move once everything is glued together.
The Train Driver digital stamp was where this card started. I loved the front-facing design and wanted the train to stay the part that caught your eye first. That is why I kept the background softer and avoided adding too many extra details around the image.
Most of these supplies were already in my craft room. I used Polkadoodles digital stamps, Ohuhu alcohol markers and the tools I reach for regularly when making cards. I do not always use exactly what I planned at the beginning, and this project was no different.
You do not need the same products to create your own version. The pull-tab mechanism is the part that makes this card interactive, but the stamp, colours and sentiment can all be changed to suit the supplies you already have.
Polkadoodles Products
- Train Driver Digital Stamp. Make it yours.
- Everyday Greetings and Quotes Digital Stamps. Make it yours.
- Quotes and Sentiments Digital Stamps. Make it yours.
Cardstock
- White cardstock for the A6 card base. The card base measures 10.5 cm by 14.8 cm.
- Lilac cardstock for the mat layer. Size 10 × 14.3 cm
- White smooth cardstock for the ink-blended background. Size 9.5 × 13.8 cm
- White smooth cardstock for printing the digital stamp
- Lilac cardstock for the pull tab mechanism. Width 2 cm. Length slightly longer than 8 cm
- Additional white cardstock for sentiment layers and small details
Stamps
- Decorative clear stamp for the background behind the “Bon Voyage” sentiment.
Inks and Colouring Supplies
- Ohuhu alcohol markers
- Distress Ink Dried Marigold
- Distress Ink Picked Raspberry
- Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
- White acrylic paint or gouache
- White gel pen
Adhesives
- Foam tape
- Double-sided tape
- Liquid glue
Tools
- Printer
- Paper trimmer
- Craft knife
- Detail scissors
- Metal ruler
- Scoreboard and bone folder
- Blending brushes
- Pencil
- Black fine liner
- A die-cutting machine is used for shaping the sentiment label.
Helpful alternatives
You do not need every item from this list to make this card. I often change things halfway through a project because another tool or material works better than the one I first planned to use.
The pull-tab mechanism is the part that makes this card interactive, but the stamp, colours and sentiment can all be changed to suit the supplies you already have.
For example, if you don’t have a train stamp, try using any character or animal stamp you already own as the moving part. You can swap out the inks for any dye or pigment inks in similar colours, or even use coloured pencils for the background instead of ink blending.
If you do not have foam tape, try doubling up strips of regular cardstock to create some lift.
A paper trimmer can be replaced with scissors and a ruler for straight cuts.
Use any clear or decorative stamp you have for extra details, or simply handwrite a message for a personal touch. The goal is to use what is available to you and enjoy the interactive process.
How to Make a Pull Tab Card Step by Step
Building this handmade slider card was a lovely way to spend a quiet afternoon. The design was in place, and I could focus on building the pull tab mechanism and adding the finishing details.
These are the steps I followed to create this interactive train card. I’ll share the small adjustments I made along the way, too, because those details helped the mechanism move smoothly. If this is your first interactive card, you can absolutely give this technique a try. Take your time with the testing steps. They are usually where the little problems show up, but they are also the easiest to fix.
If you are making your first pull tab card, follow the steps in order. Do not worry if the mechanism needs a little adjusting along the way. I have found that testing and fixing small things is simply part of making interactive cards. Once you understand how the mechanism works, you can adapt the idea to your own stamps and designs.
Step 1. Plan the Pull Tab Card Design
Before I start cutting cardstock, I usually spend a few minutes laying everything out on my desk. With a pull tab card, this small step saves me a lot of adjusting later. A layer can look perfect from the front, but still leave the slider with nowhere to move behind it.
For this card, I started with the Train Driver digital stamp and built the layout around the image. I placed the train first, then checked where the hidden sentiment would appear and where the pull tab strip would sit behind the layers. It sounds like a small thing, but this is where I usually catch problems before they become bigger ones.
Plan the card layout
I marked the position for the train and the hidden message in this interactive card tutorial with a pencil. This small check ensured that the hidden sentiment would appear exactly where I wanted it.
The pull tab strip I used is 2 cm wide and slightly longer than 8 cm. I left enough space behind the design so it could move smoothly without catching on the cardstock layers.
I also make a quick sketch on scrap paper before I start cutting. Mine are usually just rough lines and notes, nothing fancy. But they help me check if everything fits together before I commit to cutting and glueing. Moving things around on paper is much easier than trying to fix a card that is already assembled.
Step 2. Prepare the Card Base and Digital Stamp
I started with a white A6 card base and built the layers from there. I was not sure about the lilac mat layer at first. There were already quite a few colours in the scene, and I wondered if adding another one would make it feel too much.
But once I placed the train on top, I liked it. The lilac gives it a bit more definition and helps the image stand out. It was there, but it was not fighting for attention.
The card layers are:
- White cardstock card base. Size 10.5 × 14.8 cm
- Lilac cardstock mat layer. Size 10 × 14.3 cm
- White background panel. Size 9.5 × 13.8 cm
The digital stamp size took a bit of experimenting, too. I first printed the train smaller because I thought I needed more room for the pull tab. It made sense in my head, but when I placed it on the card, it just looked too small.
The train got lost.
So I printed it larger.
That worked much better. The Train Driver digital stamp had enough space to stand out, and the pull tab could stay in the background where it belonged.
I resized the digital stamp in Word until it fitted the card layout. The finished image size was approximately:
- Height 10.41 cm
- Width 8.56 cm
I printed the image onto smooth white cardstock for alcohol marker colouring. This was one of those small changes that made a bigger difference than I expected. The pull tab gives the card its movement, but the train is still the first thing you notice.
If you want to know more about how to use digital stamps, I made a freebie about this.
Step 3. Create the Ink Blended Background
Before adding the train, I worked on the background panel. I wanted warm sunset colours, but I had to remember that the Train Driver digital stamp already has a lot of detail. The train, the character and the small elements around it were enough to keep the eye busy, so the background needed to stay simple.
II chose Distress Inks in Dried Marigold and Picked Raspberry for the sunset
Blend the Distress Ink background
I started with Dried Marigold in the centre of the panel and blended Picked Raspberry around the edges. At first, I thought this was enough.
Then I placed the train on top.
That was when I noticed the background was not quite there yet. It looked softer than I wanted and leaned more towards yellow than a warm sunset.
I added more Picked Raspberry around the edges, and that made the difference. The extra pink brought out the colours in the train image and stopped the background from looking too pale.
I built the colour up slowly with a blending brush. I prefer adding a little more ink each time because once a background becomes too dark, it is difficult to tone it down. I have restarted enough backgrounds to know that taking an extra minute here saves frustration later.

Add white paint splatters
Once the ink blending was finished, I added a few white splatters using white acrylic paint or gouache.
I had to stop myself from adding too many. The first few looked good, but when I added more, the background started getting more attention than the train.
A few splatters were enough. They broke up the plain background and added some texture, but the train still gets all the attention.

Step 4. Colour the Train Digital Stamp
Once the background was finished, I started colouring the Train Driver digital stamp. This is usually the moment where I can see if the card is really going in the right direction.
The image has a lot of details, so I did not want to keep adding colours just for the sake of it. The train needed to stay the part you noticed first. The smaller details could fill in around it.
I used Ohuhu alcohol markers and started with the larger areas of the image. Once those colours were down, it was much easier to see where I needed more shading.
Colour the orange train
I coloured the orange sections of the train with several Ohuhu markers.
- Y42 Warm Ivory
- Y45 Cream
- YR17 Sunset Orange
- YR19 Marigold Orange
I started with the lighter shades and built up the orange. I placed the darker colours along the edges, underneath the raised sections and near the bottom of the train.
The first layer was okay, but it looked a bit flat. The orange was there, but the train still needed some shape.
Adding more shadow in those areas made the difference. I tried not to overdo it because there are quite a few large orange sections. Too much shading would have taken away that bright, cheerful feeling.
Add the pink details
For the pink details, I use
- R57 Rose Dust
- R48 Cherry Rose
I added the lighter pink first. I used the darker shade around the edges and smaller parts.
I already had pink in the ink-blended background, so I wanted to bring that colour back into the train too. Without those little pink details, the background and the image felt slightly disconnected.
It was only a small change, but it pulled everything together.
Colour the train driver
For the train driver’s clothing, I used lilac shades to match the mat layer and the colours already used on the card.
I used:
- V13 Greyed Lavender
- V14 Pale Purple
- RV34 Faded Lilac
For the skin tones, I used:
- * YR00 Barely Blush
- * YR11 Peachy Blush
For the hair, I used:
- YR312 Light Earth Brown
- E58 Fawn Brown
- E511 Chocolate Mocha
The train driver needed a little extra attention. While I was colouring, I did not notice anything wrong. It was only when I looked at the finished image that I realised his face was disappearing a bit against the darker window.
I added some extra shading underneath the hat, around the hair and near the edges of the face. Nothing major. It was just enough to make him stand out again.
Colour the train window
For the window, I used:
- B02 Light Minty Blue
- B03 Frost
- WG04 Icy Lavender
I first thought about making the window much lighter, but after trying the blue shades, I changed my mind.
The stronger colour worked better. It gave enough contrast against the orange train and helped the driver stay visible.
Add final highlights
After colouring, I added a few white highlights with a white gel pen.
I used them on:
- the train window
- shiny parts of the train
- small details that needed a little more brightness
I stopped myself from adding too many. It is tempting because every extra highlight seems to make the image look better, but at some point, it is too much.
A few were enough.
Keep the colours connected
Before adding the train to the card, I looked at the colours together.
The orange worked with the warm, ink-blended background. The pink brought those background colours back into the train. The lilac connected the driver with the card layers, and the blue window gave the warm colours some contrast.
That is what made the finished image work. The train did not feel like a separate piece I had coloured and stuck on later. It felt like it belonged with the rest of the card.

Step 5. Build the Pull Tab Slider Mechanism
The pull tab itself is not complicated. It is simply a strip of cardstock that slides between the foam tape layers, revealing the hidden sentiment.
The tricky part is making sure it still works when the card is finished.
I have had interactive cards where everything looked fine while I was building them, but then the final layers changed the space underneath, and the mechanism started catching. That is why I always test the movement before I glue everything down.
I gathered a few basic supplies to build the slider mechanism.
- Lilac cardstock for the pull tab strip
- Foam tape to create the slider channel
- Double-sided tape
- Liquid glue
Prepare the pull tab strip
I cut a strip of Lilac cardstock for the moving part of the mechanism. Mine was approximately 2 cm wide and slightly longer than 8 cm.
The width really matters here. If the strip is too wide, it catches against the layers. If it is too narrow, it starts moving around instead of sliding smoothly. I prefer the fit to be just snug enough that the tab feels steady when you pull it.
I added the hidden sentiment:
“Life is a journey…”
“…enjoy every mile”
I thought this message fitted the train theme really well. The words appear as the train moves forward, so the mechanism actually adds an element to the scene of this card.
Create the slider channel
I used foam tape behind the train to create enough space for the pull tab to move.
This is the part where I usually check things a few times. The channel needs to be wide enough for the strip to slide freely, but if there is too much space, the tab starts shifting from side to side.
Before attaching everything permanently, I checked:
- If the strip moved smoothly
- If the sentiment appeared in the right position
- If the train stayed secure while pulling the tab
I made a few small adjustments before I was happy with it. Nothing dramatic, but those tiny changes are what make an interactive card feel smooth instead of frustrating.
Test the mechanism before finishing the card
I pulled the tab back and forth several times before adding the final details.
It only takes a few seconds to adjust the foam tape at this stage. Trying to fix the same problem after the card is finished usually means pulling apart layers that you have already worked hard on.
I watched how the strip moved behind the train and checked that the hidden message appeared where I wanted it. Once the movement felt smooth, I could continue finishing the card.

Step 6. Assemble the Interactive Card
Once the pull tab was working, I could finally start putting the card together.
This is the part where I always become a little more careful. It is tempting to think the hard work is done because the card already looks almost finished, but with an interactive card, the mechanism still has to work after every layer is added.
I attached the coloured train with foam tape so it sat slightly raised from the background. I liked the extra dimension it gave the train, but I also knew that adding foam tape could change the movement underneath. A slider that works perfectly before the final assembly can suddenly catch once the extra height is added.
So I tested it again before pressing everything down firmly.
Attach the train and check the movement
After attaching the train, I pulled the tab back and forth several times.
I checked:
- If the strip still moved smoothly
- If the train stayed firmly attached
- If the hidden sentiment appeared in the right place
The first test was almost there.
Almost.
The tab moved, but I could feel a little resistance. It was not enough to stop the mechanism, but it was enough for me to notice. I knew that small hesitation would bother me every time I pulled the tab.
I adjusted the foam tape slightly and tried again. It was a tiny change, but the movement felt much smoother afterwards.
That is the thing with interactive cards. The details you do not see are often the details that decide whether the card feels enjoyable to use. A beautiful front only gets you so far if the mechanism underneath does not work properly.
Add the sentiments
For the front of the card, I used:
Bon Voyage
I stamped it onto a small label and added a decorative clear stamp behind it to give it a travel ticket feel. I liked that extra detail, but I stopped there because the train already has plenty of details to look at.

For the hidden message, I used:
Life is a journey… enjoy every mile.

This sentiment fitted the card straight away. When you pull the tab, and the words appear, they feel connected. The message is revealed as the train moves forward, which makes the mechanism part of the design rather than just a fun extra.
I also considered using: Born to Ride At first, it seemed like a good match because it connected with travelling. But when I placed it on the card, the feeling changed. It started leaning more towards a motorcycle theme, and that was not the story I wanted this card to tell.
This card is about enjoying the journey, not rushing towards the destination.
It surprised me how much a few words could change the whole design. The image tells you what you are looking at, but the sentiment adds a feeling to the card.
Step 7. Finish the card
The card was almost finished. Almost.
This is usually the point where I have to put the supplies down for a minute. I always see something else I could add. A few more splatters, another little detail, maybe something to fill that one empty area that keeps catching my eye.
The problem is that this is also the point where I can easily make a card less balanced.
With this design, there was already a lot to look at. The train has plenty of detail, the background adds colour, and the pull tab creates the surprise. I did not want extra decorations to compete with the part I had spent the most time on.
For this card, I added:
- White gel pen highlights on the coloured train
- A few extra white splatters on the background
- Decorative stamping behind the hidden sentiment
I did consider adding more splatters. Some parts of the background still looked quite open, and my first instinct was to fill those spaces.
Then I looked at the card from further away.
The open areas were actually helping. They gave the train room to stand out and stopped the background from becoming too busy. Leaving those spaces empty was the better choice.
The decorative stamping behind the hidden sentiment was a small change, but it made the reveal feel more complete. Before adding it, the message appeared against a fairly plain area. The extra detail gave it a little more support without taking attention away from the train.
Final checks
Before I called the card finished, I tested the pull tab one more time.
I always do this with interactive cards. The mechanism might work perfectly halfway through the process, but adding the final layers can change how everything moves.
The design
- Is the train still the first thing you notice?
- Do the orange, pink and lilac colours still work together?
- Does the background support the train without becoming the main focus?
The mechanism
- Does the pull tab still move smoothly?
- Does the hidden sentiment appear completely?
- Does the train stay secure while the tab is pulled?
The message
- Does the sentiment fit the idea behind the card?
- Does the movement have a reason to be there?
That last question has become important to me. I enjoy making interactive cards, but I do not think every card needs a moving part.
For this train card, the pull tab worked because it matched the design. The train moves forward, and the hidden message appears along the way. That little moment is what makes the extra effort worthwhile.

Tips for a Smooth Pull Tab Mechanism
The front of a pull-tab card can look completely finished while the mechanism underneath is quietly causing problems.
I have had cards where everything looked right. The image was glued down, the colours worked, and I thought I was nearly finished. Then I pulled the tab and felt that little catch.
Usually, it is not a big mistake. It is often something small, like a foam tape strip sitting slightly too close or a layer adding just enough extra pressure to change the movement.
That is why I never rely on one successful test. A pull tab needs to work when the card is finished, not only when it is still sitting open on my craft desk.
Test before glueing everything permanently
This is the part where I have to slow myself down.
It is tempting to keep going when the card starts looking finished, but this is exactly when I test the mechanism again.
Before I glue the final layers in place, I pull the tab back and forth several times and check:
- Does the strip move smoothly?
- Does the hidden sentiment appear where I want it to?
- Does the train stay firmly attached while the tab moves?
With interactive cards, every layer can affect the movement. Foam tape adds height. Even pressing a layer into place can change the spacing underneath. Something that worked earlier can suddenly feel different.
Finding that out now is much easier than trying to repair it once the card is finished.
Give the slider enough space.
Getting the spacing right is probably the part that takes the most adjusting.
At first, I thought a tighter channel would be better. The strip would stay in place, and the movement would feel more controlled.
That made sense in my head.
In practice, it usually caused problems.
When the channel is too tight, the strip catches. When there is too much space, the strip starts shifting around instead of sliding smoothly.
If a pull tab feels stiff, I check the foam tape first. One strip might have moved slightly while assembling, or it may simply be closer together than I intended.
I also check:
- Are the edges of the cardstock strip smooth?
- Did I press the foam tape down too firmly?
- Has the strip bent slightly while cutting or testing?
These are easy things to overlook, but they are often the reason a mechanism does not feel right.
Position the hidden sentiment carefully
The hidden message is part of the design, so I do not treat it as an afterthought.
The timing of the reveal matters.
I wanted the words to appear as the train moved forward, not halfway through the pull. That timing made the reveal feel natural.
Before fixing the strip permanently, I check:
- Does the full sentiment appear?
- Does it reveal itself at the right point?
- Does it disappear neatly when the tab is closed?
For this train card, I wanted the message to appear as the train moved forward. That connection between the movement and the words is what makes the pull tab feel like it belongs there.
Choose a cardstock strip that can handle movement
The pull tab is one of the few parts of the card that are actually handled, so the cardstock needs to withstand that.
A strip that is too thin can bend after being pulled several times. Once it starts losing its shape, the movement becomes less smooth.
A thicker strip is not automatically better. If it fills too much of the channel, it creates extra resistance.
I prefer a smooth cardstock that stays straight but still slides easily. It does not need to be anything special. It just needs to do its job every time someone pulls the tab.
Ways to Adapt This Pull Tab Card
he train was a good choice for this card because the movement already tells part of the story. As the train moves forward, the hidden message appears. It feels connected instead of like a separate trick added to the design.
That is what I look for with interactive cards. The movement needs a reason to be there.
When I first started making these types of cards, I focused a lot on finding an image that matched the mechanism. I thought the image was the hardest part.
Now I think about it differently.
I ask myself one question. Does the movement make sense with the image?
A pull tab can work with many different themes, for example:
- Birthday card with a hidden birthday wish or small surprise.
- Retirement card showing a new chapter or adventure
- Bon Voyage card where the message appears as someone starts a journey
- Children’s card with a character or object moving into view
- Masculine card using a vehicle, workshop or outdoor theme
- Christmas train card with a festive message hidden behind the image
- Baby card with a welcome message or announcement
- Graduation card with a hidden congratulations message
You can also change what appears when the tab is pulled.
It does not have to be a sentiment. You could reveal:
- A gift card holder
- A second image
- A personal message
- A small surprise scene
One thing I would keep in mind is the space inside the mechanism. Some ideas sound great when you are planning them, but they become difficult once you start adding layers. I have had designs where I wanted to hide too much, and the moving part simply did not have enough room.
A simple reveal often works better.
For this card, the Train Driver digital stamp worked because the movement matched the theme. The pull tab helped tell the card’s story rather than being there only because the technique was fun to make.
When you adapt this idea, start with the story you want the card to tell. Then choose an image and a message that support that story. The best interactive cards are the ones where the movement feels as if it were always meant to be there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a pull tab card work?
A pull tab card looks like a simple idea, but the real work is happening underneath the design. A strip of cardstock is hidden behind the layers, and when you pull the tab, it slides through a small channel and reveals the hidden message or image.
The mechanism itself is not complicated. Getting it to feel right is where the patience comes in. A channel that is even slightly too tight can make the strip catch. Too much space and the movement starts feeling loose and less satisfying.
I always test the tab as I build the card. A moving tab is not the goal. A smooth movement that feels good when someone uses the card is what makes the technique worth doing.
What is the difference between a slider card and a pull tab card?
The names can be confusing because the two techniques are close cousins.
A slider card usually shows the movement on the front of the design. A pull tab card hides more of the mechanism and reveals something as the tab is pulled.
You will see the terms used in different ways, so I would not get stuck on the label. The best interactive cards are the ones where the movement has a reason.
Can I use another digital stamp for this project?
Yes, you can use this mechanism with many different digital stamps or printed images.
The Train Driver stamp was a perfect match for this card because the movement already made sense. The train travels forward, the message appears, and it feels like one complete idea.
That is what I would look for when choosing another image. Do not choose something only because it fits the space. Choose something where the movement adds to the story of the card.
Also, check your layout before you start building. I have had ideas that looked brilliant on paper, then fell apart once I added foam tape and layers. Sometimes the hidden part simply needs more room than you expect.
Which cardstock works best for an interactive card?
For a pull tab, I prefer a smooth cardstock that holds its shape.
The strip gets pulled, moved and handled, so flimsy cardstock usually causes problems. It can bend, and once that happens, the whole mechanism starts feeling less reliable.
Very thick cardstock can cause trouble, too. It sounds like a stronger choice, but if the strip fills the channel too much, it creates extra resistance.
I look for cardstock that stays straight while still sliding easily. That balance matters more than the brand or the weight.
Why is my pull tab sticking?
If your pull tab is sticking, I would start with the channel.
Check:
- If the foam tape channel is too narrow
- If the foam tape strips are sitting too close together
- If the edges of the cardstock strip are rough
- If the adhesive has accidentally reached the moving area
Also, check the strip itself. I have had tabs that looked completely fine but had a tiny bend from cutting or testing. That small bend was enough to make the movement feel wrong.
Sometimes the quickest fix is making a new strip. I know it feels wasteful when you have already made one, but I have spent longer trying to rescue a stubborn tab than it would have taken to start again.
Can I colour this card with coloured pencils instead of alcohol markers?
Yes, you can use coloured pencils for this card.
They are a lovely option if you enjoy building colour slowly or adding more control to smaller areas. The result will be softer than alcohol markers, but that can suit a detailed image really well.
Other media, such as watercolours, can work too. Just test your cardstock first because some papers handle water much better than others. A beautiful colouring technique is not worth much if your paper starts fighting back.
Let’s Get Creative Together
You have learned how to make a pull tab card with a hidden message using a simple slider mechanism and a digital stamp.
Looking back at this card, the part I like most is that the movement has a reason. The train is travelling forward, the hidden message appears along the way, and the pull tab feels like part of the idea rather than something added afterwards.
That is something I pay more attention to when I make interactive cards. I love trying new mechanisms, but I do not add movement just because I can.
For this card, it worked. The train, the movement and the hidden message all support each other. This makes the extra time spent on the mechanism worthwhile.
Now I would love to know what you would create with this technique. Would you use it for another travel card, turn it into a birthday surprise, or choose a completely different theme?
If you make your own pull tab card, I would love to see it. Share a photo of your project and tag me so I can see what you created. I always enjoy seeing how another maker takes the same idea and gives it their own twist. A different digital stamp, colour combination or hidden message can make the whole design feel completely different.
Join the Challenge
This card was created as inspiration for the Polkadoodles Anything Goes challenge.
You do not need to use Polkadoodles products to join. Simply create a handmade card in your own style, take a photo of your project and add it to the challenge entry page.
It is a lovely way to share your work with other cardmakers, and you might even win a prize. I would love to see how you use this pull tab idea with your own favourite images, colours and techniques.
More Slider card ideas with Polkadoodles
If you enjoyed this interactive card tutorial, you might also like:
Which Polkadoodles supplies do I need for this train card?
Clicking these links is a small way to support my free tutorials without any extra cost to you. I like to think of it as tipping a waitress for her service at a restaurant. It helps me keep sharing creative ideas with you.
Train Driver

This train driver digital stamp was the starting point for my entire design. I found the front-facing view of the train perfect for creating an interactive element. You can resize this image in Word to fit your chosen card size perfectly.
Everyday Greetings and Quotes

I often reach for these digital sentiments when I need a specific message for a hidden surprise. This set includes many different phrases that work beautifully for travel and adventure themes. You can print only the words you need for your current project.
Quotes and Sentiments

This collection helped me find the right words for the inside of my slider mechanism. The phrases match the movement of the train and help tell a complete story on your card. You might enjoy combining these sentiments with other stamps from your own collection.
I would like to enter my card in the following challenges
- Unicorn Challenge Blog: No design paper
- Word Art Wednesday: Anything goes
- Lil Patch of Crafty Friends Challenge ...: Anything goes
- A Perfect Time To Craft Open Challenge: Anything goes
- Carlin’s Kaartenparadijs: Alles mag (anything goes)
- Crafts Galore Encore Challenge Blog: Anything goes
- Crafter’s Cafe: Anything goes




Renske, this is such an adorable card, even if it weren’t an interactive one, but I can tell that is extra special with the pull tab. Thanks so much for sharing this with us at Word Art Wednesday! We love seeing the beautiful things that you make!
Ah thank you so much Barbara for you lovely comment.
mooi schuifkaartje met de trein erop. bedankt dat je nog eens meedoet met de Challenge bij Carlin’s Kaartenparadijs.
groetjes,
Karin
Dank je wel Karin.