New to cardmaking? Everything you need to know!
This is the first in a series of blog posts to get you started – or, if you already make cards, this will be a resource for some of those questions you might still have! Each post includes a video with time stamps so you can quickly find what you are looking for.
Tips for cutting card bases
First, let’s make the card bases. A full sheet of 8-1/2″ x 11″ piece of cardstock will make two standard size card bases.
It doesn’t matter which way you cut it. Each card base is half a sheet of cardstock, scored in half and folded. Your card will be either in “portrait mode” or “landscape mode” but, when folded, they are both the same size.
*Did you know that if you score your cardstock in half before you cut, the fold line will already be there for you!
Score first.
Then rotate your cardstock and cut! Its that easy. (The Paper Trimmer has both a scoring blade and a cutting blade so you are all set.)
This will make a portrait fold. To make a landscape fold, just change the scoring and cutting lines.
Score first.
Then rotate and cut.
Both the portrait fold and the landscape fold will measure 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ when closed.
Adding layers to your cards
How do you determine what size to cut the layers for your cards? If you keep in mind the fraction 1/4″ this will be easy.
Your basic card, when folded, measures 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″.
If you want the layers to have equal borders all around, these are the different sizes of layers you will choose from.
4-1/4 x 5-1/2 (card base size)
4 x 5-1/4
3-3/4 x 5
3-1/2 x 4-3/4
3-1/4 x 4-1/2
3 x 4-1/4
2-3/4 x 4
2-1/2 x 3-3/4
2 x 3-1/2
Download this chart with all of the measurements.
Create your own set of card layers with the measurements written right on the different pieces.
Now the fun begins.
Start with the focal point of the card. If that will be a stamped image, use that to find the size you want to use. From there, you can play with a variety of layers to create the look you want.
For example, on this card I chose a 2-3/4″ x 4″ piece of Basic White cardstock to put the flower on.
From there, I chose the next size up (3″ x 4-1/4″) to add as a layer and then added this to the card base for a quick and easy card.
The second card uses a 1/8″ larger layer so it measures 2-7/8″ x 4-1/8″. Its easy to change any of the measurements to this when you want a very small border. I love the way this looks, but it does require more careful cutting.
Easy Tips for Cutting Cardstock for Your Cards
Did you find anything here you didn’t know before?
Do you have some questions about cardmaking you would like me to address?
Please leave a comment and let me know!
The video states it is private. Is there something I need to do to see it? I read the blog and I find the information helpful. For instance, I don’t remember to score first before cutting.
In the beginning of the blog it states there will be a video with a time stamp.
The video was private and I couldn’t watch it. What do I need to Do to access it
Thank you so much Karen. Very easy to understand!
Thanks for this! I know the basics of sizes for layering panels, but I really like the idea of how you actually cut a layer of each size, in a different color and marked them… this will be so convenient when deciding on how you want your card to look!
Thanks for the chart! I needed this. 🙂
Karen and Tim
Your videos are so enjoyable. I’ve given up watching TV so I can concentrate on your tips and learn from your expertise. Thank you for your kind, welcoming ways.
The video is private. Did you mean it to be?
Thank you. I’m going to enjoy this series. Wish I knew this back when I started.
I tried to watch your Tips for Cutting Cardstock Video and a message said it is private.
Excellent tutorial to start making cards. Keep these coming!
Sadly the video is marked private so is unavailable to watch.
Thank you Karen-I always learn a lot from you and Tim
I can’t watch the video. It says it is private. I am a member of Back Porch Stampers and the All Good Cards Club. I’m sorry I can’t be part of your customer base, as I am signed under a different demonstrator. I love learning all the tips and tricks you teach us. I am 70 years old, so I relate to everything you do.
Thank you
Thank you it helps a lot
Everything you do is helpful……TFS
Thank you so much, Terrie!
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
Can you believe I have been doing this for years … and I forgot to make the video “public”? So sorry – and it is fixed now! Thanks
Thank you so much, Mary!
Can you believe I have been doing this for years … and I forgot to make the video “public”? So sorry – and it is fixed now! Thanks
Thank you so much, Rochelle
Can you believe I have been doing this for years … and I forgot to make the video “public”? So sorry – and it is fixed now! Thanks
Thats a perfect name for this series, Bev! Wish I knew this back when I started!
Can you believe I have been doing this for years … and I forgot to make the video “public”? So sorry – and it is fixed now! Thanks
Gail – that is one of the best comments I have ever received – both funny and clever and awesome. I appreciate you!
You are so welcome. I’m glad it is helpful!
Thank you so much Denise! I agree that its so helpful to have the actual pieces handy and I am so glad you like that too
I appreciate your nice comment so much, Cynthia!
Can you believe I have been doing this for years … and I forgot to make the video “public”? So sorry – and it is fixed now! Thanks
Can you believe I have been doing this for years … and I forgot to make the video “public”? So sorry – and it is fixed now! Thanks
Karen, I loved your idea of making these 10 cardstock layers and keeping them handy for laying out your card! Thank you.
Thank you Karen, I just found you while scrolling. I have already made the card templates. I have gone on scrapbooking tours with fellow workers and bought to much. Make & takes got me every time. Now I’m retired and need to use this stuff I’ve bought over the years. I just signed up for your e-mails. Thank you again.
What brand of paper trimmer/scorer do you use? I have one by Recollections but the scoring tool doesn’t work. Thanks!
I use the one that SU! sells on p. 155 in the catalog
Hi Faith – I appreciate your comments. I love to help us all use up our stash – lol!