For me, making handmade cards is a fun way to express my creativity and allow myself some downtime – all while bringing happiness to others. Over the years of stamping, scrapbooking, and various other paper crafting projects, I’ve learned a few things. In addition, I’m continually learning new techniques and methods from the wonderful card making community that we all exist in.
That being said, card making can often feel like a daunting task – for both novice and experienced carmakers. That is why I’ve created a Card Making Basics Series where each week I will break down a single topic and share what I’ve learned. I welcome you to join along and hopefully pick up a few new tips and tricks that help you along your own crafty journey.
There are many ways to go about paper crafting. This series outlines my methods and successes. Each crafter has variations on what they do, and I, by no means, feel that my methods are the best, they are merely what work best for me.
Paper
As far as what type of paper you use, that is completely up to your discretion. I prefer cardstock as it holds up to stamping, embossing, layering, etc (all topics we will cover in future Card Making Basics installments). A cardstock weight of 110lb or 120lb is best, but sometimes I rely on a lighter weight cardstock (80lb) if I want a specific color or run out of the heavier cardstock. My favorite brands of cardstock for card bases are Neenah Classic Crest 110lb and Simon Says Stamp White 120lb.
Card Size
There are numerous standard card sizes, and countless variations. For a beginner, the countless options can be overwhelming. For someone starting out, I recommend an A2 sized card. This size is one of the easiest and most cost effective options – in my opinion at least. At 5.5” x 4.25”, an A2 sized card is created by cutting a standard 8.5” x 11” sheet in half. Your sheet can be cut in half lengthwise or widthwise, both orientations work fine. One sheet of paper/cardstock will provide you with two A2 sized cards with zero leftover! Fold each cut sheet in half and you have your A2 sized card.
When folding your cut cardstock into a card, I recommend scoring your sheet first. This can be as easy as creasing your sheet with a penny and ruler, or utilizing a Score Buddy and Bone Folder for a crisp fold line. Also, many paper slicers now come with a scoring blade. These work fantastic as well!
When it comes to folding, there has been many a discussion on which direction to fold paper after scoring. Some say fold in from indented crease, some say fold out from crease, and others still say there is no difference. From my experience, especially with heavier weight cardstock, it is preferable to fold away from the indented crease. This prevents tearing, or flaking of paper along seam of fold. In addition, a nice bubble is created on inside seam of card, which I think looks nice. Really though, there is no right or wrong method here, fold your card however you want, you are in charge here!
Folding IN toward crease
When folding IN toward a scored mark on cardstock, the paper can sometimes flake, creating a rough crease at the fold-line.
Folding OUT from crease
When folding OUT from the scored mark, the fold line stays crisp and clean.
After folding, reinforce the fold by running a bone folder, or your selected creasing tool, along the fold line. This will help strengthen your fold and allow your card to lay flat.
Mats
An easy way to ad interest to a card is by using mats. They can be any size or shape, and can be layered for different effects. Mats are essentially a panel cut and layered on top of the card base. A mat can be sized the same size as the card (5.5” x 4.25”) or in smaller increments where a type of framing is achieved. I often layer two mats for a great visual effect I love. See below share for measurements.
At this point, you can already make a simple handmade card! Create your card base, add a mat or two if you wish, handwrite a sentiment and you have just created a handmade card!
Hope these card basics encourage you to work on a handmade card this week. Next week, we will dive into stamping, so don’t miss it!
