Card Making 101

Valentine's Day is the holiday with the second highest rate of card exchange: approximately 141 million cards! So, with that in mind how about we cover some of the basics on how to make your own cards?

- Card stock should be the foundation for your card. The most common handmade size is folded to be 5 ½" by 4 ¼". This is a sheet of paper cut in half, then folded. This size card will fit into an "A2" invitation sized envelope. However, if you have a larger or smaller envelope, you can adjust your card to fit. Just measure the envelope and make your finished card is ¼" smaller than the envelope size.

- Card stock, because of the manufacturing process, typically folds better vertically rather than horizontally. That may sound confusing so let me explain. When paper is made the fibers are pressed into rolls while damp. The paper is then cut into sheets. Due to the thickness of card stock the direction of the fibers can determine how crisp a fold you get. When making "standard" size cards, you would cut the sheet in half (horizontally if it was portrait) and fold, making the fold on the vertical. If you are going to fold the other way, try scoring the paper first to make for a crisper fold.

- Let's get started on decorating. I, as a Stampin' Up consultant, love to use rubber stamps. Usually, the only time I will stamp directly on my card is to add a background. Any other stamping is typically done on a second piece of paper and added as a layer. Not sure what size to use, make it the same size as your stamp block.

If you are making several cards, say for your child's class, you may choose to print your greetings on the computer, cut them out, and attach to your cards. An easy way to do this is to select the address label feature that will allow you to type it once but will print 30 of the same greeting. Remember you don't have to print on labels.

- Adding layer to your card brings it to life! It is kind of like adding a matte to a photograph when you frame it. Not sure what size something should be? I measure the block the stamp is on for the first part of my card...then the matte will be a ¼" to ½" larger all the way around. Equal spacing allows your eye to see the card as a whole and unequal spacing will draw attention to the matte.

- Finally, it is time to embellish! How far you take this depends on your delivery method. If you are mailing your card you may need to be more careful of weight and just how "three dimensional" your embellishments are. For cards that will be mailed, use die cut or punched paper, small brads, ribbon, small buttons, etc. But if you are hand delivering, you can do just about anything...You can even add candy for embellishment.

I hope this has given you a general overview of how to get started. A handmade card is such a personal touch. You truly show that you care when you make something with them in mind. Happy card making.

Written by Nancy Masannat – Clever Crafty Mom and Stampin'Up Consultant from right here in the 'Burg

User Rating:  / 0