Matting And Layering On Card Bases

Multi Layered Stamped Card 

Making layers on your card bases gives your cards more dimension. Adding layers of solid and printed paper adds dimension, but also adds color.

The principles of matting and layering are simply to fix papers on top of each other, usually from largest to smallest. 

Starting with your card base, consider the amount of weight that you are planning for your card. Every element adds weight to your card, so consider using a quality paper like Neenah Solar white, my personal favorite for making card bases, I like to stick with anything in the 80–110-pound card stock weight. You are not limited to white of course. You can use any colored paper as well.

When you consider that you could be layering four or more papers this is quite a lot of paper that will not be seen. You can get round this by layering frames. Cutting out the parts of the paper that would ordinarily have been hidden. The squares that were removed to make the apertures can then be used on other cards meaning you could at least double your cardmaking output using this method.

If you are making your own card base, you need to consider the size that you need for your project.

This chart shows you the size of the paper that you need and the size of the folded card base

You can use a ruler and a pencil to make marks and then fold your card, but a scoreboard makes your card making experience a whole lot easier and less frustrating.

A scoreboard allows you to create and measure accurate lines on your card bases

1. Cut the paper to the size that you would like your card to be.
2. Place the paper on the scoreboard.
3. Measure the areas where the fold will be.
4. Using the bone folder, run the bonefolder down the line where you measured.
5. Run the bone folder a little more strongly down the same line.
6. Turn the card over and repeat the process using the same measurement.

In a simple card you would only have one-fold to make. In a more complicated fold like a gatefold card, you might have 3 or 4 folds to make. Once you are creating more complicated folds, this tool becomes very valuable.

Of course, you can also buy premade card bases. These are very handy when you are making multiple cards for parties, special occasions and holidays. They come in packs and are generally reasonably priced. They save time. Keep in mind when you are purchasing them that they may or may not come with envelopes. So, make sure to read the pack to see if you are going to need envelopes too.

Here is another way to look at card bases.

Standard Size Card Bases 

• A7 card - Dimensions: 5" x 7" - 
• A6 card - Dimensions: 4.5" x 5.75" - matches an A6 envelope.
• A9 card - Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5" - Called Half Folds - matches an A9 envelope.
• A1 card - Dimensions: 3.5" x 5" - Mostly used for Thank You cards - matches an A1 envelope.

There are other sizes like 6" by 6" and the new slimline envelopes. Plus, other special fold cards. These we will give information about later on. For the time being, we are talking about single fold cards.

So, now we are adding layers to the card bases we have chosen. We need to keep in mind the design and colors we are planning on using. Decide your design before you start cutting paper for layering. 

For example, if you are planning multiple flowers, you want the layer closest to the flowers to be a solid color. You could use a printed paper is the pattern has a less intricate design, In the end it's all a matter of taste. 

You can break up patterns with white panels over patterned paper.

Once you have chosen the paper or papers that you want to use, it's time to cut them for the base. I like to keep it simple, so rather than going crazy with charts, I cut each layer, 1/4 of an inch less than the surface below.

A 6" by 6" card base with a single layer added

So, in this case I used a 6" by 6" card base. My layer was cut at 5 3/4"by 5 3/4 ". If I were to add another layer, I would cut it at 5 1/2" by 5 1/2"

It does not matter what size card base you have. Just measure the base. Deduct 1/4 inch to cut the mat on top of it. I promise it will work every time!

Adhering Your Layers

Now that you have cut your layers, it's time to get them on your card base. You have multiple choices.

1. Double sided tape -This is the cleanest way to adhere your layers. You simply place one side of the double-sided tape on the outside edges of your layer. Then you remove the covering off the tape and place it on your card It makes a very even and neat layer, but you only have once chance to lay this down. Once place you really cannot remove it.
2. Glue-Glue is another option. The nice thing with glue is that you do have some options when placing your layers. While the glue is still wet, you can wiggle the layer around a bit to correct the placement. However, you need to be careful with the glue, because if it is not spread evenly over the card, you can get humps on the layers. Don't over glue the layer. Spread the glue across the paper with an old gift or credit card. Make sure to go edge to edge.
3. Spray Glue- You can use spray adhesive. Always use spray adhesive in a well-ventilated room
4. Foam Tape or Dots- You get a lot of dimensions with foam tape and dots. They have two sides and are easy to use. The trick to using these is to make sure that you have even coverage across the layer so that it lays evenly on the card base.

Card Layering Examples

Glue spread evenly on top, glue humps on bottom.

There are a number of ways that you can add layers to the base of your cards.

Use A Color Family

This is one of my favorites! Use different shades in the same color family to create a nice color variant. 

Patterned And Solid Colors

You can mix a pretty patterned paper with a solid color. Anytime that you are mixing these two, you want to have the solid paper closest to your focus image. It does not matter if it is a scrapbook page, a greeting card or a journal. 

Embossed Paper And A Solid Color

Embossing papers add a great deal of dimension to your projects. You will want to feature your embossed paper while not taking anything away from your focal images. So, you will want to leave a wide margin in your layers to be able to enjoy the embossing. 

Vellum And Paper

Vellum is a soft light paper that comes in different sizes. It is wonderful over any kind of patterned paper. You can pull one of the colors from the patterned paper and use the dominant color of vellum. 

You can also opt to use patterned vellum over solid cardstock. There are some terrific options that are available. 

Layered Stencils

Layering Sentiments

Layering sentiments is yet another method to add dimension to your project. For the most part, if you are going o add one or two layers to your sentiment you will want to stamp it on white paper. Again, use some color for the layers chosen from the palette that you have chosen.

Adhere it flat with double sided tape or use foal tape or dots to raise it up off the page.

Use some distress ink around the edges of the bottom layer of your sentiment to make it stand out even more.

If you are using vellum, make sure to use clear dots or any other product that will not be visible.

Before cutting, hold papers against each other to decide if they work well together. 

Use double sided tape to adhere most papers. 

The same matting and layering techniques can be used on a scrapbook page or a journal page. 

Final Thoughts On Matting And Layering Cards

Matting and layering your cards will add a lot more dimension and interest that just a plain white card. There is so much amazing paper out there to choose from. Start with picking a color palette. Then choose your papers for layering from that palette. Have fun with the process and enjoy your design that is totally unique to you!'

Until next time, Happy Crafting

Linda