Skip to main content

Card Base Quick Tips

Card Base Quick Tips







We all love making those fancy card bases for those extra special cards. They are the foundation of our cards. To make card bases, the most important thing to remember is to use heavy card stock as your base. Never use anything under 65 pounds. I have found that using the fancier folds, I prefer to use 80 pounds or above. That makes a much sturdier base.

You can buy common card bases in different sizes. These bases do save you time but can be costly. 

Another alternative is to cut your cards on your electronic cutting machine. Most of the computer programs attached to these have card bases built in to their programs. I like to cut a bunch ahead of time and have them on hand.

You can also subscribe to monthly card kits. Usually, these kits contain everything you need to make cards. Some include access to videos that help you learn new techniques. They can be pricey, but you can also learn a lot and have everything you need on hand short of some tools.



Here are our favorite ideas for making your own card bases.
  • A good bone folder is essential to getting crisp folds
  • A scoreboard is handy to measure quickly and get even lines. You can use a ruler and a pencil as well
  • Cutting your paper with a good paper trimmer makes even cuts

Picking The Right Card Size

  • Bigger card sizes are perfect for birthdays, invitations, and thank you cards. These are cards where you may have a lot of information on the front.
  • Remember, if you use a usual card size, it may not fit into a standard envelope. 
  • Always think about the amount of postage a larger card may require. If in doubt, have the post office weigh it. There is nothing worse than having a card sent back to you for insufficient postage, 

Special Fold Samples


          The Arrow Fold Card             

Supplies Needed:

  • One 6" by 6" card base. You can make this by using a 12" by 12" piece of cardstock. Cut the card stock in half. Then fold that piece in half  
  • A scoreboard or a ruler and a pencil
  • A bone folder                            

                            




Bridge Fold Card

                                                  


                                              Center Explosion Card






                                                Double Gatefold Card



 



Flip Swing Card




Z Fold Card











Double Triangle Fold Card
Front Flap Greeting Card

                                                 Card Shape Resources



Comments

Post a Comment

We would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, or just say hello. We appreciate your time here today. Thank you for stopping by!

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond Basic Backgrounds

Today we are exploring back grounds for greeting cards using stamps and coordinating dies with embossing powders to create a totally different look. Welcome to another community tutorial as I take my journey through the Altenew Educator Class. I have to say that I love the soft look of these greeting cards.  For this technique you will need a stamp set with the coordinating dies. You will actually create a stencil using the dies for the image that you are using on your background. To create this stencil, you will want to use a heavy white cardstock, at least 90 Lbs. or more. That way, you will be able to use the stencil again. You also will want to make the stencil a bit larger than the actual card base. Overlapping will give you the best results. Creating The Stencil Supplies White cardstock at least 90 lbs. in weight Coordinating die for the stamp you are using. Low tack tape Die cutting machine and plates. Cut the piece of cardstock slightly bigger than the card base you will be usi
1 comment
Read more

What It Takes To Create An Advanced Ink Layering Technique

Today we are sharing with you some advanced ideas and techniques in ink layering. We are also sharing some additional ideas to help you take your greeting cards to the next level. We are featuring a new tutorial as part of my Level Three accreditation in the AECP (Altenew Educator Certification Program). This is a program that I have been working through for some time. My goal has been to be able to learn and share with you the best ideas and techniques to help you be the best paper crafter you can be.  There are actually 5 levels of layering classes in this program. The project that I am focusing on is a more intricate stamp set called. Climbing Clematis.  There are actually 6 layers to the main flowers and several layers to each of the coordinating flowers. The coordinating flowers add a natural touch to the design.  Here are some of the techniques that I am focusing on for this tutorial: All About Layering 1-5 All About Layering Dies Edition Layering Guides Layering guides are an es
1 comment
Read more

Organize Your Stamps

  Have you ever gone to look for a particular stamp set that you know that you have and have been frustrated because you could not find that special set to finish a project? Have you ever found s loose stamp and could not figure out where that particular stamp set went?  Do not feel bad, we have all been there. Today, hopefully we are going to help you get your stamp sets organized, easy to find, and give you more time to have fun! If you are a stamp artist, then you know how much we love our stamp sets. Some of us think that collecting stamps is like another hobby! We love our stamps, and we love using them. But like any other tool, you need to care for your stamps. Part of that is organizing your stamps so that you can find what you need quickly and easily. We all get frustrated when our craft area is a hot mess! There are a lot of different things in our lives demanding our attention. And we want to spend time blowing off steam and relaxing in our craft space, I guarantee that takin
Post a Comment
Read more