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Creating a card base is the foundation of any handcrafted card project. Whether you’re crafting for a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, a well-made card base ensures your creation looks professional and is sturdy. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of making a standard card base, so you can start your card-making projects with confidence.
Card and Card Base Sizes
There are many card sizes. Standard greeting card sizes vary to suit different occasions and preferences. The most common sizes include:
- A7 (5″ x 7″): One of the two most popular sizes, offering ample space for personal messages and images. The card base for this card size will require a 10″ x 7″ piece of cardstock.
- A2 (4.25″ x 5.5″): Smaller than A7, this size, the other most popular size, is commonly used for thank you notes or short messages. Depending on the cards orientation, you will either need a piece of cardstock that is 4 1/4″ x 11 1/2″ or one that is 8 1/2″ x 5 1/2″.
- A6 (4.5″ x 6.25″): Slightly larger than A2, A6 cards are well-suited for casual greetings. The cardstock required for this size is 9″ x 6.25″.
- Square (5.5″ x 5.5″): Square cards provide a unique look and feel, ideal for modern or stylish designs. The cardstock for this size needs to be 11″ x 5 1/2″.
- Slimline (3.5″ x 8.5″): These elongated cards are perfect for elongated designs and often used for wedding invitations. This requires a 7″ x 8 1/2″ piece of cardstock.
- Mini-Slimline (3.5″ x 6.25″): A smaller version of a slimline card, typically measuring 3 1⁄4 in x 6 1⁄4 in. This is a popular size for cards that contain cash, checks, or gift cards. Their smaller art space is also ideal for using smaller stamps and dies, and smaller images are quicker to color. You will need a piece of cardstock that is trimmed to 7″ x 6 1/4″ to make a mini-slimline card.
These sizes ensure that greeting cards can be customized to fit any occasion, message, or aesthetic preference.
Card Orientation
When considering card base orientation for handmade or printed cards, there are two primary styles: portrait and landscape.
- Portrait Orientation: This is a vertical layout where the card's height is greater than its width. It's the most traditional and commonly used format for greeting cards, invitations, and formal announcements. This orientation provides a classic and formal look, making it suitable for all occasions.
- Landscape Orientation: This is a horizontal layout where the card's width is greater than its height. It offers a modern and unique presentation, often used for photo cards, postcards, and casual greetings. This orientation allows for wider images or designs and can offer a fresh perspective compared to the conventional portrait style.
Choosing the right orientation depends on the purpose and design of the card, as each has its own aesthetic appeal and functional advantages.
Required Tools & Supplies
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- Cardstock: Choose a thick, high-quality cardstock in your preferred color. I like to use Neenah Classic Crest 110lb Solar White.
- Paper Trimmer or Scissors: For precise cuts. Good examples are Tonic Studio Tim Holtz 8.5 Inch Comfort Trimmer or Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 12.25 Maxi Guillotine Trimmer.
- Scoring Board:
- Bone Folder: To create clean folds.
- Here are the Tools & Supplies that I like to use for making card bases:
Steps For Making A Card Base
Follow these steps to create a standard A2 size card base (4.25″ x 5.5″):
Step 1: Select and Measure Your Cardstock
Choose Your Cardstock
Start with a piece of 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock. Opt for a high-quality, heavy-weight cardstock, typically around 80-110 lbs. This ensures your card will stand up well and provide a solid surface for adding decorations and embellishments.
Hint: I typically use Neenah Classic Crest 110lb Solar White for my card bases.
This size is perfect for making two A2 card bases.
Measure for Cutting
Measure your cardstock for trimming and based on your chosen card size and orientation. For example, if you are making a side-folding A2 size (4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″) card, you are going to mark the midpoint of a 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock along the 11″ side. This will be at 5.5″.
Step 2: Cut the Cardstock
Prepare to Cut
Place your cardstock on the paper trimmer or cutting mat if you’re using scissors.
Cut to Size
Cut the cardstock. Using our A2 example we will cut the cardstock in half at the 5.5″ mark to create two pieces, each measuring 8.5″ x 5.5″. Each piece will become one A2 card base. Or, if you're making a card with a verticle orientation then, you cut the cardstock in half at the 4.25″ mark along the 8.5″ side. As a result, you will create two pieces, each measuring 11 x 4 1/4″.
Step 3: Score the Cardstock
Mark the Center
Based on your chosen card size and orientation, measure the center point of your longest side. Using our example, we will measure the center point along the 8.5″ side. This will be at 4 1/25″.
Score the Fold
Use a scoring tool or bone folder to create a scoreline. This will be at the 4.25″ mark for our example. Scoring the card ensures a crisp, professional edge without any cracking.
Step 4: Fold the Card Base
Make the Fold
Raise the card base on edge and carefully fold it away from the score line until the two short edges meet. It helps to use the work surface to keep the bottom edges even. Gently fold your cardstock along the score line.
Secure the Fold
Use a bone folder to press down along the fold, ensuring a crisp and neat edge.
Step 5: Repeat for Additional Bases
Repeat the above steps with the second piece of 8.5″ x 5.5″ cardstock to create another card base.
Conclusion
And there you have it! You’ve successfully made a sturdy and professional-looking card base, ready to be decorated and customized for any occasion. By starting with a well-crafted base, you set the stage for a beautiful and memorable handmade card. Happy crafting!
Click here for more basic cardmaking technique tutorials.
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ABOUT AUTHOR
Teri Duncan
Teri has over 30 years of experience as a cardmaker. Her work has appeared in Spellbinders Paper Arts’ blog as well as with some of their products and on Altenew’s blog. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, stained glass, and teaching. She and her husband live in Crystal River, Florida with their three dogs and a cat.
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