Required Tools & Supplies
In addition to listing what you need to carry out this technique, I share my favorites in the form of affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking on one of these links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.
- 110lb Cardstock – Neenah Classic Crest 110lb Solar White
- Paper Trimmer – Tonic Studio Tim Holtz 8.5 Inch Comfort Trimmer or Tonic Studios Tim Holtz 12.25 Maxi Guillotine Trimmer
- Scoring Board – Altenew Crafter's Essentials Scoring Board
- Bone Folder – Altenew Crafter's Essentials Bone Folder
Card Base Types & Sizes
There are several card base types. We cover two standard types in this article: Top-folding and Side-folding.
There are many card sizes as well. The most common in the US are A2 size or 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ and 5″ x 7″
Steps To Make A Card Base
Determine the card base type you want to make.
Determine the size you want your card base to be.
Trim a piece of heavy cardstock for the type and size of your card as follows:
- A2 Top-folding – 4 1/4″ x 11″
- A2 Side-folding – 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
- 5″ x 7″ Top-folding – 5″ x 14″
- 5″ x 7″ Side-folding – 7″ x 10″
The next step is to score your piece of cardstock where you want your fold to be. To do so, place your cardstock in your scoring board with the short side snug against the left hand side. Position it about 1/4″ from the top so that your bone folder can begin scoring your cardstock at the top. Place the bone folder at the appropriate measurement across the top of your scoring board as follows:
- A2 Top-folding – 5 1/2″
- A2 Side-folding – 4 1/4″
- 5″ x 7″ Top-folding – 7″
- 5″ x 7″ Side-folding – 5″
Score the cardstock by slightly pressing with the bone folder and slide it down inside the groove in the board corresponding with the above measurement. You should end up with a score right down the middle of your cardstock with equal sizes of cardstock on each side.
Raise the cardbase on edge and carefully fold it away from the scoreline until the two short edges meet. It helps to use the worksurfce to keep the edges even. Fold at the score line. And then, burnish the fold line with the bone folder.