How to Make Your First Card Base — Beginner Card Making Tutorial
If you are brand new to card making here is the truth — every single card starts in the same place. The card base. And once you know how to make one correctly you will have a skill you use every time you sit down at your craft table.
Let's keep it simple and get you creating! 🎀
What Is An A2 Card Base?
The A2 is the most popular card size in card making — it fits a standard greeting card envelope and gives you the perfect amount of space to decorate.
Here are the three numbers you need to remember for a side fold card base:
- Cut your cardstock to 8.5 x 5.5 inches
- Score at the 4.25 inch mark
- Fold to create a finished card that measures 4.25 x 5.5 inches
Here are the three numbers you need to remember for a top fold card base:
- Cut your cardstock to 11 x 4 1/4 inches
- Score at the 5.5 inch mark
- Fold to create a finished card that measures 5.5 x 4.25 inches
That is it! 🎀
What You Will Need
- 110 lb cardstock — the gold standard for card bases. Not sure which cardstock to choose? Read our full guide here!
- Spellbinders 12" Paper Trimmer with Score Blade — cuts AND scores in one tool, perfect for beginners
- Teflon Bone Folder — for a crisp clean fold every time
Three Simple Steps
Step 1 — Ensure your paper is 8 1/2 x 11 inches. Occasionally paper may be slightly larger or smaller.
Step 2 — Cut Trim your cardstock to 8.5 x 5.5 inches using your paper trimmer.
Step 3 — Score Swap to the score blade and run it along the 4.25 inch mark. One smooth motion gives you a perfect score line every time. Want to learn more about scoring tools? Read our guide here! [link to scoring tools post]
Step 4 — Fold and Burnish Fold along the score line and run your bone folder firmly along the edge for a sharp professional crease.
Done! Your card base is ready to decorate. 🎀
Watch It In Action
Ready To Make Your First Card?
Now that you have your card base the fun really begins! Our Beginner Bundle has everything you need to go from blank card base to finished card — no guessing, just crafting! 🎀
See what is in our beginner bundle here.
New To Card Making? Start Here
- What is the best cardstock for card making, read here.
- What scoring tool do I need? Find out here.
- What level card maker are you — take the quiz! Coming Soon
Now you know how to make a card base. I tis time to learn a little about another vital component for card making, glue. Click here to learn about liquid glues.
Happy crafting! 🎀 Andrea — Crafts on the Move