Directions for making the cards:
First you will need a template to follow, that will not waste your card stock.
- Measure the template paper to the exact measurements of your card stock.
- For one card out of a standard size sheet of paper:
Along the longest edge of the paper, divide the paper in thirds.
Draw a pencil line along the folds. Mark the center of the middle section of the folded paper.
Place the shape you want to cut out of your card on the center mark and trim it out. - For making smaller cards from one standard size sheet of paper:
Make the template as above, but mark and cut out the window for the size card you want to create.
From the Card Stock:
- Line up the edges of the template you made with the card stock paper. I have found it works best to fold one piece at a time.
- Place a ruler on the template fold line and bend the card stock to the edge of the ruler. Repeat for the other fold.
- Using a light pencil, mark the cut out area.
- Sharpen the fold lines by making the edges meet the other fold line and finger pressing the fold.
- Place your cut out template on the cutting line for the center hole.
- Carefully with a firm steady pressure, cut out the center area.
- Trace the hole opening on to the area of the card which will fold inside and hide the back of the fabric.
Simple fabric inserts
- Use the card stock that you cut out of the middle of the card, as a template to cut a piece of batting the exact same size as the opening (if anything a tiny bit smaller - not larger)
- Again, using the piece of card stock that you cut out of the center of the card, line the template up over the center of your fabric design. Cut the fabric 1/4 to 1/2" wider on all sides then the template. How wide you cut it will depend on the loft of the batting you are using.
Assembly:
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If you are going to use embossing with rubber stamp designs, finish this aspect, before you do the next steps. Heat for the embossing powder will melt the batting.
- Using a dot of glue, tack the batting in to place in the penciled area.
- Place a small amount of glue around the edge of the batting to hold the fabric.
- Sparingly apply glue to the front opening area of the card. Just enough to hold the back of the front to the front of the card. Excess glue will warp the card stock.
- Test glue on scrapes of card stock to make sure it will not warp the card stock. While I was experimenting, I discovered tacky glue, applied with a paintbrush worked best for most of the card stock I had purchased.
Decorating Ideas
- Use the specialty pens that are available every where to write your message in the card.
- Rubber stamps make beautiful designs for decorating the cards
- Use color copier transfer paper to put fabric pictures in the cards. I will be doing this with my daughters kindergarten class.
- Save the cut outs to make gift tags for your packages.
Making Envelopes
Use & Reuse Crafty Ideas, offers templates and directions to make your own envelopes. Use their templates or use them as a guideline to make perfect envelopes for your cards.
Making Envelope
This site even includes a recipe for making your own glue.
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