How to cut paper for Card Making

You can cut your papers to make card making easier. I have included diagrams to show you the easiest way to cut papers for your cards.

Cutting Card Bases from an 8 1/2 X 11Card Base:

Cut 8 ½ X 11 paper in half width wise. You now have two pieces 8 ½ X 5 ½ . Fold one of the pieces in half lengthwise for your card front. The card front now measures 4 ¼ X 5 ½. You can orient your card upright or sideways.

If you are cutting card bases from a 12 x 12 paper, you need to get this paper to 8 1/2 X 11. To do this, cut 3 1/2 from one side of paper, then 1 inch from other side (see picture).

Now follow directions above to get two card bases from 8 1/2 X 11 paper.

Cutting card mats or card fronts from 8 1/2 X 11 paper- a card mat or card front without mat measures 4 x 5 1/4

Cut 1/2 inch from 8 1/2 inch side of paper
Cut 1/2 inch from 11 inch side of paper

You paper now measures 8 X 10 1/2. Cut in 1/2 on 8 inch side so you have two strips 4 inches wide. Cut these strips in half at 5 1/4.

Cutting card fronts from 12 X 12 paper-
a card front without mat measures 4 x 5 1/4

Most print paper is 12 X 12, to cut this paper for card fronts

First decide which way your print will go on your card.

Cut 1 1/2 from side
Cut three strips that are 4 inches wide each
Cut each strip into two pieces 5 1/4 inches each