Cardmaking Techniques of Cutting and Folding
Folding ð€“ This cardmaking activity is basic and elementary, but if not done properly you will get a poor product with ugly creases. Score the card or paper stock with a stylus, awl or bone folder. Remember to score the outside of the fold and fold away from the scored side. Place light, erasable marks ð€“ this will be the fold line. Draw the stylus along the fold line as guided by a straight edge like a ruler or rail. Use moderate pressure to avoid tearing the stock. Fold away from the score and pinch the crease with your thumb and index finger, or press it with a bone folder. Lay a thin sheet over the stock before pressing to prevent a shine. It is preferable not to fold against the grain.Cutting ð€“ Cutting stock is always easier and more neatly done with a paper trimmer with a sharp blade. But if you don"t have a paper trimmer, an equally sharp craft knife and a cutting mat will do the trick. A good choice of cutting mat is one that has self-healing surface, minimizes slippage, has a measuring grid, and has a heavy duty blade. Always make proper measurements before cutting to avoid waste and to repeat work.
Making card windows ð€“ Windows add beauty and uniqueness to your card. This cardmaking technique takes plenty of practice before you can possibly make very good windows. Again determine the size of the window and then place temporary marks or lines where you need to cut out the window. Open the card flat on a cutting mat, and with a sharp craft knife and metal ruler, cut the window out as guided by the marks or lines. For round, oval or irregular-shaped windows, a craft knife can still be used although a pair of scissors is more preferable. You can use a compass, various objects and even art templates to draw the window before cutting.
There are other cardmaking techniques that you should know and practice, such as dry and heat embossing, as well as rubber stamping. However, learning about the basic folding and cutting techniques of making greeting cards is already a great milestone.