How do you line up your paper pieces so nicely when you make a card?

That’s a question I frequently get asked, so today I’ve got some tips for lining up your layers of paper, along with a few card ideas to inspire you!

 Paper Sizes:
Just Jade card base: 4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″
Pretty Paper strips: 1-1/4″ x 5-1/4″

 

Tips for Lining Up Paper:

Good lighting is key! 

Poor lighting can throw shadows across your paper that can throw you off. What looks good in poor lighting will look totally off-center when it sees the light of day. Make sure you have lights coming either straight from above your project or from both sides. OttLites are great for crafting and come in a wide range of sizes from small desktop lamps to larger floor lamps.

Start from the outside

When you are taping down three paper strips like on the card shown above, start with the two outside strips first. Tape them the same distance from the outside edges of your card stock mat. Then it’s easier to tape the middle strip an even distance between the two.

Keep the border the same width all the way around 

On the ice cream cone card below, the paper strips extend all the way to the sides of the paper. If you want a border all the way around like on the floral card above, it’s easiest to line up your elements if the “mat” or border is the same width all the way around.

 Paper Sizes:
Blushing Bride card base: 4-1/4″ x 11″
Watermelon Wonder: 3-1/2″ x 4/1-4″
Ice Cream Cone Paper Strips: 1″ x 4-1/4″

Use Grid Paper

The lines on grid paper will help you line up elements in a straight line. Make sure you place your project so the sides line up with the grid lines on the paper. You can also place a ruler across the top of your project for even more precision.

Use Forgiving Adhesive

Until you’re comfortable lining up your paper, start with a more forgiving adhesive like Multipurpose Liquid Glue that allows you to move your elements around if needed.

 Paper Sizes:
Just Jade card base: 4-1/4″ x 11″ scored at 5-1/2″
Pretty Paper strips: 1-1/4″ x 5-1/4″
Whisper White: 5/8″ x 3-1/2″
Misty Moonlight: 1/2″ x 4″

 

All of the cards shown in this post were made using templates from my One Sheet Wonder Card Club. The fun ice cream cone card was from a card set I made using the April 2016 template and the floral cards are from a set using the August 2020 club template.

Depending on the pattern of paper you use, you can make a card with just one strip or use a bunch of them together as I did.

Join the club now to download a template and get started turning your pretty papers into cards fast!!

Happy Stamping!

Jessica

 

Get more card making tips & tricks!

Subscribe to get more card making ideas from Jessica by email.

Powered by ConvertKit