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
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I think about 3 years. A good friend got me “hooked”. We enjoy our time together carding & sharing ideas. Thank you for the opportunity to win a gift & Happy Anniversary!
Happy 17th Sttampin’ Anniversary ! may you have many ~ many ~ many more productive years !!
I retired from 28 yrs as a school custodian in 2016. My friend invited me to a card making class at a local church. It was so much fun. Learning about the tools & tips from the other people in the class & the demonstrator. My entire family are creative minds. So I found cardmaking to be a great edee of fun learning. I started out with Goodwill bargains for equipment. I found a craft bench on wheels that needed a little repair cheap. So I brought it home & we put on some90* braces under the shelves & that’s my work table. I also have book shelves that store plastic drawers for my collected supplies. Still working on the organizing everything but it is coming together nicely. I also make craft projects for the local nursing home 1or2 @month.. So I set up bookcases also from the Goodwill in my second floor for storage for seasonal things. I have acquired a nice variety of supplies now to be able to really have fun. So sorry the Covid has not allowed us to meet in person but I enjoy videos. I say I can take a class anytime I want online.
I have been making cards with Stampin Up four years(more or less) and I am SO hooked! All of the folks that I have made cards for are thrilled when they receive a handmade card and they are always struck with how beautiful they are! Love you creative ideas…and you make it so easy! So….Thank you!
Jessica,
Thank you for the instructions and measurements. I love these cards, and this is a great way to use up scraps !
Laurie
You’re welcome, Laurie! So glad you like them and I can’t wait to see what you make with this idea.
Thank you so much for sharing your ideas! Your generosity is so appreciated!!!
You’re welcome, Susan. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!
I love your cards and directions and look forward to seeing more of them.
Thank you so much, Susan!
Great tips, Jessica! I have been using Stampin Up! products for about 20 years or so. I started with scrapbook ingredients and quickly fell in love with card-making. I especially love the papers and inks!
Thank you Traci! I love their papers and inks too. It’s the color coordination that I find the most helpful!
Thank you for allowing me to subscribe to your helpful tips and hints. Looking forward to your site!
You’re welcome, thank you for subscribing! I look forward to sharing more card making ideas with you.
I have just subscribed to your helpful hints n tips. thank you so much for the tips on lining up / spacing panels.
Thank you so much for subscribing!
You are a very talented lady. I have enjoyed your videos for quite a few years just have never commented. But I feel i should recognize your talent and the time you take to make these videos for your people.
Thank you and God bless
Thank you so much for your kind words, Darlene, and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate you!