Simple Card Base Using a Paper Trimmer

One of the tools I find to be indispensable for simple card making is the paper trimmer. There are many different types of paper cutting tools, but these compact little guys are my favorite.

This handy little fella looks small but it does so much! Mine came with two 'blades' - one is a cutting blade and the other is a scoring blade (not shown here).

It is long enough that you can put a piece of 12x12 paper through it, and it also has an 'arm' that comes out from the left side so you can measure up to 12 inches across as well. Since most of the paper used for crafting comes at 12x12 inches or less, this will cut pretty much any of your papers.

Measuring and cutting cardstock with a trimmer is a cinch.

Step 1: Line up your paper so the long side is facing horizontal (landscape orientation) and slide it through the guide on the trimmer.

Ease the paper over to the 5 1/2 inch line on the extend-able arm.

Step 2: Press the edge of the paper up against the top of the trimmer to make sure it is lined-up straight with the ruler.

Starting the blade at the top of the ruler, press the blade down towards the table and slide it towards you. Cut all the way to the bottom of the paper in one smooth, even motion.

Now you have two evenly-sized pieces of paper measuring 5 1/2 inches by 8 inches.

Step 3: Once again, line up your paper so the long side is facing horizontal (landscape orientation) and slide it through the guide on the trimmer.

This time the paper will stop at the 4 1/4 inch mark. On my trimmer it's not so much a mark as it is the left edge of the trimming tool. Some experimentation on your own tool might be necessary.

You'll now have a score line down the middle of your cardstock.

Step 4: Next you'll want to fold the cardstock over to create your folded card. See how easy it can be to make a simple card!

Here's a handy tip: there are two sides to your scored cardstock - one where the score mark indents into the paper (the valley) and on the other side where the indentation comes through to the other side (the peak). Turn the cardstock over so the "mountain' side is facing your table. Fold one end of the cardstock up and over so that the ends meet.

By folding the opposite of score mark you'll keep the cardstock from crinkling and cracking around the score line. Try it both ways and you'll see what I mean!

Now you have a folded card. Ta-da!

Bring your trimmer to parties and show off your paper-cutting skills.

You'll be the hit of every party and the envy of all your friends!

Now you're ready to tackle some card making projects. Head on over to Card Making Ideas for some great tutorials and inspiration.

 

 

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