Cardstock Cutting Tips Video

Watch the replay: learn Cardstock Cutting Tips

Yesterday, during my weekly YouTube live video, I shared my top 5 cardstock cutting tips to maximize your paper, and your investment. Learn ways to cut cardstock and 12×12 designer paper to create layers, reduce waste and save money when making handmade cards.

A cardstock cutting guide displays various white rectangles labeled with different dimensions, a yellow tip banner, and a website. Below, blue cardstock bases hold completed floral greeting cards with patterned layers, showing examples of A2 size card assembly. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

As mentioned in the video, cutting your 8-1/2″x11″ cardstock and your 12×12 designer paper using the measurements I provided will reduce waste and help you use your card making products more efficiently.

Make 2 landscape card bases by scoring your 8-1/2″x11″ cardstock at 4-1/4″, flip it and cut at 5-1/2″

Make 2 portrait orientation card bases by scoring your 8-1/2″x11″ cardstock at 5-1/2″, flip it and cut at 4-1/4″

Create simple designer series paper (DSP) layers by cutting your 12″x12″ into 4″ strips, then cut 5-1/4″ pieces to layer on the card bases mentioned above. Use the other measurements to create 2×4, 3×4 and 4×4 layers for your cards. (see tips 2, 3, 4 and 5)

WATCH THE VIDEO replay at the bottom of this post for more info.

A 12x12 white paper is divided into labeled sections showing how to cut it: two 5x4, four 4x4, two 2x4, and two 3x4 pieces. Text reads “Cutting tips for 12x12 with Patty Bennett.” A note at the bottom says, “Watch the video for more info!”. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

Starting with the basics in tip #1, let’s build on those measurements and let me show you 4 more basic card designs that use those sizes of cardstock and 12×12 designer paper (or Memories & More cards).

Download the PDF with Cardstock Cutting Tips 1 – 5

A step-by-step collage shows how to make a floral flip card. The top left displays the finished card; top right has a tip about cardstock cutting. Bottom two images show the card base flipped open with measurements for cardstock and DSP (patterned paper) pieces. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

A very basic fun fold that uses 1/2 a sheet of cardstock and 3 pieces of designer paper is the Flip card I shared in Cardstock Cutting tip #2.

Uses 2×4, 3×4 and 4×5-1/4″ pieces from the 12×12 designer paper piece.

A handmade flip card on a grid background. The card is lavender with floral patterns and a green-bordered circle that says, "Hello HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY WISHES." Text above reads, "Flip Card Card Cutting Tips with Patty." The card displays layered flower designs. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

A crafting tip collage shows how to cut 8.5"x11" cardstock for easy card layers. There’s a finished card, labeled diagrams for 4"x5.25" and 3.75"x5" layers, and bold text: “Cardstock Cutting Tip #3: Easy Layers." Website info is included. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

To create simple focal point layers for your card, use the measurements below to create perfectly matted layers with a white rectangle and colored cardstock mat layer.

A piece of white paper is sectioned into 8 panels with black lines. Bold black text reads: "Top Layer for 8 panels." A pink note at center says: "8x10, Cut: 4-inch, flip 2.5, 5, 7.5-inch, 4 pcs: 2½ x 4." The PattyStamps.com website is printed below. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

Cardstock cutting tips. A collage showing a yellow fold-out card with patterned inserts, detailed cardstock measurements, and samples of colorful, festive fold-out cards with birthday and celebration themes. Text includes "Cardstock Cutting Tip #4" and crafting website details. To read more, visit Patty Stamps (pattystamps.com)

A Pull Out card is the perfect way to use your 3×4 designer series paper pieces (from Tip #1), or, use the 3×4 cards in a Memories & More pack, like the Celebration Expressions card shown here.