layering cards

[blessedenuf]

I am very new to card making. When layering, do you measure or eyeball? Does that make any sense? Like when you have a square on top of a square or circle. Are there any techniques or just personal preference?

[jpmayo]

I eyeball for layers except if I am layering on the main card base then I make it 1/4 inch smaller on both sides.

If we are talking about the main stamped image or other layers then I take my stamped image (or whatever) and cut it to the size I need, then I lay that on the cardstock I am layering it onto and put it in my paper cutter and cut off however much looks good to me. Since the size of my main image is always different the layers will always be different, kwim?

I think some people use the 1/4 inch smaller rule for all their layers but I find I can just look and make them all the same with my eye. Hopefully they look ok, lol!

Hope this helps
And Welcome to the cardmaking world!

[onelightningchic]

I use the fairly standard method of making each piece 1/4 inch larger or smaller than the piece above or below it. That gives you a nice edge and with several layers almost a windowbox look. Ex. stamped piece is 2x2, then the layer below it would be 2 1/4 x2 1/4 etc. You can adjust to your particular taste. As for circles and scallops, I use my Nestabilities.

[sprtchick]

Like Ellen said....I do the same thing.
Blessings.

[onelightningchic]

Originally Posted by sprtchick

Like Ellen said....I do the same thing.
Blessings.

Thanks Amber! How are you doing out there? Have a great day.

[blessedenuf]

Thanks....I tried to make my very first card last night....and I couldn't figure out how to measure the card. I eventually, cut my paper straight down the middle. Then I tried to layer....I went to bed...frustrated....I'll try again tonight.

[stampinem]

I got into the habit of stamping my image, cutting it out. Glueing it to the next layer and cutting it about 1/4 inch.. sometimes less depending on how many layers...

Sometimes I think we think too much about it. You will get the hang of it. It's a great Hobby!

[purpleflowers]

I am lousy at eyeballing things so I generally use punches or nestabilities in graduated size or else I use my perfect layers that SU used to sell. Something similar is available from QVC here.

[SCEmily]

I measure. Normally I cut 1/8" larger, but sometimes I do 1/4".

[onelightningchic]

Originally Posted by blessedenuf

Thanks....I tried to make my very first card last night....and I couldn't figure out how to measure the card. I eventually, cut my paper straight down the middle. Then I tried to layer....I went to bed...frustrated....I'll try again tonight.

A 'standard' card would normally be an 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of cardstock cut in half (makes two 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 sheets) Then scor each in half again (some use a bone folder, I use a popscicle stick) So your folded card will be 4 1/4 X 5 1/2. You can also do 6 x 6 or 3 x 3 etc, but the size I described will fit in a standard invitation envelope. Then begin layering and decorating from there.
Hope that helps take away some of your frustration.

[3boysstampin']

I measure the block my stamp is on (usually) to get the focal point piece. Then I usually have my bottom layer 1/8" larger--just enough to give it a "pop". I use SU! grid paper to stamp on so it's really fast to get the measurements of the block and then the layers. HTH.

[Cathy H]

Wish I had a nickel for every piece of paper I messed up before I figured all of this out. . .

It will come. Don't be too frustrated.

[ilinacrouse]

I usually measure and make the layer bigger or smaller for 1/8 inch.

[lbirus]

Good ole eagle eyes here! Ha!
I lay the image on top and then half the time I just use my fingernail to determine where the cut should be!
Now, if I'm mass producing I do measure, and round up to a 1/4 inch or 1/2 or whatever, just for easy measuring!

[stamphappy1650]

I'm the same as others, 1/8, 1/4 etc. I often just use the space between the ruler on my paper trimmer and the first mark that starts the ruler. Its a little over an 1/8".

A hint is to check to make sure that your ruler is the same measurements as your paper cutter. I kept having problems with measurements and I checked all my rulers against my paper cutters. Two of my rulers were almost and 1/8" difference than my cutter. I threw them away. If you can't replace rulers that are off, then don't use the ruler on the paper cutter and don't use different rulers on a project unless you are sure they are the same.

For me the best rulers are C-Thru or architectural rulers. The Tim Holtz ruler is also good but the lines are pretty thick.

You might also like these template at Evolving Images. I've never used them but they look like they would be easy to use: http://www.evolving-images.com/

[jackbuilt]

I used to work in a frame shop and that measuring system stuck.

If you want 1/8" to show, make your layer 1/4" bigger awa (all the way around). 1/8"x2=1/4".

If you want 1/4" to show, make your layer 1/2" bigger awa. 1/4"x2=1/2" and so on.

I usually do a rough measure of my stamped image so that it rounds up to the next 1/8" or 1/4" or whatever the big mark on my ruler is. I don't mess with 16ths of an inch. Then I eyeball my placement. I also am fairly forgiving - if my placement is off a smidge I figure it gives it the handmade look.

I hope that helps and I hope that makes sense.

Jackbuilt

[peebsmama]

If you are obsessed about perfect layers, like I am, invest in the Perfect Layers tool. It was the best $20 I ever spent. I use it on just about every project I make. No more measuring and no eyeballing. Just perfect everytime.

I use a small quilters rotary cutter and a large self healing mat leftover from my quilting days. Makes it work much better than the craft knife in my opinion.

[ceramics]

I usually start with the smallest piece - that is usually the stamped image on most of my cards. I will stamp the image then I cut that to the size I want. Once that is done I will adhere it to the next layer - Take that to the cutter and usually cut it so it leaves a 1/4" border around it. Sometimes the borders are larger - and do that for each new layer until it is ready for the card. Add my embellishments and I am done!
Hope that makes sense.
Or if I know my image piece is say 2" x 4" then I cut the next piece 2-1/4" x 4-1/4" and adhere the stamped image to that. It depends on what I want it to look like as to what the border is that I leave.

[cindy_canada]

I eyeball whenever I can to avoid measurement headaches (why, oh, why aren't paper cutters in cm? So much easier than 16th of inches...), but I do use measurement for specific elements like a layer on top of the card base.

You will learn the measurement of card bases pretty fast if you use standard size (half a sheet of 8½ x 11 paper). The base layer is almost always the same size, so you'll get the hand of it. As somebody pointed out, most of the time, it's a 1/4 of an inch smaller than the mat underneath.

Don't be afraid to doodle a sketch and write down measurements if it can help you before you cut. (Measure twice, cut once, right?) I do that when I'm stuck with 5/16 of an inch or other lovely measurements like that.

HTH!
Cindy

[PebbleKraft]

Great rule of thumb, here! I like to change the amount showing on each matted piece, too. For example, if my image is 2 x 2, my first matt will be 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 so that a quarter inch shows all around. If I double matt it, I cut my base layer to 3-1/2 x3- 1/2 so that a half inch shows on that layer. It just breaks up the layers a little. Then I mount it all to my half sheet of CS (card stock). Don't forget that you can cut you CS in half the long way or the short way. It gives you 4 different ways to lay your card out, with the opening being either like a book or a tent. Hope that helps. Keep playing . . . you are going to love this hobby (obsession).

Originally Posted by jackbuilt

I used to work in a frame shop and that measuring system stuck.

If you want 1/8" to show, make your layer 1/4" bigger awa (all the way around). 1/8"x2=1/4".

If you want 1/4" to show, make your layer 1/2" bigger awa. 1/4"x2=1/2" and so on.

I usually do a rough measure of my stamped image so that it rounds up to the next 1/8" or 1/4" or whatever the big mark on my ruler is. I don't mess with 16ths of an inch. Then I eyeball my placement. I also am fairly forgiving - if my placement is off a smidge I figure it gives it the handmade look.

I hope that helps and I hope that makes sense.

Jackbuilt

[GardeningCambron]

Originally Posted by onelightningchic

I use the fairly standard method of making each piece 1/4 inch larger or smaller than the piece above or below it. That gives you a nice edge and with several layers almost a windowbox look. Ex. stamped piece is 2x2, then the layer below it would be 2 1/4 x2 1/4 etc. You can adjust to your particular taste. As for circles and scallops, I use my Nestabilities.

What is nestabilities?

[Cicicara]

Nestabilities is a die cut machine. Crafters who have one can make those beautiful scalloped layers in many, many sizes.

For me, eyeballing equals waste, of time, paper, and serenity. I measure carefully.

I use my coluzzle shape cutter for layering circles, ovals, and many other shapes.

Another good source of layout sizes, etc, is the SCS Sketch Challenge, found in the Forum section of SCS. When you print the sketches, they end up being just about the right size to measure for the sizes of the pieces for your card. This has helped me immensely, because the sizes of the pieces on my cards used to always look a little funny.

[stricklandpm]

[quote=peebsmama;11786402]If you are obsessed about perfect layers, like I am, invest in the Perfect Layers tool. It was the best $20 I ever spent. I use it on just about every project I make. No more measuring and no eyeballing. Just perfect everytime. quote]

Me, too! Before that I used a metal edge ruler and but frequently the knife would slip on 3rd or 4th side - wasted a lot of paper. I love the Perfect layers tool!

Another good investment for cutting swaps has been my Dreamkutz. It takes a little figuring, but it is the quickest way to cut volumes of layers. I did a swap with 2 bottom layers, and 3 images with layers. That was 8 pieces per card. I use Red Castle free tag printing program to figure out the most economical layout. Then I cut my cardstock to the outside dimensions, then start cutting. It requires close attention what you are cutting but it sure is fast.

[Stampin Granny]

I've never heard of the Red Castle program that you are talking about. That sounds really great if I understand what it does. Did you say it shows you how to cut most effeciently?

[Phantom]

Most of my cards are the 1/4-page of cardstock size as mentioned ~ cut the cardstock in half at 5-1/2 in. and then score at 4-1/4. Or switch it for the fold on the short side. For me, that's usually where the measuring ends!

I stamp my image and then trim it to the appropriate size for that particular image. Then I lay it on a square corner of the next layer and make a little pencil mark at the width and height for however much larger I want that layer, just eyeballing it, then use the papercutter to trim it... for the next layer, the same thing.

The only time I measure is when I'm mass-producing something. I'll follow the above procedure and then see what size those pieces measure - as near as possible to a whole mark. Then I'll cut however many pieces I need at that size.

I always wondered if most people did it this way.... apparently not LOL!!

[53queenbee]

Phantom I do it your way! I thought I was weird.....but I am not! I guess it come for years of teaching sewing but I hate a ruler anymore.

[jenrn]

I had a customer request instructions on how to do this, so I made up a "Card Layering 101" tutorial. I'll attatch it here. Feel free to share with friends/customers.

HTH!

[franb63]

Originally Posted by Cathy H

Wish I had a nickel for every piece of paper I messed up before I figured all of this out. . .

It will come. Don't be too frustrated.

Heck at this point I would go for a penny!

But yeah I agree with everyone too it will come and layering I just eyeball to my liking.. erm esp my liking as it is my card I'm making * giggles *


The main thing to remember is have fun.. when it becomes a "chore" its time to put the stuff away for a bit.

[tx stamper]

I measure. Can't help it. It's the mechanical engineer in me.
I do either 1/4" overall difference (for 1/8" border) or 1/8" overall difference (for 1/16" border).

[Paula in GA]

Yup, I do it the way Phantom does it. I never measure. It always looks fairly even.

[luvbyloulou]

Subscribing

[Allistamps123]

I'm sooooo glad to know other eyeball the measurements. I have always felt so "unprofessional"...ha! I just figured EVERYONE in the world knew how to mat appropriately but ME! I did save the layering tutorial above.....thanks! It never occured to me to start a thread and ask for advice on it.....thanks, thanks, thanks...my struggles are over.

[stricklandpm]

Here is the Red Castle Tag program that I use to figure out how to get the most out of mypaper:

http://www.red-castle.com/software/rcw/tags/tags.htm

Say I want a 2 1/4 x 4 1/2 first I enter that dimension, then I enter 4 1/2 x 2 1/4 to see which direction produces the most cuts from the 8 1/2 x 11 paper.

If you are a beginner you could print this on the back of your cardstock and then cut on the lines until you get the hang of layering.

[Joan B]

I can cut just fine, it is the actual adhering that I mess up. Plus the "fold" that is scored messes up my calculations.

[Maggiebru]

Originally Posted by blessedenuf

I am very new to card making. When layering, do you measure or eyeball? Does that make any sense? Like when you have a square on top of a square or circle. Are there any techniques or just personal preference?

If I have more than one layer, I have the first or darkest layer 1/8 to 1/16 of an inch bigger and the second layer will than be a 1/4 inch bigger than that. It just seems more pleasing to the eye to have a very narrow boarder for the first one. But than there you go, everyone have their own way.

[scrappymoodnz]

A friend of mine who is a picture framer had a ruler where he stuck a 1/4" wide length of tape along the edge of the underside of the ruler so all he had to do was stick the top image onto the card he wanted then butted the tape up to the edge and cut down the side that was overhanging, perfect 1/4" edge everytime and it was all centered. I had forgotten about this till I read this thread Hope you get what I mean because it was so simple and so easy

[DebKNeer]

I use SU's Perfect Layer tool ... I simply can't 'eyeball' a straight cut. It's truly a sad thing to see. Talk about wasting card stock!

QVC sells a similar tool, and you can often find the SU Perfect Tool system for sale on eBay. I love mine and would be lost ... and nothing would be even ... without it!

[NikiE]

I use the perfect layers tool, too. I bought it from qvc years ago and use it every time I make a card or layout.

[lmcgraw01]

I had no idea people thought about layering that much!

But when I started out making cards, my demonstrator told me to figure on a 75% rate-so figure that at least 25% of your cards will get messed up for some reason, as they are hand made. Anyway, that stuck with me, and even now, years later, I figure if I am doing about 75% I'm doing good. I have to say, most of my mess ups are blurred stamp images, and I find it way easy to fix if I mess up layering, but who am I to judge?
Leah

[debzi333]

Subscribing for some tips! I too have the problem that my rulers do not my match my cutters exactly! Very frustrating!! I tend to cut my central image to whatever looks good - and I generally use centimetres for measurement - my Carl Cutter has them - and it takes me forever to do my measuring! So frustrating! I purchased SU perfect layer system - but I could never figure out how to use it!! And my demo had / has no idea.

Layering! OH!