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I have a problem when I make cards using special techniques such as tunnel cards or 3D effects -- sometimes they won't close and sometimes I've got so many layers on the front that the back of the card seems flimsy. I worry about it falling over with a clunk if the recipient tries to display it. Any one else have this problem? Any suggestions?
There's a trick I use with simple one fold cards. On the bottom edge of the back page cut a very small diagonal strip going down towards the middle. It should be very thin so you wouldn't notice it to look at. This has the effect of making the card tip back very slightly which counteracts the heaviness of the layers on the front. Maybe something similar could be used for the fancier card designs HTH.
My card fronts are heavier too due to numerous layers . However, I always use Gina K's 120# card stock for my card bases and then lighter weight for the rest of the layers and they are never top heavy.
__________________ "I have not failed . I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" --Thomas A. Edison
One thing I do to reduce the weight of my card and to not waste card is to gut my card layers. Essentially, where you will only see about 1/4" of card below another layer, I cut out the centre of that layer using either nesties or my fiskars trimmer.
Thank you so much for the link. It is a simple idea, but I never would have thought of it. What a great thing to send with fancier cards. Or even not fancy cards, lol. I've been to friends houses and seen one of my cards standing on a table or shelf. This will be icing on the cake to send with the cards!
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
I also like to include stands with my cards. It really makes them stand out and look special. I patterned mine after one of those wooden plate or picture frame stands and used heavy black bristol board. If I am hand delivering the card I will include a plastic one. I bought a bunch at the dollar store. They come in different sizes. If you poke around there are die cutters and other patterns on the internet, some fancy some plain.
One thing that I do, is use black paper (not cardstock) to layer under a piece, for a small black frame, and occasionally just run a color marker around it with a ruler. That takes off an entire layer altogether. and I do put a piece on the back also, like someone else suggested.
__________________ Ginny , A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. -Douglas Pagels
There's a trick I use with simple one fold cards. On the bottom edge of the back page cut a very small diagonal strip going down towards the middle. It should be very thin so you wouldn't notice it to look at. This has the effect of making the card tip back very slightly which counteracts the heaviness of the layers on the front. Maybe something similar could be used for the fancier card designs HTH.
Ruth
Thanks for the idea! Do you cut the strip off the card base? How narrow do you usually start with?
Depending on how big the card is to start with, start with about 1/16" - 1/8". You don't want it to be noticeable. Start cutting at the outside right-hand edge going down towards the fold in the middle. Practice it on a scrap piece of card and you should see what I mean. I don't think it would work if you had a shaped card.
Help for Clunky Cards
