Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
The size I make most often is 4-1/4x5-1/2" When you use 81/2x11" card stock it makes two cards so I use every bit of the paper this way and it also fits in the most common size of envelope. This is practical because I don't need keep an assortment of envelopes or make my own.
It is fun to vary the size and if you look at the gallery and stamping mags, almost any size goes! I love a 5"square card.
It's funny -- when I was just starting out I made a lot of cards 5 x 6 1/2 inches with the cardstock from Mike's, which is awful now but good for a beginner. I had a hard time seeing what I was doing when I had to work with a smaller base.
now, though, after several years, I'm mostly doing 4 x 5 1/2 inch cards. My work has gotten finer/more intricate and it looks nicer on the smaller cardstock.
However -- I love making square cards and use the larger cardstock for that. And I use the big size for cards for my 2 preschool nieces and other little cousins. And sometimes I trim those big cards the long way and make rectangle cards which are cool too ....
__________________ Now I see the secret of making of the best persons. It is to grow in the open air, and to eat and sleep with the earth. -- Walt Whitman
I do 4.25 x 5.5 most of the time... I guess that is the "default" card size! I also make alot of 5.5 x 5.5 when I want more space to work with. Some other favorites are 6.25 x 4.25 (I'm guessing the size here) or whatever works in the small business envelope.
For note cards I do 4.25x5.5, but for birthday cards, etc. I either do a 5.5 square card or a bigger rectangle card. The 4.25x5.5 seems to small and insubstantial to use for an "occasion." I guess it's because store bought birthday cards, etc. are so large (and the larger they are, the more expensive), so I feel cheap giving a "small" card, even if it is hand crafted. Just my opininion tho ;-)
Some co workers mentioned to me that the standard A2 size, 4.25 x 5.5 seemed "too small" to them. I think it is lovely. Also love the 4.25 square cards.
I really think the size helps achieve an effect. A sympathy card works well in the smaller sizes, but a cheerful get well can be more cheerful in a bigger size. I hope that makes sense!
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I "do" the 4.25 X 5.5. The perfect size for me. ;) I do it for convenience sake. The envelopes I buy the most of are that size and it works well with 8.5 X11 paper. Also, it's the size I first learned to make cards with, so I just stuck with it.
I like to do 5.25 x 5.25, and 4.5 x 6.25 (A7 envelopes or SU Large, now retired) if it is a birthday or special occasion. I usually do 4.25 x 5.5 (A2 size) for Thank You notes or Sympathy cards. Sometimes I even bump up to fit a 5x7 envelope (A9). As you can see, I've purchased several sizes of envelopes to fit most card shapes.
Most of my cards are standard size, but I also love to make 4.25 square cards. A Muse sells the envelopes for that size.
Sadly A Muse doesn't sell the envelopes for that size anymore - they changed them a while ago - the cards are still 4.25" square but the envies are now the regular ones that fit 4.25x5.5 cards (had to do with square envelopes requiring more postage and I *think* (not sure) that the envelopes needed to be bigger to comply with postal regulations? On that tho I might be way off...)
I stick to the standard A2 size (4.25 x 5.5) since it's half a sheet of 8 1/2x 11 CS and that's pretty much all I keep on hand for envelopes anyway. I do really like square cards tho!!!
I also stick to the standard A2 size - 4.25 x 5.5. I get the most out of my money with using the 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock. And the envelopes are easier to find in that size.
__________________ Christine O.
SCS Gallery Moderator My Gallery ~ My Blog
My default is 4.25x5.5 - A2 because I have lots of those envelopes. BUT - for group cards ~ definitely 5.5x8.5 or even 8.5x11, depending on the group size.
I make the standard A2 size. I've made a few of the 6.25 x 3.5 (can get cheap envelopes); they're perfect for enclosing a check - I love them for graduation cards. But I haven't ventured into the square or other sizes.
I really should try the square - yes, they require extra postage but I put extra on anyway for thickness - I refuse to give up my embellishments!
__________________ Kathy Wrose "Fun must be always." - Tomas Hertl, San Jose Sharks "It was fun." - Kirk, Star Trek: Generations
Sadly A Muse doesn't sell the envelopes for that size anymore - they changed them a while ago - the cards are still 4.25" square but the envies are now the regular ones that fit 4.25x5.5 cards (had to do with square envelopes requiring more postage and I *think* (not sure) that the envelopes needed to be bigger to comply with postal regulations? On that tho I might be way off...)
I stick to the standard A2 size (4.25 x 5.5) since it's half a sheet of 8 1/2x 11 CS and that's pretty much all I keep on hand for envelopes anyway. I do really like square cards tho!!!
I temporarily freaked out! :o I just went to the site. They sell the cards in 4.25 and the envelopes in 4.5. I just went and measured my envelopes and they are 4.5.
It seems that all of us have our "standard" size cards we typically go with. But also it's interesting to see most also adjust to fit the purpose of the card.
I make what ever size I want, since I also make the envelope to match, it doesn't matter.
For variety, try making a French Fold Card. Take an 8.5x11 card stock and fold in half then fold in half again. More bulk, but the style is nice and to me, it seems more formal. You don't see the style much anymore though. I guess maybe it's to save trees or be more conserative and get more from the paper??
thanks everyone for you input. I also do the 4.25 x 5.5 normally. I haven't tried a square card yet. And because they are so different, I love making the 6.25 x 3.5.
does size matter?
