Making Creativity Easy – Greeting Card Cutout Guide

Standard Card Sizes and Measurement Guide – A4 cardstock

One of the hardest techniques for beginner card makers to master is card bases and layers.  So to make it easier I have put together this quick guide – Standard Card Sizes and Measurement Guide. I recommend that you print out this handy guide. For an easy-to-print guide, download here.

It is important to be able to quickly create standard card bases and layers, as you reduce wastage, mistakes and crafting stress.  You also know that your card will fit into a standard C6 envelope.  If you keep to a standard size, you don’t have to think too hard.  There are a number of different versions of ‘standard’ but I use these measurements as I like the proportions they create.  You get two card bases from each A4 sheet of cardstock with a small strip of cardstock left over that I use for stamping a sentiment layer or I use as a decorative contrasting layer.

American cardstock is 8-1/2″ x 11″ (21.6 cm x 27.94 cm),  different to Australian A4 which is 8-1/4″ x 11-5/8″ (21cm x 29.7 cm).

Here is a handy inch to centimetres/centimetre to inches converter. I also have a handy converter in my right sidebar on every webpage page (scroll down to bottom of the sidebar).  I have also included a graphic of a handy ruler with both centimetres and inches (which are hard to find in Australia).

PROS:

• Closer to American standard card bases, making it easier to use measurements from projects designed overseas (especially in the U.S.) – less changes required;
• A small strip of cardstock left over so handy for sentiments and decorative layers; and
• Proportions are better.

CONS:
Some Australian cardmakers use the alternative size listed below.

Alternative size for A4 cardstock bases

• An alternative size for A4 cardstock is 8-1/4″ x 5-3/4″ or 21 cm x 14.85 cm.

PROS: 

• Only cutting once to create two card bases; and
• Entire sheet is used;
• Often used by Australian cardmakers.

CONS:

• Proportions are not as visibly pleasing;
• No strip left over for other purposes.

Layers can be any size

Whilst I have outlined standard layering above, as you gain more confidence you can change up your layers.  Here is another example which is a favourite design of mine.

 

I hope you find this article very useful.

Check out some other featured articles on cardmaking basics:

• Stampin’ Up! adhesives
• Card sketches
• Ten ways to use Stampin’ Up! Stamp Cases for craft storage

Have some questions? Don’t hesitate to contact me.

Happy Crafting