How to Fold Handmade Greeting Cards

Handmade cards are enjoyable to make. They are art pieces that your friends and family appreciate receiving for holidays and birthdays. Cards can be made in layers of artistic techniques. You may rubber stamp, color, distress and add brads or other embellishments on your greeting card. It is important to start with a good foundation to have a nice card. You need to know how to fold handmade greeting cards properly.

Things You'll Need

• Card stock
• Cutting mat
• No-skid ruler
• Paper folder tool, stylus or craft stick

Instructions

1. 

   Place the piece of card stock on your work surface. Line it up with the measurements on the cutting pad. Note the halfway point, which is 5 1/2 inches lengthwise or 4 1/4 inch widthwise on a full piece of stock. Measure and pre-cut the card stock for a smaller card before scoring it with the paper folder.

2. 

   Place a ruler directly across the middle of the card stock. You can also use a clear ruler.

3. 

   Draw the pointed edge of the paper folder tool along the ruler, making an indentation in the card stock. Score once more for a solid impression.

4. 

   Pick up the card stock. Fold it in half lightly along the scored line, being careful to keep your fingers away from the fold line.

5. 

   Press the paper folder tool flat against the fold line and run it along the entire fold. This will give a crisp fold to the card. You are now ready to decorate and complete the card.

6. Repeat the scoring and folding process for a bi-fold or quarter-fold card.

Tips & Warnings

• Score a line twice, fold once for a card with an even, neat appearance. A no-skid ruler has a backing made of cork.

• If you score the card stock without measuring, you can end up with a card that does not fold evenly.