CuteCardDesigns

What are Blank Cards? What are Card Blanks? Blank cards are, as the name suggests, blank card paper that is folded, or is pre-scored to be folded. They are more commonly known in the carding world as Card Blanks. They come in different shapes, sizes, textured finishes and weights. They are used for making professional-looking greeting cards at home. Usually large packs of card blanks are sold unfolded. They are flat with a score made in the middle for you to fold along the score. Both folded and unfolded packs of card blanks usually come with envelopes in the matching size. What does Paper Weight mean when describing Card Blanks? Paper quality is determined by it’ s weight. Usually, the heavier the paper, the higher the cost. At one end of the scale is photo-copy paper which is normally between 60 and 80gsm. And a professional shop bought card is usually up to or more than 300gsm. For home use a card blank of 120gsm in weight usually represents the best value for your money. ’ s

I have been using my extensive shopping experience to source cheap envelopes for your card blanks..... Usually card blanks come with matching envelopes. But if you have made your own card blanks, or have purchased card blanks without envelopes, then you will need to source envelopes for them. Envelopes in non-standard sizes are difficult and expensive to source. I have found that it can be worthwhile to buy boxed-sets of Christmas cards on sale after Christmas, just for the envelopes. It can be way cheaper than buying the envelopes on their own! I have found this to be a great way to stock up on large and small square envelopes, and long thin envelopes.

I have a simple tip for making your own version of foam pads. Sticky foam pads are fantastic for giving a card that really professional ‘look’. If you have run out of them, or are new to this and don’t have them at hand, then don’t worry. I have a great alternative in the form of ‘Double-sided Sticky Cardboard Squares’. The cardboard provides the depth that foam does, and paper paste is applied to both sides of the cardboard for the stickiness factor! These photos show the process of turning a piece of cardboard into 4 sticky pads. 

I have 3 suggestions for making your own card blanks: 1. Make Cards using Plain Card Paper 2. Double-fold Low Quality Paper 3. Recycle Unused Christmas/Greeting Cards 1. Make Cards using Plain Card Paper. Buy unscored unfolded card paper in A4 size sheets with a weight of between 120 - 150 gsm. These can be found for sale in stationary shops, large supermarkets and in online stores in the Paper or Card Stock section. They usually come in packs of 50 sheets and are available in lots of colours - white sheets are usually cheaper than coloured. If you are confident in folding card you can fold it yourself without scoring it. But the heavier the card, the more necessary it is to score the card - that means, make an indent in the card at the point where it will fold. Scoring sets usually consist of a plastic knife and a sheet with card sizes marked on it, that you place your card. The sheet will indicate, for different card sizes, where the centre of the card is and gives a guide to