Flash Cards: An Easy Card Making System
Two sheets of cardstock. Eight sets of card layers. Endless possibilities!
What if you could skip all that measuring and cutting every time you sat down to make a handmade card? With my Flash Card system, you can! I'll show you how to turn just two sheets of cardstock into eight sets of perfectly sized layers, ready to grab whenever the card-making mood strikes.
Whether you're brand-new to stamping or you've been creating handmade cards for years, you're going to love having these little time-savers ready and waiting!
What Are Flash Cards? Let Me Show You!
Back in 2012, I came up with a little cardstock cutting system that completely changed the way I made cards. I called it Flash Cards, because that's exactly what it helps you do: create beautiful handmade cards in a flash!
Here's how it works. We take one sheet of colored cardstock and one sheet of neutral cardstock, cut them into eight coordinating pairs, and have our layering pieces ready to go. When it's time to create, just grab a pair, add a card base, and let the stamping begin!
Now, don't let those two little pieces of cardstock fool you. You can stamp on them, emboss them, punch them, die-cut them, and arrange them in all kinds of fun ways. Birthday cards, thank-you cards, Christmas cards, thinking-of-you cards... we've got possibilities galore!
The best part? You don't have to reinvent the wheel every time you make a card. Your cardstock is already cut, your layers are ready, and you can get right to the fun stuff!
Why You'll Love This Easy Card Making Technique
I'm all about making card making simpler, and Flash Cards check every box!
✓ Save time: Cut your cardstock layers ahead of time so they're ready when you are.
✓ Make the most of your cardstock: Get eight coordinating sets of layers from just two sheets.
✓ Waste less paper: Put those hidden cardstock areas to work with punches and dies before assembling your cards.
✓ Create with confidence: No more wondering what size to cut your layering pieces.
✓ Never run out of ideas: One simple cutting method opens the door to so many different handmade card designs!
Here's a little bonus I especially love. When you die-cut a shape from the colored layer before covering it with your neutral layer, nobody will ever know there's a piece missing underneath! You've just stretched your cardstock a little further. Pretty clever, right?
Watch the Flash Card Cardstock Cutting Tutorial
If you're a visual learner, I've got you covered! In this video, I'll walk you through the original Flash Card cutting method and then show you how to make Flash Cards 2.0.
You'll see exactly how to cut your 8½" x 11" cardstock into coordinating layers and get a peek at some of the different handmade cards you can create with them.
Grab your paper trimmer and a couple of sheets of cardstock. Let's get those Flash Cards ready!
Original Flash Cards: Cardstock Cutting Measurements
Let's start with the original Flash Card system! These layers are wonderful for stamping, adding sentiments, using punches, and creating all kinds of quick and easy handmade cards.
For eight sets of Flash Card layers, you'll need:
One 8½" x 11" sheet of colored cardstock
One 8½" x 11" sheet of Basic White or Very Vanilla cardstock
Cut Your Colored Cardstock
Cut your colored cardstock into eight pieces measuring 2¾" x 4¼".
These are your larger background layers.
Cut Your Neutral Cardstock
Cut your Basic White or Very Vanilla cardstock into eight pieces measuring 2½" x 4".
These are your smaller layers that fit right on top of the colored cardstock.
And there you go! Eight coordinating pairs of cardstock layers, ready for some stamping fun. Just add card bases and your favorite supplies when you're ready to create.
Flash Cards 2.0: Same Great Idea, a Whole New Look!
Flash Cards 2.0 is the same easy card making concept, but this time we're cutting the cardstock into longer, narrower pieces.
That simple change gives us a whole new collection of card layouts and design possibilities and yes, we're still getting eight coordinating sets from our two sheets of cardstock!
Flash Cards 2.0 Cutting Measurements
One 8½" x 11" sheet of colored cardstock
One 8½" x 11" sheet of Basic White or Very Vanilla cardstock
Cut Your Colored cardstock:
Cut your colored cardstock into eight pieces measuring 2⅛" x 5½".
Cut Your Neutral Cardstock
Cut your Basic White or Very Vanilla cardstock into eight pieces measuring 2" x 5⅜".
These layers have a narrower border than the original Flash Cards, giving your designs a different look.
Keep Your Flash Card Cutting Measurements Handy!
Nobody wants to stop in the middle of a creative moment to hunt for measurements. That's why I recommend keeping a copy of both Flash Card cutting guides close to your stamping supplies.
You'll have the original Flash Cards and Flash Cards 2.0 measurements ready whenever you need them. Print them, tuck them near your paper trimmer, and you're all set!
Now that you know how to cut your cardstock, let's put those little pieces to work!
Over the years, I've created all kinds of Flash Card tutorials, and I don't plan on running out of ideas anytime soon! You'll discover different layouts, stamping techniques, color combinations, and clever ways to turn the same basic pieces into completely different handmade cards.
Whether you're looking for a quick birthday card, a cheerful thank-you, or a handmade Christmas greeting, there's a Flash Card idea waiting for you.
Ready For Some Flash Card Inspiration?
Now that you know how to cut your cardstock, let’s put those little pieces to work! Over the years, I’ve created all kinds of Flash Card Tutorials, and I don’t plan on running out any time soon!
Make Cards in a Flash, Anytime You Like!
Here's a little tip from me to you: The next time you have a few extra minutes in your craft room, don't worry about making a finished card. Just cut some Flash Card layers!
Pick a few favorite cardstock colors, cut your pieces, and keep them organized with your neutral layers. The next time you need a birthday card, a thank-you card, or a little something to brighten someone's day, you'll already have a head start.
That's what I love about Flash Cards. You can spend less time measuring and more time doing what we all came here to do: make beautiful handmade cards and share a little joy!
So tell me, are you going to start with the original Flash Cards or give Flash Cards 2.0 a try? Either way, I can't wait for you to discover just how much fun two little pieces of cardstock can be!