Super shaped cards tutorial

Shaped cards are seen as something a bit special. They are particularly fun for children and although they might look tricky to make, it’s easy to create a shaped card using a variety of techniques.

The techniques featured here use die-cut shapes and templates to create shaped cards. However, stamped images, découpage and motifs cut from patterned paper can also be used. All these materials can create shaped cards so long as you ensure that the shape you transform the card blank into remains stable and strong. It must open and close easily, stand up without assistance and have enough of the shape covering the card fold for stability. Because of this, it is best to keep the overall shape of the card quite simple.

The best approach to take when making a shaped card is to assemble and adhere the whole image onto the card blank and then cut around it. This way the inside of the card remains flush and in line with the front image; motifs and designs for shaped cards can easily be made using templates and die-cut shapes. The templates I’ve provided here make creating shaped cards easy and fun.

You can make interesting designs by using simple die-cut shapes to build more complex forms. The only dies used to create the die-cut cards here are nesting circles and rectangles. These can be trimmed and overlapped to make a huge variety of shapes. A little imagination goes a long way!

Large dies in your collection can be used for a quick, fuss-free approach to creating a shaped card blank so long as you remember ensure that the blade of the die overhangs the card fold. Simply adhere the same die-cut shape on top to cover the join of the die-cut card blank.

If you want to create a specific shape there are a number of websites containing free downloadable images and clipart to help create your own template. If you’re feeling artistic, why not try creating a template from scratch?

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Several of the cards featured here contain quite intricate shapes; such as the train, rocket and teddy bear. The best method of ensuring that these remain strong and sturdy is to add a background to tricky areas. For example, bushes are added behind parts of the train to cover the areas where the card would not retain its strength. Don’t forget that the back of the card can also be shaped differently to the front image to add to the overall picture that is created. This has been done with the train card, adding dimension to the design.

Adding coloured ink to the edges of all the shapes that make up the motifs, as well as adding white ink highlights, gives the shapes a sense of depth and a more dimensional and realistic feel. It’s simple tips like this that will bring your cards to life.

So, why not have a go? Start small with a simple, straightforward shape. You may well be surprised at what can be achieved!