4 Ways to Use the Book Binding Design in Card Making

This week I have a fun book binding card design to share with you. It’s a super simple design which you can use to turn a standard card into a fun fold card! And I have 4 different ways you can use this design in your card making.

Large Book Cover

The cool thing about the book binding design is that it involves the use of a standard card size. A standard card front is 5-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches, when closed, so this is the size we will be using for all 4 of the card ideas I have to share today. The concept for creating all 4 of the cards is the same. The only difference between the first two cards and the last two cards are the size of the cardstock used to create the standard card base.

To create these first two cards, start with a 4-1/4 x 11 inch piece of cardstock. Score the cardstock, on the 11 inch side, at 4-1/4 and 5-1/2 inches. This will create a 1-1/4 inch “book binding” section on the card. Fold the card in half on the 5-1/2 inch mark. Add a bit of glue between the two score lines and adhere to the inside of the card. Once the book binding section is secure, the card front will open at the point of the second score line.

Now that you have created the book binding section, you can go ahead and decorate the card. As shown above, you can decorate the card in landscape or portrait style. The measurements for creating the cards are exactly the same, only the orientation of the card is different. The book cover is 4-1/4 x 4-1/4 inches so you have a much larger area to decorate.

Small Book Cover

The key to creating a different look for the book binding and the book cover depends on the size of the cardstock used to create the card base. There are two ways to cut your cardstock. The first way is to cut it at 4-1/4 x 11 inches as shared above. The second way is to cut it at 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inches which is what was used for these next two cards. The size of the cardstock completely changes the look of the card.

To create the last two cards, start with a 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 inch piece of cardstock. Score the cardstock, on the 8-1/2 inch side, at 3 and 4-1/4 inches. This will still create a 1-1/4 inch “book binding” section on the card. However the book cover will be much smaller measuring 3 x 5-1/2 inches (instead of 4-1/4 x 4-1/4 like the previous cards).

Fold the card in half on the 4-1/4 inch mark. Add a bit of glue between the 3 and 4-1/4 inch score lines and adhere to the inside of the card. Once the book binding section is secure, the card front will open at the point of the second score line. Then simply decorate in landscape and/or portrait style!

Book Binding Tutorial & Supplies

The cards in this video feature products from the Stampin’ Up! Hand-Penned Suite. However, keep in mind you can use these card design with ANY supplies you have on hand. And if you are loving the Hand Penned Suite of products, then check out my latest post featuring some Frame Card Designs.

For a complete list of supplies and all the step by step instructions for creating these cards, feel free to download the printable tutorial. And be sure to watch the video for some tips on how to create the book binding card design. Have a fun and creative day my friends! ~ Lynn