This is another one of those looks complicated to make but is actually very easy card making templates.
I love making these card base templates because there is so much you can do to customize it.
This card base has 2 sheets that you can make using just letter sized paper. I chose to use a combination of patterned and solid piece for the base but a single color also works for a completely different look.
I also made additional panel plates to add on top of the base which I did not do here in this photo but can be done as an additional option for customization.
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Materials for Cascading Card
Cardstock – I use medium weight cardstock with colored cores when possible for most of my cards. I find this type of cardstock cuts the best with the cutting machine. Here are some of my favorite brands:
- Assorted Starter Pack – Basic assorted colors, great starter pack, perfect weight for most papercraft projects
- Cricut Joy Insert Card Packs – You don’t have to use these with the Cricut Joy, they are nice material kids for cardmaking.
- Cardstock Warehouse Brand on Amazon – I love the quality of all the matte-colored cardstock with Cardstock Warehouse. It is my go-to brand for individual matte colors that I might need
- Poptone Assorted Variety Pack – This is the perfect peppy assortment of colors of heavy cardstock. It’s a heavy cardstock assortment with colors I actually use frequently for cardmaking.
- Seasonal Assorted Variety Pack – This is a slight variation on the Poptone assortment and has a quite few neutrals that complement almost any accent color.
- Stardream Metallics Line – For paper crafts, the Stardream line is the go-to for a metallic shimmer finish. It is the perfect sheen to make any project pop. The core is also colored is which hard to find for metallic paper.
Glue – I use a variety of different glues for cardmaking. I typically stick to ones that do not warp the paper.
Cutting Machine – I use a Cricut. Check out my recommendations for Cricut machines and accessories for beginners for more info.
Template – this birthday cake and candles cascading card templates are available in both SVG and printable PDF formats for free in my resource library.
Cascading Card Tutorial
Step 1: Cut out all the pieces using the template
I like to use a light grip blue mat for this design for cutting with the Cricut. It is not so intricate that you need a stickier mat.
Step 2: Fold the base cards
I didn’t include scoring lines with this template because they never align properly and I find them confusing. This design doesn’t actually need it. I just fold each base into thirds.
The center cut slits should be aligned in the middle of the folded base.
Once the fold lines have been established, you can crease the fold further with a scraper or a credit card.
Step 3: Aligned the center slits first
The easiest way to assemble the first base pieces is to align the center slits first.
The piece that has the slit on the bottom half of the paper should go on top.
Step 4: Align the front and back of the card base pieces
Now do the same for the front slits and the back slits.
The finished assembly should look like an accordian.
Step 5: Attach the customization cutouts
There are a number of things you can do to customize this base. I added some candles in the back of this accordion assembly and then a “happy birthday” sentiment in the front.
The sentiment can also go in the base of the card above the base fold.
Cascading Card Template
When learning how to make a cascading card, you should download the cascade card SVG file template for free from my Resource Library. Notably, these 3D card files can fold flat to fit into an envelope. Plus, you can easily customize the templates from the tutorial.
For example, instead of birthday candles, you could add butterflies or leaves to each cardstock accordion section. This makes for a great thank you card. You can also try other fun cascading card ideas such as holiday, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day cards. With each of these, just customize the template with different add-ons, colors, and messages.
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fun card, thanks!
So. I’d love to make this card but I can not for the life of me figure out how to download the template. Want the SVG but I have clicked (and double clicked) on everything that say “template” and get nothing. I have also signed into the library.
Pretty sure it’s operator error. Will you help out this old lady? Please?
Elizabeth
I got it. took forever and I have no idea how but I got it.
Thanks
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth, so sorry for the late reply. (just had 3rd baby so trying to take a few days off). I’m so glad it worked out for you though!
Love the cascading card! I cannot find the download for the template either. Could you please help?
Hi there! All the templates are in my free resource library (see link in menu bar)
Found the template, but like Elizabeth can not figure out how to use it. I am pretty savvy on downloading etc, but I am baffled. Help
Dear Liz,
This is the template for the cricut machine.
For further assistance, please send us an email on info@domesticheights.com with the details/ assistance you would like.
Happy Crafting!
I downloaded (it is an html) How do I use this file?
Hi,
The Template is for the cricut machine.
Please drop us an email at info@domesticheights.com with any questions
Thank you for creating these free patterns. I’m trying to make this one. Why am I being charged $1.99 by Cricut when I try to make it? I’m so confused! Please help!
Hi Terry,
I’m not sure why you are getting charged by Cricut. There is no cost to uploading your own template and making them. If you are still having issues, please send us a screenshot on hello@domesticheights.com.
It says it’s in free library but it’s asking me to sign in and says I have to be a paid member? I can’t just get the template for this card without before a member? It’s not free then cause if have to pay to get it. If there is a way to get this without signing into be a member I’m not seeing it. You really should just put links to the files where you do tutorial this is a confusing experience
Hi Desiree,
Whichever design is mentioned as being available for free, is available in the Free Resources Library. You just need to log in and search for the design.
In case you need assistance with logging into the free resources library or finding any desigm please send an email to info@domesticheights.com and we will help you out.
Not sure how you get free resources, can you help ???
Hi Debbie,
Please send an email to info@domesticheights.com and our elf will help you out.
Hello…working on your cascading card and cannot get the one side without the slits to cut as a solid piece? It wants to cut as individual squares. I have tried attaching each piece, welding, grouping…. it still wants to cut as 6 individual squares. Help!
Hi Virginia,
Please send an email to info@domesticheights.com with screenshots.