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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