Making a photo insert card is a project that requires the ability to safely use a craft knife to make straight cuts. With adult assistance, a child can manage the other steps. Any heavy weight craft paper or card stock works for this project . The front cover of the card becomes a picture frame with a reusable cardboard pocket attached to hold a photograph or drawing. These cards can be made in any size, and although it makes the project more difficult, the cards can be cut into any shape to make them extra personal.
Things You'll Need:
- Craft Knife
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Glue
- Stickers, Stencils, Crayons (Optional)
- Cardboard
- Heavy Paper
Making a Photo Insert Card
Decide what size photo will be inserted in the card and measure both the width and length of the picture.
Using a ruler, draw a rectangle on the cardboard that is 1/4 inch shorter in width and 1/4 inch shorter in length than the desired photo.
Fold the construction paper in half to form a card.
Measure the length and width of the closed card. Subtract the length of the cardboard square from the length of the card. Divide this amount in half. This amount is the length-margin. Subtract the width of the cardboard square from the width of the card. Divide this amount in half. This amount is the width-margin.
On the inside front of the card, draw a light line the length-margin distance from the top of the card, and a light line the length-margin distance from the bottom of the card.
On the inside front of the card, draw a light line the width-margin distance from the right side of the card, and a light line the width-margin distance from the left side of the card. The width and length lines form a rectangle in the center of the front cover of the card.
Draw a light line from the top right hand corner of the square to the lower left hand corner, and draw a light line from the upper left hand corner of the square. Using a craft knife, cut an X in the square using these lines as a guide.
Fold the edges toward the inside of the card and glue them down.
Draw a second rectangle on the cardboard that is 1/2 inch longer and 1/2 inch wider than the first one. Cut out this rectangle.
Center the rectangle over the hole cut in the cover of the card. Glue the rectangle to the inside of the cover on the bottom and sides, but leave the top open to form a pocket. Once the glue dries, slide the photo into the pocket. Optional - Decorate the front of the card with stickers, crayons, or stencils.
Tip
The center opening can be any shape, but angular shapes, like squares or triangles let you fold the edges back into the card so they are protected. Circles or heart shapes have to be cut out, so the edges are less protected and more likely to tear or get wrinkled.
You can trim the construction paper so that it is closer to the size of your picture. It works best if the paper is trimmed before making it into a card.
Cards like this can also be used to recycle holiday cards. Just trim the cover picture to the right size, slip it into the pocket, and you have a new card.
A similar technique is used for making stained glass cards.
Warnings:
- Craft knives are very sharp. Children should have adult supervision when using. Craft knives can cut through several layers of paper. To protect your table, place the card on a clean cutting board while cutting.
Writer Bio
Legal - I have 15+ years experience as a trial attorney handling criminal and civil cases. I taught classes at both the Anchorage Police Academy, at the Alaska State Crime Lab, and at Alaska Junior College. Motorcycles - I have a published book for beginning women riders, and own and operate a web forum with over 800 members from 10 countries. I am known in the motorcycling community as a distance rider and mentor for new riders.
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