Borders, matting and layers.

The majority of my card bases are half A4 card size, or  just under 4 1/4 by 5 3/4 inches. (10.5cm x 15cm).

One of my first cards

The majority of my square cards are usually 4 1/4 inches square, although occasionally I have done  5 inches square and even more rarely 5 1/2 inches square.

To make my standard card base, I cut an A4 sheet card stock in half, (Generally my white cardstock is Nopa from Officeworks) then I score & fold this in half and away I go.

Simple even sided layers is generally the easiest form of card making once the focal point is designed. It is a great way for beginners to start their card making until they are comfortable and confident to move on. I frequent come back to this even after 20 years of card making especially when making quick and easy cards in bulk.

When it comes to the size of my layers, it becomes less standardized. Frequently I work from the top image down unless it is 3 dimensional, layering as I go depending on my image size and the card design I have in mind. Many times I tend to stick with basic squares or rectangles, unless it is meant to be a specific shape eg one of my nestabilities shape or a trapezoid etc.  I only rely on my guillotine for the accuracy of my 90 degree angles. I really should think to use the many Nestabilities dies and labels I have... Um ... A new resolution??? I will try...It would certainly add more variety to my cards.

I rarely ever measure my borders or rather I tend to think of it as frames as I tend to eyeball it with my guillotine.  If I were to measure it, I suppose the majority would be a narrow 2mm border. If you want to make it quick and simple for simple matting, then you can't go past the Ezy Spacers from (Australia's) Stamp it, which gives you 3 different widths of a clear polymer 'stick or rod' so that you never have to measure again. These are approx 2cm, 1cm & 0.80cm, You can turn these on their sides to double the variety of widths. 

I also like to use my border punches and or my Nestabilities, so these might determine the size of my layers.