Scalloped Edge Monogram Note Cards

So what was in the gift bags that I posted yesterday?

The sets of monogram note cards with scalloped edges that you saw in a sneak peek a few days ago.



These are designed using a card from the New Arrivals cartridge. I tweaked the card into the correct shape for a standard A2 card format and set up two cards to cut together on the mat. Here is a screen shot showing the card that is used



You can try to position an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper in exactly the correct position but I have found that I can't count on my machine to line up precisely and since these cards have a scallop side it is critical to have the edge correct.

Here is how the cut would look on a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 paper (the bright pink) - if the paper placement or the loading of the mat are a tiny bit off the card will not cut correctly.



I find it easier to use a piece of paper that is 9 x 12 or larger (as a Creative Memories consultant I have a supply of the older 10 x 12 photo mounting paper on hand and it works perfectly for these cards). Below you can see the positioning of the card on this larger piece of paper (the bright green) which allows a comfortable "margin of error" around the card shape.



Make sure you place the paper correctly on the mat - on the edge away from the green triangle (on the side that enters the machine last). After cutting the design and removing the paper from the mat, I used my straight trimmer to make the cut into two cards exactly in the dip of the scallops at the center. I do this because I have found that sometimes if the machine cuts the same line twice (as it would if the two cards were not welded together) the line may be slightly off or a bit ragged from the blade lifting the paper so I prefer to make a quick cut on the trimmer where I have better control.



I used the Storybook font for the initials - I like the elegant look - but you can use whatever font you would like. Just delete the letter in the file and replace it with the letter you need.

The letter will cut completely through the card - if it is a letter like "B" or "D" with a center be sure that you keep track of the inner bit so you can place it on the liner to form the letter shape for the finished card.

Each card should be scored at 3 3/4 inches from the straight side and then folded with the scallops exposed (keeping the top and bottom edges even).

To line the card so the letter will show in contrast and the writing inside will be hidden, you need to cut a sheet of good quality writing paper to 5 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches and then fold this in half. The exposed edge of scallops means that the lining is a bit narrower so as not to show when the card is folded.

Some letters like "N" have delicate bits that need some extra adhesive to be sure that they will stay neatly stuck down on the liner. I dot the areas with my Creative Memories Precision Point adhesive



and then wait until it dries to clear (this insures that there will be no "oozing" around the edges and the delicate bits will be well stuck down).



Apply adhesive on the inside of the card front



Position the folded liner on the scalloped side (back) of the card, centered and flush to the center fold



Fold the card front down on the liner



and smooth to secure the liner to the card.



I hate to waste anything, so I saved the 5 1/2 x 1 1/4 pieces that were trimmed from the liner and will use these for other cards - here are a few that I have punched with my new Martha Stewart Valentine lace edge border punch.



For the letters with center cut outs you can use the letter as a template for placing the cutout to make the full letter shape.



place some adhesive on the cut out bit



settle the cut out into the letter shape and remove the full letter.



Alternatively, you could adhere one of the contrasting letter cuts



or even mix and match, adding in the center pieces as well.



I used some of the letter cut outs to personalize the note card folder boxes - on the outside



and inside...



Here are the four finished sets that were in the gift bags.



As always there are many possible variations you can make with this file - I'd love to see the cards you make!

Scalloped Edge Monogram Notecard