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I'm playing around with a few ideas at the moment and am experimenting with gimmicked cards, particularly shortened cards. My problem is - trying to cut a number of cards to exactly the same length and with a modelling knife, this isn't as easy as it would first appear.

What I'd like to know is whether there is some sort of cutting template that pro's use for ensuring that cuts to cards are exactly the same or is it a matter of trial and error?

I don't know if there is anything similar for shortening the entire length of a card but you can get a corner rounder at Cards4magic.co.uk http://www.cards4magic.co.uk/acatalog/Hole_Punches.html

I hope that helps.

All the best,


Will

Be aware that these corner rounders aren't the same shape of curve as playing cards.

(They're also twice the price you'd pay in a craft shop. Or try ebay.)


However they are good if you want to try a short corner rather than a short card.

Best way I found to shorten a packet of cards all the same is to clamp them or hold them in bulldog clips and use fine wet & dry paper to sand them down. The corners can be rounded off and, assuming you only need to take a small part of the card off, nobody will spot what you've done. Cheap & easy - just like me!

What about ensuring that the straight edges are exactly the same length?

The best way I have found to shorten cards is to pay a visit to Office World and pic up the smallest card trimmer they sell it costs about £15.

Its a metal plate with a sharp trimming wheel, you can adjust the amount you wish to trim off by using the provided guide.

So now you can trim as many cards as you like and all will be exactly the same length.

Paul

That's great Paul and it sound as if it's just what I'm after. I'll give them a visit in the next day or two and let you know how I get on.

Thanks again

What about ensuring that the straight edges are exactly the same length?

Not guaranteed but I usually check by eye and make sure the white borders look right. Trimmers can also be a wee bit off so you might need to experiement to see how accurate your trimmer actually is - mine at work needs a bit of tweaking in this respect by holding the cards slightly off square - but it's not a difficult process and they leave a very neat edge.

Any place that prints business cards, flayers, etc in bulk can cut these for you.

Screen printing places as well usually have the equipment.

Basically it's a large cutter that clamps the stock down and slices it flawlessly.

Go to the place where you get your business cards done, they should do it for you...I know mine has done it for me in the past. Make sure you take a few decks in case they mess one or two up.

Aside from doing them one at a time, this is your best option.