Making Quarter-Fold Cards Without Card-Making Software

By Jan K., The Proofer

© Copyright 2008

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With very little practice, you can make quarter-fold cards, such as the one shown here, without needing card-making software!

The trick is to use blank labels...and it is so simple!

Envelopes for Quarter-Fold Cards: How to Fold Them 

Using Word or Word Perfect, you can easily use all different sizes of labels to create cards that use your personal photos, Microsoft clipart, or any other clipart you might have on CDs. This example will highlight how to insert your own photos into the label template in Microsoft Word (shown here as pictures taken at the Central Florida Zoo).

You can also use downloadable clipart that you find on sites like Mom's Break or The Craft Cafe (many of the crafts you'll find in Jan's Reading Room use clipart and other free downloadables available from these two sites).

Quarter-Fold Cards: What They Are and How to Fold Them

You can use plain white computer paper, colored paper, or even card stock (which is a little heavier).  

Just follow these simple steps, using the "screen shots" of an actual computer screen.

Step 2.

• Open a new Word document.
• On the toolbar (at the top, look for the words File, Edit, View, etc., starting at the left), click on Tools.
• Click on Letters and Mailings (or you might see Envelopes and Labels, if you are using an older version of Word).
• Click on Envelopes and Labels (unless you've already clicked on it).

In the pop-up window, click on Options.

This is how you will tell the computer what type of blank label you are going to use.

From the list that appears to the left, scroll down until you find the "Avery Template" number for the labels that you are using.

Almost all packages of labels, even if a brand other than "Avery," will provide the "Avery Template" or "Avery Compatible" number. It is usually a four digit number. Simply look for that number in this list.

Once you have found your number, click on that number. Then click OK.

Now, click on New Document.

Congratulations! You've just learned how to set up a blank template page for the labels you are going to use to make your personalized quarter-fold cards!

The page will be "separated" into as many blocks as there are blank labels on a sheet.

For the example shown here, I've selected Avery Template 8164, for labels that measure 3-1/3" x 4". There are 6 blank labels to a sheet. So, this computer screen shows that same set-up, and there will be 6 blocks, like those you see here.

Now you can insert a photo (that you have uploaded to your computer), or other clipart that you want to use.

Click on Insert, then Picture.

If you are inserting a photo or clipart that you've saved to your computer (or that is on a CD), click on From File.

If you want to use the clipart that comes with the Microsoft Word software, then click on Clipart.

I'm using one of my own photos (taken at the Central Florida Zoo).

After clicking on From File (see Step 6 above), locate your photo (or other clipart on your computer), by finding that folder in the "Look In" box. My picture was in the "My Pictures" folder, so I clicked on My Documents, then My Pictures in the Look In box.

Now, find the picture you want to insert on the label, and click on that picture. Then click on Insert.

Now the picture will be inserted into the blank label (as you can see here to the left).

Move the cursor to the next blank label, and click in the blank box.

Now you can type in the message you want for the inside of the card!

If you need a little help with how to use fonts, colors, and positioning text, then read my helpful (and easy-to-follow) tutorial Working with Word...it's easier than you think!

Now you are ready to make the card!

You'll need your printed labels, a piece of computer paper or card stock (soft green card stock shown here), and either a matching envelope or the free printable blank envelope that you can print, fold, and glue (see below for the instructions and link to the free printable envelope that you can download).

Begin to fold the card.

Fold in half...

...and fold in half again.

Now you have a "quarter-fold card."

Peel off the label that will go on the outside of the card and stick onto the front of the card.

Peel off the label for the inside of the card, and stick onto the card.

You've just made a personalized quarter-fold card!

You don't need to buy envelopes! See belowfor instructions about printing, folding, and gluing an envelope.

You can also use "invitation size" envelopes for your quarter fold cards. These envelopes are available in stores like Office Depot, and measure 4-3/8 x 5-3/4.

Get the folding instructions, and the link for the free printable blank envelope that you can download and print whenever you need an envelope for a quarter-fold card:

Envelopes for Quarter-Fold Cards: How to Fold Them

You can download the free printable envelope at:

• Blank Envelope

Using the free printable envelope, insert the card, and then fold over the flap. Glue closed with a glue stick.

This free printable envelope is suitable for mailing (and has been tested by mailing a sample envelope).

 

This illustrated tutorial or craft may not be used as free content. For free content for your website or in your newsletter go to Jan's Free Content (http://www.jansfreecontent.com).

Jan K., The Proofer owns the copyright on all tutorials and crafts. © Copyright 2005 to present.