Balsa Wood Christmas Cards

Step 2 Draw a Pattern on the Balsa Wood

To start off, we need to fold and cut our cardstock so we know what size card we will have and how much space we have to work with. For the two cards I made, I started off by folding the cardstock in half and cutting into an approximate square.

Now that we have a blank card, we need to create our shapes that will be cut out of the wood.

This could be done by drawing your shapes directly onto the wood, but I find it easier to create traceable patterns first. Using a piece of your cardstock draw out all of the shapes you will want to cut out for your cards. This will help you get your sizes and shapes right. Make sure that all the shapes fit onto the card with at least 1/4 an inch or so around the sides for the border. Don't be too detailed in your pattern or else it will be impossible to cut out later. Once you are happy with your shapes, cut them all out and get ready to trace their outlines onto the 1/8 inch thick balsa.

Keep in mind, when you start to cut the wood, it will be somewhat fragile along the grain and it will be hard to cut straight lines across the grain. Try to make as few straight lines against the grain as possible.

When you are done tracing, use the razor blade to cut out the areas around your pieces so they will be easier to handle.