What I need to start creating my own hand made cards?
So that is a question I get asked a lot! ~ I think it's time to address that very question.
If you have been wondering this very thing, then this post is for you!
Grab a coffee or tea, keep reading and I'll walk you through the basics, and hopefully that will be of some help.
There are a few basic essentials you will need to start handcrafting your own greeting cards, and we will talk about those later in this post, however I think first we need to focus on exactly that ~ the focal point of the card that you intend to create.
Get yourself a scrap of paper, ( I know it sounds like school already and you have to take notes ) and answer a few questions.
1. What type of card do you want to create? Are you creating for a specific season like Christmas or you want to be able to make some all occasion cards such as birthday, sympathy, or just generally friendly note cards.
If you want to create for the Christmas season and be able to hand out or mail beautiful Christmas cards to your friends and family as that season is fast creeping up on us, then we will go in that direction.
So lets say your purpose for creating your cards is for the Christmas season, then you would want to first choose a Christmas Stamp Set to work with.
Here's what to know about choosing a stamp set.
A stamp set is exactly that, a stamp set. It allows you to stamp the images and sentiments ( words ) that you see pictured on the set.
A bundle: A bundle is a great deal and it includes the stamp set along with a coordinating set of die cuts that allow you to be even more creative with your card, however that also means you need to purchase a die cut machine. We have some fabulous options to choose from and I will point you to those below.
Please keep in mind, you do not have to buy die cuts or a die cut machine to create beautiful cards. You might choose to add those later.
There is also a product suite which would include the stamp set, the die cut set and a designer series paper all designed to coordinate with the chosen set. ( again, the suite requires a die cut machine).
Product Suite's ~ these suite's include stamp set, die set, designer series paper as well as some embellishments like ribbon and some bling ( gems ). These suites can be a great alternative to choosing all of the above items.
Die Cutting Machines ~ just so you know
Next you would choose a cardstock to coordinate with the designer series paper in order to make the actual card bases. Our cardstock is just the finest, easy to work with, perfectly durable for your recipients to open your card over and over again! One pack of cardstock is going to give you 40 - 48 card bases if cut correctly, so keep in mind all of your cards will be the same color, unless you choose 2 colors of cardstock. Not a bad idea, this would allow you to make twice as many cards. Is that a bad thing?
Cardstock is $12.25 Canadian per pack
These card stock colors would pair up perfectly!!
Now Choosing an ink color would be a must! I recommend choosing the Black Memento Ink for stamping graphics and a color ink in one our many red or green tones that coordinate with the colors you have chosen. Colors are really going to set your card off, so if possible you may want to choose more than one!
Now you have your paper trimmer, you are going to need to be able to assemble these amazing cards you are going to create. That means you need some adhesive of some type. You can choose good old fashioned multi purpose liquid glue, Stampin' Seal , I use both. Depending on what the card is I choose to use whichever will work best at that particular time. I also use glue dots. They are perfect for attaching small pieces to cards, ribbon, or trims. My most favorite of our adhesives though is definitely dimensionals. They are just that, little spongy pre cut double sided tape pieces that when used on a focal point or on a sentiment give your card some dimension. They are a game changer!
Your last step to choosing your card supplies would be embellisments. This would include ribbons, gems that type of thing, in order to give your card some final bling!!
If you head on over to my "Shop Now" page you can see a whole world of coordinating embellishments, ribbons and bling!
So have a look, see what excites you for your card making desires!
If you have any questions you can comment on this post, send me an email at julie@thepaperartist.ca
You can also contact me if you any questions about joining my creative team.
We have a fabulous deal happening right now ( Nov. 4th-30th ) that can help you get most of that want list from above for just $100 Canadian.
Plus get any future purchases for 20% off!!
Ask me how?
And no, you don't have to sell anything, you don't have anyone bugging you or sending you pushy emails, no sales goals to achieve, just down right savings!
In the next post I will do an overview showing some details and product suggestions if your choice wasn't Christmas cards and you were looking for more of an all occasion start to card making.
Thanks for having a peek! 😏
As always,
The Paper Artist
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