Card making – How to get started!

There are two easy ways to begin card making:

  1. Kits Collection

The easiest is to buy an all inclusive card kit. As it says in its name, everything you need to make the cards in the kit is included. The only exception is if there is some thread or ribbon in your kit, you will need a pair of sharp scissors. If you don’t already have a pair at home, I can recommend our Paper Snips (103579 – $17.00), they are excellent.

Each kit includes instructions, card bases, envelopes, cut out pieces, adhesive and embellishments. Read the description carefully as not all kits just make cards. Some kits don’t require you to do any stamping and some kits will and include a stamp set and ink spot. If you have not stamped before read my page Tips for Perfect Stamping.

It is suggested that you lay all your pieces out and work through all cards, a step at a time. However, if you want to you can change things around and make your own designs. I like to do a combination of both, make some as per the instructions and challenge myself to change some.

Kit collections are quite generous with extra pieces you can use on other cards once you have finished the kit. You will also have a new stamp set and ink spot to add to your crafting stash and use again and again in your card making.

New kits are continually being added to the Kits Collection, so keep coming back to check out what might have been added.

Click here to go to the Kits Collection page on my online store to see all the kits currently available and see their details. You can continue on to ordering one, two or more kits if you want to!

2. Buy some basic supplies

You don’t need to start with everything, but with a few key products you can start your card making hobby. When you look at the product catalogues it can be a bit overwhelming to know what you need to get started as there are so many fabulous product you can use.

Here are my suggestions for an easy start to card making:

  • A pack of Basic White Note Cards and Envelopes (159232 – $12.25)
  • Memento Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (132708 – $10.00)
  • Clear Block D (118485 – $14.00) – this won’t fit all stamps but it is a good general size to start with
  • A Stamp Set that you love – choose one with images and sentiments to start with

With these four supplies you can make 20 black and white cards. Stamping images on the card front and then adding a sentiment to go with it. If you have not stamped before read my page Tips for Perfect Stamping. If you want to add colour, buy a couple of ink pads with colours that will match your images. If you have bought a stamp set with outlined images, you can colour them in with pencils.

Once you get comfortable using these product or bored (a sign that you are ready to do more) you can step up your card making adding more interest to your designs. Continue reading my other resource pages for tips and ideas for stepping up your card making, card design, and my 10 favourite tools. These will all assist to develop your card making expertise.

I hope you will have a go at card making, it is a wonderfully creative hobby, which you can grow as you learn more. I have few final thoughts for you:

  1. It is only ink and paper, you can throw it away or recycle it, and start again!
  2. It does not have to be perfect, just hand made.
  3. Send your cards out to brighten someone’s day with your creation and heartfelt message.

Okay, let’s get started!