10 things I wish I knew about cardmaking before I started.
Cardmaking is a delightful and rewarding craft that allows you to create personalised and heartfelt greetings for your loved ones. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, there are valuable insights that can enhance your cardmaking journey. In this blog, I'll share ten things I wish I knew about cardmaking before I started, to help you create beautiful cards with confidence and creativity.
Quality Materials Matter
Investing in high-quality cardstock, patterned papers, adhesives, and embellishments can significantly elevate the look and feel of your handmade cards. Using premium materials not only enhances the final result but also ensures the durability and longevity of your creations.
Experiment with Different Techniques
Cardmaking offers a plethora of techniques to explore and incorporate into your designs. From stamping, embossing, and die-cutting to heat embossing, watercolouring, and paper piecing, there are endless possibilities to add texture and dimension to your cards. Experimenting with different techniques will expand your creative repertoire and add interest to your projects.
Browse techniques here
Sentiments Make a Difference
Choosing the right sentiment for your card can greatly enhance its meaning and impact. Take the time to select heartfelt and appropriate messages or create custom sentiments using stamps or die-cut words. Thoughtful sentiments will make your cards even more special to the recipients.
Invest in a Good Paper Trimmer
A paper trimmer is a cardmaker's best friend. It ensures precise and straight cuts, allowing your cards to have clean edges. Investing in a quality paper trimmer will save you time and frustration, as it becomes an indispensable tool in your cardmaking arsenal.
Shop paper trimmer here
Practice Layering and Dimension
Layering different elements on your cards adds depth and interest to your designs. Experiment with various sizes and shapes of cardstock, patterned paper, and embellishments to create visually appealing layers. Additionally, incorporate foam adhesive or double-sided foam tape to add dimension and make certain elements pop.
Keep a Stash of Basic Supplies
Having a well-stocked stash of basic supplies is essential for cardmaking. Keep a variety of adhesive options (such as tape runners, liquid glue, and foam adhesive), scissors, a bone folder for crisp folds, a ruler, and a variety of card blanks in different sizes and colours. These supplies will always come in handy for your cardmaking endeavors.
Explore Various Stamp Inks
Stamping is a fundamental technique in cardmaking. However, not all stamp inks are created equal. Experiment with different types of ink, such as dye ink, pigment ink, and archival ink, to find the ones that work best for your projects. Each ink type has its own characteristics, such as drying time, colour intensity, and suitability for different surfaces.
Learn more about Ink Pads
Practice Clean and Simple Design
Clean and simple design is a timeless and elegant style that suits a wide range of occasions. Embrace the beauty of simplicity by creating cards with minimal embellishments and clean lines. Mastering clean and simple design will allow your cards to shine and make a strong visual impact.
Join Cardmaking Communities
Connecting with fellow cardmakers is an incredible way to learn, gain inspiration, and share your passion. Joining cardmaking communities, whether online or in-person, opens doors to valuable resources, tutorials, challenges, and feedback. It's an opportunity to grow as a cardmaker and foster meaningful connections with fellow enthusiasts.
Join the HobbyMaker Fans Facebook Group
Cardmaking is a delightful and fulfilling craft that allows you to create heartfelt greetings and bring joy to others. By keeping these ten things in mind, you'll be well-equipped to embark on your cardmaking journey with confidence and creativity. Remember to experiment, learn from others, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating handmade cards that will be cherished by your loved ones.
Happy cardmaking!
