Make greeting cards - an easy paper craft to start with
As a beginner with no experience in paper crafting, I personally feel that making greeting cards is easier to start with. You can start making greeting cards with the most basic materials and tools, and easily complete making a few unique greeting cards within a short time. You will gain a sense of accomplishment very soon. :)
Eventually, you will improve your card making skills by incorporating various techniques, tools and non-paper materials. I only started making Christmas greeting cards recently, and I found myself fallen in love with this new found hobby of mine!
Send your greetings with handmade greeting cards
There are so many special days and festival to celebrate in a year - New Year, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, arrival of a new baby, pet's birthdays, etc. Greeting cards are always given out during these special occasions.
Instead of getting pre-made greeting cards from the stores, which is very convenient indeed, why not make your own greeting cards so that the person who receives your card will feel special? It's a way to tell people that your wishes are sincere, and that they have a special place in your heart.
Also, making your own greeting cards is a way to explore and expand your creativity, and showcase your artistic talent. :)
Making greeting cards can be more than just a pastime. If your greeting card designs are unique and everyone who receives your card thinks that you truly have a talent for it, you might even consider turning it into a home-based greeting card business!
Basic materials and tools you need to make greeting cards
- Colored cards - can be later cut and trim into the shapes and sizes you want.
- Colored papers - plain or printed with patterns, smooth or with texture
- Stationeries - ruler, pens and pencils, cutter/blade, glue, cellophane tape, puncher, normal scissors, special scissors that cut paper with an interesting edge (e.g. lacy, wavy), etc. Basically tools that you are able to get from stationery shops.
- Sticky pads (I love this!) - to stick a piece of paper onto another leaving some space between the papers to create a 3D effect.
- Die cut shapes (i.e. pieces of paper already cut into shapes and objects) or stickers.
Non-paper materials to make greeting cards
You probably need to visit your local paper craft stores for your supply of special papers, materials and embellishments. Alternatively, you can buy from online craft stores for more exclusively designed patterned papers or embellishments. Advanced card makers may also get themselves a die-cutting machine to create their own die-cut shapes.
Non-paper materials that can be incorporated into card making:
- Fabrics (e.g. felt)
- Threads, buttons and ribbons
- Stamps and dies
- Sequins
- Beads
- A wide variety of embellishments
- Glitter
- Anything else that you can think of!
How do I start to make one?
The particular issue (October 2008) provided a beautiful set of card making materials to start with. So any beginner with no prior experience, like me, can start making Christmas cards in no time. I think this is the best way to get started, so that you can immediately have the idea what making greeting cards is about.
Check out the Christmas cards I made.
Learn to make greeting cards
Craft magazines - an easy way to learn card making and other paper crafts
More on card making
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