Many times people will tell me that they would do cards or scrapbook if they had either the money or the creativity, or both. And I'm not going to lie; paper crafting can be expensive...but it absolutely doesn't have to be! I'm gonna share my tips and tricks for all you beginners out there who have been wanting to get started
Basic Supplies:
It's easy and a lot cheaper to get started than you may believe. I can give you the secrets and tips I give to all of my students and new crafters. You can be making beautiful handmade cards or scrapbook layouts for under $30! And not just one or two, but several!
Must haves:
1. A 12" paper trimmer.
2. 1 pack of assorted color cardstock (either 12"x 12" or 8 1/2" x 11") Don't waste your money on the expensive brand paper such as Bazzil. While this is a really great product, you are new and you will make mistakes, so do it on the cheaper stuff! :) You can always upgrade later when you are more comfortable with your new found skills!
3. Small scissor for cutting around detail (such as Cutterbee)
4. Good scrapbook runner adhesive (I use Scotch Extra Strong)
5. 1 set of acrylic mount stamps with sentiments (such as 'Happy Birthday'..etc.)1 mount and an ink pad.
6. 1 pad of assorted, printed card stock (such as DCWV) These will have an assortment of paper that matches, helping to eliminate doing that yourself.
It's hard when you're starting out to know what to buy, much less how much. You may decide that this hobby isn't for you, so don't put a bunch of money into it when you start.
This may sound like decent amount of stuff and a pricey total; but have no fear; one word...COUPONS! I tell everyone (especially those that live in my area) that there are at least 3 major craft retailers here. And for the most part, they all have coupons. If not weekly, then fairly close. If this was myself starting out I would buy 1 item at say Hobby Lobby using a coupon, another item at Michael's using another coupon and yet another at Joann's with yet another coupon. There is no shame in saving money. In fact, you would be crazy to spend full price when you can save 40%! In two weeks, you can have all of your must haves at 40% off.
This also leads me into..sales! Many times at these stores there are certain areas and departments on sale that week. Check them all and plan accordingly. You may find an item at one store already 50% off, leaving you to use your precious coupon on another item...saving you EVEN MORE! Have I mentioned that I love a bargain??
And lastly, check the clearance sections! Almost all the craft retailers have them, but don't forget about the big box stores such as Wally World, Meijer's, etc. I have found some great stuff on clearance! Only down side is that clearance items are usually put there because they are discontinuing the product. Soooo...if you like something that is one-time use such as paper, buy what you think you might want or need, because it may be gone forever and ever.
Must haves:
1. A 12" paper trimmer.
2. 1 pack of assorted color cardstock (either 12"x 12" or 8 1/2" x 11") Don't waste your money on the expensive brand paper such as Bazzil. While this is a really great product, you are new and you will make mistakes, so do it on the cheaper stuff! :) You can always upgrade later when you are more comfortable with your new found skills!
3. Small scissor for cutting around detail (such as Cutterbee)
4. Good scrapbook runner adhesive (I use Scotch Extra Strong)
5. 1 set of acrylic mount stamps with sentiments (such as 'Happy Birthday'..etc.)1 mount and an ink pad.
6. 1 pad of assorted, printed card stock (such as DCWV) These will have an assortment of paper that matches, helping to eliminate doing that yourself.
It's hard when you're starting out to know what to buy, much less how much. You may decide that this hobby isn't for you, so don't put a bunch of money into it when you start.
This may sound like decent amount of stuff and a pricey total; but have no fear; one word...COUPONS! I tell everyone (especially those that live in my area) that there are at least 3 major craft retailers here. And for the most part, they all have coupons. If not weekly, then fairly close. If this was myself starting out I would buy 1 item at say Hobby Lobby using a coupon, another item at Michael's using another coupon and yet another at Joann's with yet another coupon. There is no shame in saving money. In fact, you would be crazy to spend full price when you can save 40%! In two weeks, you can have all of your must haves at 40% off.
This also leads me into..sales! Many times at these stores there are certain areas and departments on sale that week. Check them all and plan accordingly. You may find an item at one store already 50% off, leaving you to use your precious coupon on another item...saving you EVEN MORE! Have I mentioned that I love a bargain??
And lastly, check the clearance sections! Almost all the craft retailers have them, but don't forget about the big box stores such as Wally World, Meijer's, etc. I have found some great stuff on clearance! Only down side is that clearance items are usually put there because they are discontinuing the product. Soooo...if you like something that is one-time use such as paper, buy what you think you might want or need, because it may be gone forever and ever.
First Project Idea Starters...
Ok, so now you've shopped smart and saved a ton (go you!) and now it's time to start making something. First, you need inspiration.... (pick one or two from below)
1. Occasion of card/scrapbook layout
2. Color, such as card stock or a really cool printed paper
3. Trying out a new product
4. Pinterest Pin (great source of ideas!)
5. An embellishment (such as a paper or fabric flower you love, button, brad, ribbon, the list seriously goes on and on...)
6. For scrapbookers...a picture
7. A new technique
The easiest place to find inspiration is in a piece of printed scrapbook paper or cardstock. Printed open-stock paper is cheap and a great way to easily add interest without subtracting from your wallet.
1. Occasion of card/scrapbook layout
2. Color, such as card stock or a really cool printed paper
3. Trying out a new product
4. Pinterest Pin (great source of ideas!)
5. An embellishment (such as a paper or fabric flower you love, button, brad, ribbon, the list seriously goes on and on...)
6. For scrapbookers...a picture
7. A new technique
The easiest place to find inspiration is in a piece of printed scrapbook paper or cardstock. Printed open-stock paper is cheap and a great way to easily add interest without subtracting from your wallet.
Inspiration to Design
Now, take those starting items and create something great! It doesn't have to be hard to create something beautiful. Here are some tips for helping you get through your first project:
1. Pick something easy. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Pick a project with a lot of straight lines such as putting a sentiment on a rectangle rather than something that requires a lot of intricate cutting.
2. This may sound silly, but take some time before you start your first project to play with your new tools. Learn how to use your trimmer, adhesive runner, etc. This way, you can focus on the project and not on how to use your tools. Wasting a little paper before can save you a lot later!
3. Don't compare your work to those in magazines, Pinterest, or anything else for that matter! Many of those are designers, professional bloggers, and paid artists. That is their job, so yes, many of them are detailed and WAY over the top. I still struggle with this so don't make my mistake.
4. Don't be afraid to copy something that you've seen while you are learning, just pick something easy. We all copy to an extent, whether it's a technique, a color scheme, or almost anything else. It's how we learn. That being said, if you do copy a work and happen to post it online, please give credit to the original artist.
5. Don't be afraid to find your own style and make other ideas your own. Personally, I am not a girly girl, but my projects are VERY girly. It's my style. I love flowers and lots of bright color. Find what your style is and own it!
6. After you've finished; step back and be proud of what you have created! YOU designed it! YOU made it! Never be anything less than proud of something that you have created. Sign the back of that card and give it away! Or, put that layout in an album to share with friends and family. The feeling you get when people compliment something you've created is it's own high and helps to the boost make more.
1. Pick something easy. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Pick a project with a lot of straight lines such as putting a sentiment on a rectangle rather than something that requires a lot of intricate cutting.
2. This may sound silly, but take some time before you start your first project to play with your new tools. Learn how to use your trimmer, adhesive runner, etc. This way, you can focus on the project and not on how to use your tools. Wasting a little paper before can save you a lot later!
3. Don't compare your work to those in magazines, Pinterest, or anything else for that matter! Many of those are designers, professional bloggers, and paid artists. That is their job, so yes, many of them are detailed and WAY over the top. I still struggle with this so don't make my mistake.
4. Don't be afraid to copy something that you've seen while you are learning, just pick something easy. We all copy to an extent, whether it's a technique, a color scheme, or almost anything else. It's how we learn. That being said, if you do copy a work and happen to post it online, please give credit to the original artist.
5. Don't be afraid to find your own style and make other ideas your own. Personally, I am not a girly girl, but my projects are VERY girly. It's my style. I love flowers and lots of bright color. Find what your style is and own it!
6. After you've finished; step back and be proud of what you have created! YOU designed it! YOU made it! Never be anything less than proud of something that you have created. Sign the back of that card and give it away! Or, put that layout in an album to share with friends and family. The feeling you get when people compliment something you've created is it's own high and helps to the boost make more.
I hope that I've been some help for you beginners. The most important thing is to try. You don't know what you are truly capable of doing unless you try. And, you may surprise yourself and be completely amazing! Until next week, folks...
Craft on!
Craft on!