It feels like it has been forever since I've posted anything....Ok, almost a week but it still feels like forever to me. I was working on some cards last night with a new stamp set that I purchased and would like to show you what you can make it less than an hour. The stamp set was purchased for around $6 and with other materials, you are looking at another $2. BUT, these items could have easily made another 3 or 4 cards. Making your own homemade cards doesn't have to be expensive or time consuming. So, here's some tips on what to buy when you are just starting card making:
1. Coupons! All of the major craft stores have them...use them. Many times, if something is not on sale that week, use a coupon to get your higher priced items cheaper. This would be great for getting a 12'' paper trimmer or even a pack of stamps! Make trips to all of the stores if you have to. If you don't want to pay full price for 3 items, then go to 3 different stores to use them coupons. There's more than one way to skin a cat!
2. Buy a pack of card stock in colors that you can use for many different projects. I always recommend a pack of white, tan or black. Almost everything goes with these colors!
3. Buy your inks the same way you would paper. Go for brown or tan. You can get away with using either one in almost any project.
4. Choose a set of stamps that has many different uses to it, such as one that includes different sentiments, like: "Happy Birthday" or "Thank You". These types of stamps will be used a lot on the front of your cards and it's always a good idea to have that one "go to" set.
5. If you're completely new to card making, ask questions. Ask store employees, find a group of crafters, join a classes. (Prepare for shameless plug) Some places even have nights where you can just go to work for an evening. Take advantage of this and pick the brains of the crafters and instructors there. (See!) Everyone has to start somewhere and we have all been there.
6. Buy inexpensive products as you're learning. It's inevitable that it will take a little practice and patience when you're learning. That being said; there will be lots of wasted paper, adhesive and products. So, save a little money and buy the store brand card stock.
7. Clearance aisles! They will be your best friend for creating your new stash. Check them and take time to pick through them, you never know what you can find!
Don't be intimidated my card making, it's easy, fun and doesn't have to cost you a small fortune to create great handmade cards!
Until Sunday...Craft on!
1. Coupons! All of the major craft stores have them...use them. Many times, if something is not on sale that week, use a coupon to get your higher priced items cheaper. This would be great for getting a 12'' paper trimmer or even a pack of stamps! Make trips to all of the stores if you have to. If you don't want to pay full price for 3 items, then go to 3 different stores to use them coupons. There's more than one way to skin a cat!
2. Buy a pack of card stock in colors that you can use for many different projects. I always recommend a pack of white, tan or black. Almost everything goes with these colors!
3. Buy your inks the same way you would paper. Go for brown or tan. You can get away with using either one in almost any project.
4. Choose a set of stamps that has many different uses to it, such as one that includes different sentiments, like: "Happy Birthday" or "Thank You". These types of stamps will be used a lot on the front of your cards and it's always a good idea to have that one "go to" set.
5. If you're completely new to card making, ask questions. Ask store employees, find a group of crafters, join a classes. (Prepare for shameless plug) Some places even have nights where you can just go to work for an evening. Take advantage of this and pick the brains of the crafters and instructors there. (See!) Everyone has to start somewhere and we have all been there.
6. Buy inexpensive products as you're learning. It's inevitable that it will take a little practice and patience when you're learning. That being said; there will be lots of wasted paper, adhesive and products. So, save a little money and buy the store brand card stock.
7. Clearance aisles! They will be your best friend for creating your new stash. Check them and take time to pick through them, you never know what you can find!
Don't be intimidated my card making, it's easy, fun and doesn't have to cost you a small fortune to create great handmade cards!
Until Sunday...Craft on!