Since this my first post on my new site, I thought I’d start with my beginning. When did I start making cards? I started in Second Grade–with my first box of crayons. Each school year I would beg my parents to buy me the largest box of crayons available. Oh how much I enjoyed seeing rows and rows of colorful crayons. I enjoyed using various hues of each color on projects–each shade of yellow, green or blue would delight my little girl’s heart. I learned names like, Indigo Blue, Persimmon, Chartreuse, Evergreen Pine, and other exotic words.
The onset of my handmade card was a Mother’s Day card that I made as a Second Grade art project. The good Ursuline sisters didn’t have Xryon sticker machines, but we made our stickers by fussy-cutting printed pansies. We gently glued them on white paper doilies to create a hear-shaped card. When I saw my cards as an adult I could see that I’m still struggling with the same steps — gluing layers straight. Oh well, I still continue.
This leads me to these points.
- Don’t worry about mistakes. Handmade cards are not meant to be perfect…the small imperfections make a card uniquely yours.
- There are two sides to a sheet of paper. So, if you do make a major mistake, just turn the paper over and start fresh.
- Some individuals have made cardmaking their full-time job. So, naturally, they’re going to have the latest gadgets, supplies, etc. But, we can still learn a new technique from them — just overlook the ads and focus on the “what they did.”
- Full-time cardmakers have incredible craft studios. Don’t let that scare you off. There are many cardmakers who have small spaces and still make lovely cards.
As I explained in my About This Site section, the main purpose of this site is for us to master the basics of cardmaking and learn new techniques. I will share instructional videos and articles. I will try to stay away from videos that are too ad-heavy.
Cardmaking Beginning Video
Are you beginning to make handmade cards? Well, let me share an informative video that’s perfect for cardmaking beginners. The YouTuber is MayMay and her informal way of presenting information explains concepts in an easy-to-understand style. In her 30-minute video, “The Basics of Cardmaking 101”, MayMay teaches us basic concepts like cardstock sizes, how to cut a card base, scoring a card base, and mat sizes.
Do you still have questions? Do you need more information? Let me know what other topics you’re interested in by leaving a comment below.
Featured Image: Joshua Eckstein on Unsplash
