How to make handmade cards - a guide to becoming a card maker

Day Two – How to make a handmade card – Basic card making techniques, equipment and terminology

A Free Step by Step Guide to card making for beginners 

This is a one off unique blog series where you will learn everything you need to know about handmade cards

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Week Two– How to make a handmade card – basic card making techniques, equipment and terminology 

How do I learn card making techniques?

I’ll explain briefly some of the basic card making techniques out there and try not to overload you with too much information:

Basics to Card Making –

We touched on the basics of a card, basic equipment and matting and layering in last week’s Guide. If you missed it I will add in the Youtube link at the end of this blog.

Simple Stamping

Simple stamping is just as it says on the tine…. Grab a stamping block, attach stamp, ink up and stamp onto your card. This is a great technique for quick easy cards. You can also step up your simple stamping by adding layers, colour and embellishments. Visit Week One Guide for a recap. I have included a link to simple stamping to show you how you can progress from New to Casual to Avid type crafting here:

Two-stage & Three-Stage stamping

This is the next level up to simple stamping, and it is relatively easy too. This technique is used for images that have two or three layers (and two or three different stamps to use). Watch my YouTube tutorial below for a full demonstration. One tip though – you start with your lightest colour and work towards the darker one!

Water colouring with Pencils

Water colouring is not one of my own strong points but what you will need to water colour is: water colour card, an aqua marker, water colour paint or pencils and some clean water. Don’t forget some absorbent tissue for drying your brush too.  We stamp an image onto our watercolour card, and colour / blend slightly, before spreading the colour out with your aqua brush, the more water, the lighter the colour becomes and further it spreads.  I suggest you watch the Watercolour Stamping Technique video below from Stampin’ Up!

Basic Water Colouring Supplies:

 

Colouring with Alcohol markers (Stampin’ Blends)

These markers work great on all types of card, especially our Whisper White card stock. I usually stamp my image in black, then start colouring from the outside inwards with the lighter shade, working my way up to the darkest shade. I explain this more in the accompanying video at the end of this blog. I do like to stamp in black as I feel it lets the other colours pop out more.

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Here is a great example of how I use my Blends:

 

Embossing

Dry Embossing – Dry embossing is changing the texture of your cardstock by inserting it into a pattered embossing folder which you would then run through your die cutting machine. These embossed pieces can step up any card design from nice to wow. Embossing folders come in all different designs. I have listed some below as examples.

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Here are some samples:

 

Wet Embossing – Wet embossing is changing from normal ink to special embossing ink, adding embossing powder to your image (quickly before it dries) then heat setting it with a head too. BUT, before you stamp you need to run an anti-static pad, or emboss buddy, over your cardstock. This removes static and can help prevent particles of powder sticking to areas you don’t want it to. (I explain about the heat tool further down the page).

You can combine heat embossing and water colouring – if you emboss an image onto your card THEN colour it, you’ll find that it is a lot easier to keep within the outlines…. Great huh?

You get all different colours of embossing powder, here are some of my favourites below:

 

What card making equipment do I need?

I explain more and show you my own equipment in the video below.

Here are some visual links for you to look at for more information on these hand held tools and other card making equipment:

 

How do I store and package my handmade cards

You can store your cards however you like, what I do is to place my cards in a card sleeve (very cheap to buy in packs of 100) and I keep them together for giving out to friends, for sending happy mail, etc. Sleeves help protect from dust, spills and grubby fingers (I have two boys!).

Stampin’ Up! Also have various storage solutions, not only for your cards, but for your craft supplies. These storage cases for instance, look how I store my DSP etc: 

These storage cases are my best friend at the moment. I use one for tools, adhesives, glue dots & tape, embellishments, velum, retired DSP and my stampin’ write markers

Storage by Stampin’ Up!

These storage by Stampin’ Up! solutions are awesome too, I’m waiting till I redecorate my craft room before I purchase my storage solutions.

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Card Design terminology and more advanced card making

I explain all that we’ve learnt today as well as some information on card making terminology that I have learnt over the last year in my video below (I still have lots to learn).

YouTube Tutorial Week 2 Basic Card Making (2019):

 

Thank you so much for tuning in today, I hope that the information has been helpful. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Next Week…

Next week (week 3) we will look at a step by step guide on how to make your handmade cards look professional.

Previously….

Just in case you missed Week One’s Episode, you’ll find this below for your perusal:

 

Remember if you shop with me in any month you will get a handmade card and a small gift / product share at the end of each month from me – as a thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator.

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Remember to redeem your coupon codes this month (August) xx

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With the new catalogue finally here and LIVE online at my online shop, now is the time to start shopping. Simply click the Shop Now image above to get started (grab a cuppa first you could be while!)  If you prefer, I can send you a copy of the catalogue but it you will need to cover the £3.95 P&P (this will be refunded after you make your first order with me).  Alternatively, click link here 2019-2020_Annual_Catalogue to download a copy to save onto your PC.

Remember if you shop with me in any month you will get a handmade card and a small gift / product share at the end of each month from me – as a thank you for choosing me as your demonstrator.

Use my monthly Hostess Code

Click to view hostess

 

Now remember to use my hostess code which you will find on the right hand side of this page and under my Hostess Code Page – this changes every month so make sure you use the correct one.  When customer orders cumulatively add up to £150 I can claim Stampin’ Rewards for free product to share amongst those who order that month.  If you plan to spend £150 on your own, do not use the code as you will earn your own rewards for free product at time of ordering!  If you are unsure please use my Contact Me page to ask any questions.

Spending £99 or more?

Recruitment Stampin' Up! Become a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

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We have a great joining offer on all year round – sign up today as a demonstrator for £99 and receive £56 of free product! Plus… no P&P costs on your starter kit. Why not join me in this wonderful crafty world that is Stampin’ Up! If I can do it, so can you!  Not to mention the 20% discount for  the first six months minimum. Please refer to my Join my Team page for full details and benefits 

Stampin’ Up! also have BONUS DAYS rewards running at present for anyone wishing to join my team during July and August!  Receive £56 free spend on top of your £99 Starter Kit cost AND also receive £8 towards your next order once joining as a demonstrator!! How FAB!  (Terms and conditions apply).

Stampin’ Up! Offers such as clearance, product medley, freebies and new products

Stampin’Up! offer various promotions and offers throughout the year, and this is to keep things exciting for both you (the customer) and I (the demonstrator).  Click on any image below to view our current promotions individually –

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Magnolia Lane

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If you have any questions please feel free to contact me any time 🙂

Contact Me: Tricia Smith, UK Indepndent Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator based in Scotland, UK (Smithscraftycreations.com)

Telephone:  07864 306373 or Email: smithscraftycreations@gmail.com

Happy Shopping!
Love T x

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