Top Tips for Card Making

Card making is a great hobby and for many people it is a good source of income, but what do you need to think about when getting started?

Blank Cards - You can always fold your own card but care mast be taken to score and fold your card accurately and envelopes can often be an issue so buying blank cards can often be the solution. Textured cards often feel and look more professional but smooth cards allow for embossing.

Designing your card - This is the fun bit, but always bear in mind that too much can look over the top, so less is best. Choose colours that complement each other and avoid too many colours. Ensure objects are placed centrally and evenly spaced if dealing with square shapes and ensure embellishments are central on any layering. For added effect use sticky fixers to create depth and a 3d effect on your card. Avoid bulky embellishments that may be squashed in the envelope. If you would like people to know about you, include your details on the back of your card, remember lots people will see the card out of the packet only 1 person sees it in the packet.

Card Inserts - These add the professional finish to your card. These can be printed on the computer or for those lucky enough to be gifted with wonderful hand writing can be hand written. By using decorative scissors you can add a lovely finish to your insert. When fixing these into the card you can either use a small glue stick and run it down the very edge of the insert or cut a thin strip of double sided tape. I prefer to attach the insert to the inside of the front of the card so it opens with the card but others prefer to attached to the back, this is your choice there is no right or wrong. Always ensure your insert is straight and well secured. Elastic cord can be tied around the stem of the card for an extra special look.

Envelopes - There are different envelopes but the triangular flaps look better for hand crafted cards. For the extra special touch why not use a stencil and emboss a simple design on the flap.

Presenting your cards for sale - If you are planning to sell your cards always present them in the Cello Crystal bags for the professional finish. Seal these bags with a simple sticker with your details and the details of any verse inside.

Developing a portfolio - If you wish to make cards for income ensure you have a range of designs avoid following only 1 theme as this theme will not be everyone's cup of tea. Save a copy or picture of every card you make as a record and reference for future projects.

Be prepared - Always be thinking ahead, make Christmas cards in September and Easter cards in January etc. But remember over half the cards we buy are Birthday Cards, with Anniversary, Get Well, Friendship and sympathy cards only having a small portion of the market. Also consider which events people are most likely to treasure cards, i.e. The birth of a baby or a Wedding are both events where people treasure all their cards and is an excellent occasion for that extra special card.

Enjoy - When making cards becomes a chore the quality of your cards will decline. Handcrafted cards are a work of love.


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