Newbie Cardmaker needs advise

[Sonshine]

:confused:Hi all you wonderful, talented cardmakers. I REALLY want to do some cards. Mainly because I would love to be able to contribute to the ministry our church has, by sending out handmade cards for people's birthday's anniversary's, etc. I know it meant the world to me to get one in the mail that was handmade. It becomes so personal then.

Here's my deal though, and this is where I really could use your help. Anyone that has seen my scrapbook pages know that I love to use CHUNKY ribbons, CHUNKY brads, CHUNKY charms. But I know this is not going to fly in a regular envelope.

I have and have always had a hard time with the kiss principal - "keep it simple, stupid" and even though I have done a few cards, I REALLY need some advise from you experts here on how to embellish, without adding all that bulk.

Thanks for sharing
SuAnne

[Heather]

I love the look the HOTP printed papers that look like ribbons, brads, eyelets, etc. I was watching one of the older webisodes recently, and they mentioned that the 8 x 8 paper packs are printed proportionately smaller to go with the smaller size papers, and that they would be excellent for cards also, becase of that. Maybe this would help you? You would get the look of the lumpy embellies without the bulk.

[fabyon]

:confused:Hi all you wonderful, talented cardmakers. I REALLY want to do some cards. Mainly because I would love to be able to contribute to the ministry our church has, by sending out handmade cards for people's birthday's anniversary's, etc. I know it meant the world to me to get one in the mail that was handmade. It becomes so personal then.

Here's my deal though, and this is where I really could use your help. Anyone that has seen my scrapbook pages know that I love to use CHUNKY ribbons, CHUNKY brads, CHUNKY charms. But I know this is not going to fly in a regular envelope.

I have and have always had a hard time with the kiss principal - "keep it simple, stupid" and even though I have done a few cards, I REALLY need some advise from you experts here on how to embellish, without adding all that bulk.

Thanks for sharing
SuAnne

SuAnne, in a simple sentence: don't worry ! LOL

Just carry on using what you like using making your cards and instead of putting them in an envelope, just get the Top Score (http://www.paperwishes.com/products/4001302) and create small boxes that will fit your card and are deep enough to accomodate your embellishments and all the chunkiness you can muster.

No need to change your style and why should you ? Just enjoy and share you creations when you can. :)

[Melanie]

SuAnne, I am the opposite of your style: I am a simple scrapper but I can put "everything but the kitchen sink" on a card. If a card is too lumpy to mail in a regular envelope safely, try a padded envelope, which is what I've done. You could also try the box as Fabyon suggests.

Like Heather said, the HOTP 8"x8" books are sized great for cards too. They have pages of coordinating paper embellishments and some look they like are lumpy brads, eyelets, turn mounts, ribbon, etc. but they are printed flat on the paper and thus are not lumpy at all. Our other sister loves the look of this faux ribbon!

Hope this helps! :)

[Sonshine]

Wow - you all are fantastic. What great ideas. I have honestly NEVER tried any of the cardmakers packs. Is this what you mean by the 8x8 paper pads? Or are the cardmakers pads different? Now I really want some of those BAD. But at the same time - since I could send these in bigger box-like envelopes, I think I'll do what Fabyon suggested too for my really close friends and fam - and just do them in my big chunky let-it-all-hang out style.

One more question though - these 8x8 papers, do you use a foundation card, like the blank white or off-white and then adhere these specialty papers onto them? And what about envelopes? Do you get the packs of blank cards that come with envelopes, or does anyone make their own? And if so - can you recommend a template? Or do I even need one?

Gee- I think that was WAY more than one more question. I've totally got the bug now to make cards after seeing all of the beautiful ones y'all have posted. I've been wanting to do cards for quite a while - but just didn't know where to begin, really. I've made just kind of lame little thank you cards to give to clients, but like I said, I want to make some as a ministry for church. It sure has meant a lot to me.

Thanks one, and all. I'M going shopping in the PW catalog :D

[podmom]

Wow - you all are fantastic. What great ideas. I have honestly NEVER tried any of the cardmakers packs. Is this what you mean by the 8x8 paper pads? Or are the cardmakers pads different? Now I really want some of those BAD. But at the same time - since I could send these in bigger box-like envelopes, I think I'll do what Fabyon suggested too for my really close friends and fam - and just do them in my big chunky let-it-all-hang out style.

One more question though - these 8x8 papers, do you use a foundation card, like the blank white or off-white and then adhere these specialty papers onto them? And what about envelopes? Do you get the packs of blank cards that come with envelopes, or does anyone make their own? And if so - can you recommend a template? Or do I even need one?

Gee- I think that was WAY more than one more question. I've totally got the bug now to make cards after seeing all of the beautiful ones y'all have posted. I've been wanting to do cards for quite a while - but just didn't know where to begin, really. I've made just kind of lame little thank you cards to give to clients, but like I said, I want to make some as a ministry for church. It sure has meant a lot to me.

Thanks one, and all. I'M going shopping in the PW catalog :D
I make my own envelopes of all sizes by taking apart one that I want and creating a template using clear acetate report covers. I put the envelope under the acetate, adhere it with double-sided removable tape,trace with a Sharpie, then cut out. I have a ton of templates I have made this way. For larger envelopes I use tag board or cardboard and trace the adhered pattern envelope. Then use paper, wrapping paper, calendar pages, newspaper, comics, old maps, whatever floats your boat to make a creation to mail your creation!

[Melanie]

The Cardmaker's paper packs are different. What Heather and I are talking about the HOTP packs of paper for making 8"x8" albums. These 8x8 packs come in a variety of scrapbook themes: birthday, baby, vintage, school, heritage, kids, wedding/romance, Christmas, retro, vacation, 4 seasons, friendship, and so on. These 8x8 packs have the paper embellishments that look lumpy but are printed flat on the paper, such as the faux ribbon. Although made for smaller scrapbooks, they are sized just right for cards too. You may not see these 8x8 packs in the PW catalog, so search for them at the website; they are there.

The Cardmaker's paper packs are 7.5"x9". They are themed according to color: citrus, jewel, icy rainbow, classic, earth's palette, pretty, and Christmas. There are also thicker packs (more sheets of paper) of Cardmaker's: Ultimate, Ultimate Floral, and Ultimate Christmas. These Cardmaker's Ultimate paper packs also seem to have some of the paper embellishments that look lumpy but are printed flat. Again, if you can't find all that I've mentioned in the catalog, search for them at the web site.

When I make a card, I use a blank (usually white) card as a foundation. The papers are not heavy enough without the foundation card. I buy them pre-made by the pack, which includes the envelopes. You could also make your own. PW does carry the 2 Envelopes template, which will make a standard size (7.25"x5.25") envelope.

You may want to check out the HOTP Cardmaker's Idea Book (#2333) for additional cardmaking help and ideas. However, some products shown in the book are no longer available. :(

Have fun with your shopping and cardmaking! :D

[Irishlady]

Hi, don't know if this will help or not but the Crafter's Companion envelope maker also can be used to make what's called an envel-box. Its for cards that have bulky embellishments. That way you can make the envelope to match the card. Any thing from Paper Wishes is fantastic. Love gettting their packs for making cards. The only problem is that I find papers that are so pretty in the packs that I don't want to use them. Good luck with your cards. I know you'll make lovely one and have a ball making them.:)

[kasiahbug]

Ya, what they all said.
I have been slowly getting more and more on my cards and they NEVER only take just one stamp:) I do make my own envelopes (with enveloper, you can get at paperwishes.) and I used to use premade white cards and put paper on top (which you can also get at PW). We have recently moved and my stock is still in storage somewhere so I have had to make every card with cardstock that I have. If you can afford to get the cards, I would go that way. Also like someone mentioned, the card packs here are wonderful and you don't have to use everything in them. For example, when they have a piece in there that looks like ribbon, I may find the perfect real ribbon to use so I can add more of it somewhere else.

[kkraftyiam]

Howdy -- I love making cards too, and fam and friends LOVE them and much as I love making them. I use bubble envelopes or pad them myself (I collect bubble wrap) or I cut chipboard to protect my creations (collect those too). I've recently been making my own envelopes too. Take apart one of each size of envelope that you already have and use them as templates. I get a thrill out of coming up with alternate solutions for making envelopes or getting that special look. My rule of thumb is if the embellishments are heavy, use heavier cardstock (can layer for thickness too), otherwise you can use the 12x12 or 8x8 by itself. That's the beauty of cardmaking - you can do anything you'd like...there are no rules. Craft on!

[Sonshine]

Oh boy oh boy - I can hardly wait to get started. I went and checked out everything everyone mentioned, and I've decided to start with the Cardmaker's ultimate creative set (BP759127) Holy Hannah - I can't believe what all is in that set. I can see I'm going to have to create a new storage system just for card stuff. I DO want to get that Enveloper though, but until I make some more Cash for my Stash, it'll have to wait for now. I'm SO excited over this. This is how I felt when I first decided to scrapbook. You all have helped SO much. Thank you for taking time from your busy days to help me along. But don't go away - I'm sure I'll need some help somewhere along the line :D I absolutely LOVE PW!!!

[Melanie]

Sonshine, I hope you'll enjoy the Cardmaker's Ultimate set! It has citrus, retro and pastel colors, so there is a variety. When I first started making cards a few years back, I started with this set although I was collecting other HOTP papers for cardmaking. I think it's such a great deal for your dollar that I recently bought another one! :D

[Sonshine]

:eek: My Ultimate Cardmakers Creative Set is on the way. Wahoo - I can hardly wait. Now this is where the ** WARNING COMES IN**

I got done with my work early - had a little time to spare - decided I would look inside that gorgeous purple and teal striped LARGE box way at the bottom of half the stuff I own. It had been 2 years since I last looked in that box. OHMIGOSH - Was I surprised when I opened it. It is a kit I had ordered 3 years ago from QVC, and inside is a 12x12 album, all the paper to complete it, dozens and dozens of pre-cut card paper, folded cardstock, envelopes, a box FULL of brads, bling, ribbon, tiny foam squares, another stack of chipboard embellishments, alphabets, rub-ons, you name it - it's in the box.

So...when's the last time YOU went through YOUR stash????? :eek:

[kasiahbug]

Dang- wish I could find a stash like that. My stuff is put away right when I get it, there is no way for me to ever have a find like that. Maybe I can start putting boxes in the garage for a while or something:D Lucky you!

[curriekidsmom]

:eek: My Ultimate Cardmakers Creative Set is on the way. Wahoo - I can hardly wait. Now this is where the ** WARNING COMES IN**

I got done with my work early - had a little time to spare - decided I would look inside that gorgeous purple and teal striped LARGE box way at the bottom of half the stuff I own. It had been 2 years since I last looked in that box. OHMIGOSH - Was I surprised when I opened it. It is a kit I had ordered 3 years ago from QVC, and inside is a 12x12 album, all the paper to complete it, dozens and dozens of pre-cut card paper, folded cardstock, envelopes, a box FULL of brads, bling, ribbon, tiny foam squares, another stack of chipboard embellishments, alphabets, rub-ons, you name it - it's in the box.

So...when's the last time YOU went through YOUR stash????? :eek:

lol -- that sounds like something I'd do. Maybe I should go dig in my closet!!;)

[craftynana]

I have just finished sorting out my craft room, I have been through all my boxes and now know what I have lol. Trish :)

[Sonshine]

Now my closet - yeah - that's another "store house" waiting to be discovered. Maybe that's why my DH keeps telling me I don't need anymore paper - maybe he's discovered something I forgot about!!! =D

[lillian]

I don't do much "chunky", but do love to layer different papers on one card, ripping and distress inking and then adding faux eyelets, paper "ribbons" and layered paper flowers, etc. (using nestability stacking shapes). I've learned the hard that that once you find a design you really like ... make SEVERAL. You already have all the supplies out to make that card, so why not have some made ahead. I find a generic design that will fit any occasion and then add the sentiments as I need to. Hope this helps and ENJOY your card making passion!!

[cardz for u]

Great tip, Lillian. I do that too. I cut out all my card pieces and embellishments and put each card together like an assembly line. I store them all in plastic boxes to keep them clean. Then I'm ready with a card when I need one. :p
cardz for u (Mary)

[fabyon]

Oh boy oh boy - I can hardly wait to get started. I went and checked out everything everyone mentioned, and I've decided to start with the Cardmaker's ultimate creative set (BP759127) Holy Hannah - I can't believe what all is in that set. I can see I'm going to have to create a new storage system just for card stuff. I DO want to get that Enveloper though, but until I make some more Cash for my Stash, it'll have to wait for now. I'm SO excited over this. This is how I felt when I first decided to scrapbook. You all have helped SO much. Thank you for taking time from your busy days to help me along. But don't go away - I'm sure I'll need some help somewhere along the line :D I absolutely LOVE PW!!!

Ohhhh I love that set, I have three of those ! :eek: Amazing selection of papers ....You're going to have so much fun with it !

[Sonshine]

That's a real good idea, Lillian, to make several when I come up with a design I like. I'll even do that in scrapbooking sometimes - change the colors, reposition the LO, and you would never know it was from the same basic design. I too enjoy layerying papers, distressing and inking. Anyone that knows me, knows I'd be lost without an ink pad =D

[fabyon]

That's a real good idea, Lillian, to make several when I come up with a design I like. I'll even do that in scrapbooking sometimes - change the colors, reposition the LO, and you would never know it was from the same basic design. I too enjoy layerying papers, distressing and inking. Anyone that knows me, knows I'd be lost without an ink pad =D

Another good tip is to use sketches (sorry if it has been mentioned before).

http://www.pagemaps.com/ They create sketches for LO but also for cards. I like sketches/maps as it's one less thing to worry about and you can still make it your own...

[Sonshine]

Oh yeah - I've been signed up with Pagemaps for a LONG time now. Their tag maps are super cute, too. They have archives too that you can download if any of you have not been there before. I print them all out, save them back-to-back in page protectors in a very large looseleaf notebook. I love the newer ones especially because NOW they actually give cut dimensions. Thanks for reminding of that, Fabyon.

[kasiahbug]

Oh yes Fabyon--- I forgot about them...
Oh and I did make a Christmas Card-- I just have to take a pic and put a post up for ya:D

[SandersNan]

Another inexpensive way to go, and what I use a lot is making my base card from card stock I get at Walmart or Staples or any business-supply store. You can get a ream for very little. Then I cover the base with other papers. I also use other cardstock for some of my cards, but the majority I use the regular cardstock. You can also buy envelopes in different sizes if you don't want to make them. One of my favorite places is Clearbags.com - they have some envelopes in beautiful colors and most of them are between $5 and $7 for 50. I bought red envelopes last year for my Christmas cards and addressed them in white ink!

[Sandra]

Hi Suanne,I put a lot of work into my card making so I do cheat and buy blank cards with matching envelopes.They are not very expensive and it saves me a lot of time.

As for the cardstock...I purchased the value pack of paper from Paper Wishes.It is less expensive than buying them in single books.You get 7 books with 24 sheets in an array of colors.The paper has one color on one side and another on the other side of some of them.To me this is the best deal on cardstock.I hope this info helps. :)






Wow - you all are fantastic. What great ideas. I have honestly NEVER tried any of the cardmakers packs. Is this what you mean by the 8x8 paper pads? Or are the cardmakers pads different? Now I really want some of those BAD. But at the same time - since I could send these in bigger box-like envelopes, I think I'll do what Fabyon suggested too for my really close friends and fam - and just do them in my big chunky let-it-all-hang out style.

One more question though - these 8x8 papers, do you use a foundation card, like the blank white or off-white and then adhere these specialty papers onto them? And what about envelopes? Do you get the packs of blank cards that come with envelopes, or does anyone make their own? And if so - can you recommend a template? Or do I even need one?

Gee- I think that was WAY more than one more question. I've totally got the bug now to make cards after seeing all of the beautiful ones y'all have posted. I've been wanting to do cards for quite a while - but just didn't know where to begin, really. I've made just kind of lame little thank you cards to give to clients, but like I said, I want to make some as a ministry for church. It sure has meant a lot to me.

Thanks one, and all. I'M going shopping in the PW catalog :D

[Melissa]

Pardon my shameless plug, here, but the new Color Core cardstock we have, on the inside back cover of our newest catalog, is the cat's meow! Believe me, I am not an excitable person, nor am I as "in" to my crafting as most folks on this message board, but that cardstock is the neatest thing I've seen in a while! If you crinkle mightily, tear, sand, or distress it, the inner color comes out and is an intriguing revelation. To say the least, I was absolutely inspired when I first met it, in one of our new product meetings!
Ok, I'll go away now, just had to put my two cents in!!!

Melissa

[SamB]

I am going to LOVE that Color Core paper and in fact just ordering some of it - - have been using another brand but am really glad that PW now carries it! Love the effect you get with it!

[karenliz]

I love color core cardstock. It's perfect for card making! I'll be ordering soon.