Cardmaking - Feedback Appreciated!

CiaraMG21

Hey Im new to Cardmaking. Its a new hobby for me but I love it already. I would love to get good enough to try to sell them in markets or little shops or something like that... So it would be great if I could get some feedback on the cards Ive done so far. What do you think of them? Would you buy them? Be honest please... All feedback appreciated.

looksee

Congratulations on making a start on cardmaking!

You need to work with a commercial (self-healing) cutting board, a steel ruler and scalpel (needs a bit of practise but is the best way to cut straight lines) and very accurate measurements. If something is supposed to be a rectangle it must be exactly that. Cutting exact shapes with deckle scissors is not easy but you must match joins so that the pattern is correct, and make sure the shape is exact. Don't overuse deckle scissors.

Use adhesive very carefully so you do not get wrinkles showing through the paper.

You are depending rather a lot on largish pieces of plain paper, you need to explore different textures of paper to add interest.

I suggest you look at lots of pictures of cards on the various card sites on the internet. You don't have to buy all the equipment that the various sites will show, but you do need a selection of different papers, pictures (glossy magazines and old recycled card images), bits of ribbon and lace etc. Look at everything with new eyes! Insides of envelopes, sweet wrappers, packaging - everything from brown paper to tissue from shoe boxes, there is a lot of good stuff around.

Tesco do some nice inexpensive card stuff in their childrens' section, including punches for cutting little hearts, flowers etc, at 2 or 3 euros.

Good luck, enjoy your new craft.

CiaraMG21

looksee wrote: »

If something is supposed to be a rectangle it must be exactly that. Cutting exact shapes with deckle scissors is not easy but you must match joins so that the pattern is correct, and make sure the shape is exact. Don't overuse deckle scissors.

Use adhesive very carefully so you do not get wrinkles showing through the paper.

You are depending rather a lot on largish pieces of plain paper, you need to explore different textures of paper to add interest.

Thanks for the advice Looksee. I agree these are my problem areas. I have changed my glue as it was too heavy on the lighter paper and was making it wrinkle.
I can seem to find a great selection of textured paper where I live (Wexford) any suggestions on sites?

TreasureBin

Lovely cards - I'm a fan of deckle edges myself!
Try Pritt Stick or double-sided tape instead of liquid glue.
As Looksee said, different papers give interesting results. Look at wrapping paper in the Euro shops, carrier bags, cereal boxes, etc. You could even use scraps of fabric and experiment with different ways of fraying the edges.
Have fun!

CiaraMG21

TreasureBin wrote: »

Lovely cards - I'm a fan of deckle edges myself!
Try Pritt Stick or double-sided tape instead of liquid glue.
As Looksee said, different papers give interesting results. Look at wrapping paper in the Euro shops, carrier bags, cereal boxes, etc. You could even use scraps of fabric and experiment with different ways of fraying the edges.
Have fun!

Thank You TreasureBin
I have started using Pritt Stick now and it makes a huge difference. I think I will also buy some double sided tape soon.
I am finding it hard to find different textured paper. I can find paper in loads of different colours but none that are embossed or anything
To sell my cards should they not all be similar? This may be a silly thing to think....

Lillylilly

Hiya Ciara,

I'm a BIG fan of card making myself, and sell some through Facebook.

I think you should stop using paper and get different coloured card, (or even cover card-like cereal boxes, with wrapping paper). The paper glued on card can look quite flimsy and cheap. And you don't have to be as lenient with glue on card.

Also, if you get double sided sticky pads, you can use them to stick the wording to the card. It often gives a nice 3D effect.

I agree with the other poster that said to check out other people's blogs or photos online. I will warn you though, it will give you an inferior complex, as some of these cards are AMAZING but they'll spark a bit of creativity for you

TreasureBin

CiaraMG21 wrote: »

Thank You TreasureBin
I have started using Pritt Stick now and it makes a huge difference. I think I will also buy some double sided tape soon.
I am finding it hard to find different textured paper. I can find paper in loads of different colours but none that are embossed or anything
To sell my cards should they not all be similar? This may be a silly thing to think....

No, I don't think they need to be similar unless you are trying to create a certain style which is recognisable as yours (like famous designers!). Most people who buy handmade cards like them because they are NOT mass produced and the person receiving the card won't be getting identical ones from other people.

looksee

If you are over in Waterford have a look in Cahills in Tramore (halfway up main street) they have a great range of papers etc at reasonable prices.

CiaraMG21

TreasureBin wrote: »

No, I don't think they need to be similar unless you are trying to create a certain style which is recognisable as yours (like famous designers!). Most people who buy handmade cards like them because they are NOT mass produced and the person receiving the card won't be getting identical ones from other people.

Thats a good point TreasureBin!
looksee, Il have a look the next time Im there, which hopefully will be soon.
Ive enrolled for a Cardmaking workshop which is on next Sunday. Has anyone ever taken one?

Aishae

hi ciara id defo give double sided tape a go - you can get that in the euro store (4 rolls for 2 euro) and the stuff isnt bad. you might prefer the more professional stuff as youre only starting out with it though.

the great thing about card making is you can learn as you go along but you dont have to throw out failed attempts. i find i can usually find a use for them but cutting them smaller or adding things. making flowers out of them etc. most of us start off with just 1 kit. i had a basic 3 drawer tower kit from argos. with fancy edged scissors and peel off ribbon. i still love using peel off ribbon....

Caros

Hi Ciara and welcome to the wonderful creative world that is card making! I have been making and selling cards for quite a while now. Most of my business comes thru word of mouth and whilst I'll never be rich at it I don't want to turn it into a full time thing either as for me that would spoil the fun in it.

I would recommend that you buy some magazines, Creativity is a good monthly one, also there are quite a few other mags widely available in easons etc. Your style does evolve as you go along, the cards I make now are quite a way removed from those I made 5 years ago and all the better for it I think!

Deffo get yourself a good paper trimmer, preferably one with a self sharpening blade. Or Lidl do a guilletoine from time to time under €20. Self healing mat like someone else said, a good pair of smallish sharp scissors, double sided tape is invaluable and something like Anita's tacky glue.

Join a card making/crafty forum like the one at CardznScrapz.com or Craftsupplies.ie - lots of like minded people on both with the bonus that both forums are irish based. Lots of photos in the gallery for inspiration.

Most of all I wouldn't run before I could walk type of thing, make your cards and enjoy doing it and if they sell, they sell. Deffo go to the card making workshop, Jess Mayer holds classes in the Wexford area, Jackie Mooney holds them in Dublin, both highly talented ladies. You'll find out lots more info in the forums.

CiaraMG21

Caros - Wow, thanks for all the great advice! I think your right about not selling them yet. Im trying to be too good at it all of a shudden.
I bought Papercraft magazine this month and although I liked some of the things in it, I thought it was a bit childish?
I will have a look out for other mags like it.
Im signed up for Jackie's workshop in Dublin on 29th. Im really looking forward to it now

CiaraMG21

Aishae wrote: »

i had a basic 3 drawer tower kit from argos. with fancy edged scissors and peel off ribbon. i still love using peel off ribbon....

I bought the Cardmaking Starter Caddy in Argos. I wasnt massively impressed with it, but I think it was a bit more aimed for kids. I also bought a Sizzix embosser and I really like it. Does anyone emboss? Any tips?

Caros

Ciara, you're definitely on the right road going to Jackie's workshop, you will learn so much at a workshop, not only from jackie but from the other attendees. To be honest I wouldn't be bothered buying any more of the card making starter thingy's if I were you, There are far better things to spend your yo yo's on, good quality cardstock is an essential.
Yes I do emboss using a Cuttlebug and embossing folders, gives a lovely texture to card and an added dimension to a card.

CiaraMG21

Yeah Im really looking forward to the workshop, I just hope im not too much of a beginner for it. I dont even have a self healing mat and craft knife yet.. Ive been just using a scissors so far. Im afraid to spend too much money in case I dont keep it up, you know how it is...
Also, what is a scorer?

Aishae

jackies workshops are great. i know her too, shes very good with helping the beginners and she encourages you. i also know many people who have gone to the workshops. lovely people. they fill up so fast cos shes in demand. great stuff.

she chats on the craft supplies forum i mention (on cara craft supplies website) i cant recall if she has posted pics of her work recently. but she does chat there and i think she has a blog too (lots of blog links over there)

and... you might consider the craft challanges. we have one each month on CS but there are blogs out there and facebook groups that do them too. they might say 'make a card with this layout' and add a picture. or they might set a theme. its a great way to get yourself thinking. im never as good as the others at it but i love taking part.

CiaraMG21

Aw Im feeling a lot better about the workshop now. Im glad to hear she will encourage me. I joined the Cara Craft forum today.
Thats a great idea about the challenges, I might try one or two out!
Do you have any tips on lettering for the cards?

Aishae

myself - i use peel off letters. sometimes i use stamped letters (papermania clear stamp set) - i also have some foam glittery letters i got in the art and hobby shop.

one tip is you can print of words - or single letters. any colour and font you like wth the computer and if you use the glue or double sided tape well then it looks great.
i sometime use glossy accents on top of letters to add dimension. or glitter pens on top of parts of the lettering to add sparkle.

CiaraMG21

Aishae wrote: »

one tip is you can print of words - or single letters. any colour and font you like wth the computer and if you use the glue or double sided tape well then it looks great.

So far I have been using Microsoft Word to print off words because everything else I try seems childish or I dunno..I just dont like the look of. I know its all about practice though.

Any other tips going spare? I really appreciate it

emka1984

Caros wrote: »

good quality cardstock is an essential.
.

Hi, Where do you purchase cardstock and which one do you find best?

I am planning on starting cardmaking myself, and am so lost with the millions of options... Would like some guidance before I make my own mind with time & experience

Thanks!

Aishae

emka1984 wrote: »

Caros wrote: »

good quality cardstock is an essential.
.

Hi, Where do you purchase cardstock and which one do you find best?

I am planning on starting cardmaking myself, and am so lost with the millions of options... Would like some guidance before I make my own mind with time & experience

Thanks!

I myself buy boxes of cardblanks - usually the ones in the art and hobby shop. Occasionally I use payper box card (also from some art and hobby shops) and a scoring board to create a bigger card if needed but generally I prefer to stick with the ready made cards because it's easier and they look fine. But I only buy cream colour, never White. I just think with premade card blanks cream looks classier. If I want white I use textured cardstock.

Some folks just prefer to always score their own cards. Everyone has a preference. I find premade more economical. But there are folks who say making your own card stock is more economical so who can say really? It all comes down to preference.

You can buy more specialised cardstock in specialist paper shops like Daintree in Dublin for example.

cactuspaw

Well done, Im always really happy to see people starting up making cards. It's really good if you have lots of spare time and its handy as a side project. I started back at it last year, pretty much full time, as I was recovering from an illness and not working. Now I do wedding invites, personalized cards and comisioned work, as well as stuff just for fun.
Sombody mentioned http://www.cardzandscrapz.com . It is absolutlely brill for getting materials and will send them to you pretty much the next day! Try http://www.craftyangles.ie too, like cardz and scrapz you get a good selection of stuff and it may have things the other one dosent.
If you live near Tullamore, Co. Offaly. There is a brilliant shop called JM Crafts in Patrick St (00353 5793 51877) that sell all the great punches, papers, inks etc and the wemon there are so nice.
I find the Arts and Hobby Shops in most shopping centres are really good too.
http://www.docrafts.com is brill if you just want inspiration.

I couldnt tell what exatly you need to get, everyone dose it their own way, I started off with a gilleteen, some sissors and some glue! you just learn as you go. Your on the right track anyway

Jellybaby1

cactuspaw wrote: »

Try http://www.craftyangles.ie too, like cardz and scrapz you get a good selection of stuff and it may have things the other one dosent.

Think you mean www.craftyangels.ie

Jellybaby1

cactuspaw wrote: »

Try http://www.craftyangles.ie too, like cardz and scrapz you get a good selection of stuff and it may have things the other one dosent.

I think you mean www.craftyangels.ie