Trusted Card Making Tips
I love making my own cards. And I've recently realized that I have a few go-to tips and tricks that seem to use over and over again in my card-making. These are the items or techniques that I use on almost every one of my handmade cards in one way or another—and yet each card still turns out completely unique. Not a card maker yourself? Give these tricks a try! I’m one of those scrapbookers who has turned into a card maker, and you could be, too.
1. Choose Adhesives that Stick!
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Two is Better than One Supplies: cardstock (Core’dinations) • patterned paper (Echo Park Paper) • stamps (Unity Stamp Co.) • ink (Tsukineko) • punches (Stampin’ Up! and Creative Memories) • foam adhesive (3L Scrapbook Adhesives) • pen (Uniball Signo) • card by Kimber McGray |
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When you mail off a handmade card to someone, you don’t want your recipient to find a puzzle in an envelope, because all of your hard work fell off your card! Make sure you use strong adhesives for your cards, since they're typically handled more than other paper crafts. For adhering paper to paper, use a good, permanent adhesive such as Scotch ATG or Glossy Accents. With either of these, a little goes a long way, and the items stay put!
For adhering embellishments to paper, you also want a strong adhesive. Glossy Accents can be used for most embellishments. However, since it's a liquid glue, you'll have to hold the embellishment in place while it cures. For a quick stick, choose peel-and-stick glue spots. Since the brands are all fairly equal (from Glue Dots to Zots), go with whatever's easiest for you to find! Foam adhesive is another option for adhering either paper or embellishments to your card front, and it will give your accents a nice lift.
2. Include Dimension or Texture
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With Sympathy card Supplies: cardstock (Core’dination) • stamps (Unity Stamp Co) • die (Sizzix for Stampin’ Up!) • ink (Tsukineko) • embossing folder (ProvoCraft) • gem (Zva Creative) • card by Kimber McGray |
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Simple cards can be very beautiful, but I've found that cards with a little bit of dimension are even more appealing. Dimension can be defined as anything more than paper adhered flat to paper. Try adding a beautiful ribbon, button, or gemstone for a quick, dimensional embellishment. Or you can simply adhere an accent with foam adhesive (as mentioned in my first tip). You can even add a little dimension to a very simple card by embossing the background paper. A change as little as this can truly bring your card to life.
3. Add Stitches
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40th Birthday card Supplies: cardstock (Core’dinations) • stickers (Jillibean Soup) • patterned paper (Jillibean Soup) • tag (Jillibean Soup) • punch (Stampin’ Up!) • pen (Uniball Signo) • foam adhesive (3L Scrapbook Adhesives) • card by Kimber McGray |
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A recent trend in my card making is adding a bit of stitching to my cards. If you haven't yet, bust out that sewing machine and stitch on paper! It adds great texture and a nice, finished look to almost any card. If you don’t have a sewing machine, there are great tools on the market to create punched holes in your paper, which you can hand stitch with embroidery floss. But the easiest way to add a bit of ‘stitching’ to your project is to grab a pen and start drawing dashed lines for a ‘faux’ stitched look. Anyone can do this. If you want straight lines, grab a ruler. If you have a steady hand, just take pen to paper and go for it.
4. Punch it Up
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Joy, Love & Laugh card Supplies: cardstock (Core’dinations) • patterned paper (American Crafts) • stamps (Unity Stamp Co.) • markers (Copic) • punches (Stampin’ Up! and Creative Memories) • ink (Tsukineko) • ribbon (Creative Impressions) • buttons (American Crafts) • card by Kimber McGray |
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Bust out your punches and add decorative touches to your cards! Start with the basics, like circles, stars, and hearts—as well as a few border punches that fit your style. I can’t make seem to make a card without at least using my corner rounder or my scallop edge border punch.
5. Tie One On
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Birthday Wishes card Supplies: cardstock (Core’dinations, Jillibean Soup) • patterned paper (Jillibean Soup) • stamps (Jillibean Soup) • ink (Colorbox) • canvas star (Jillibean Soup) • punches (EK Success and Stampin’ Up!) • card by Kimber McGray |
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Ribbon, natural twine, twill, baker’s twine, lace—the options for trims these days are endless! Grab a yard of this and a yard of that; there are so many wonderful choices that will add a soft touch to your cards. It doesn’t matter if you tie a bow or a knot, just dress up your paper with a contrasting material.
These are just a few of my favorite card-making tips. I hope you can find a way to add a little pop or punch to your cards by implementing a few of these tips and tricks. It doesn’t take much to take your cards to the next level. If you're a scrapbooker, you already have what you need at your fingertips. So grab your favorite punch and a pretty ribbon and get creative!
Kimber McGray is a scrapbooker, card-maker, and the published author of three books, 175 Fresh Card Ideas, Scrapbook Secrets