Hello friends! Lately I have been seeing on social media that “I want to make card, and now what” posts. I think we often forget that we all started somewhere, so I’m taking this birthday card back to the basics to maybe shed some light to any new card makers out there. When I first started I had a small desk in the corner of my bedroom that has blossomed into my very own studio, but that took five years in the making. I promise it is never necessary to have that much stuff, but I fell in love and had to have all of the things. Stick with me…
Besides your creativity, I would say you need cardstock, envelopes, a trimmer (or scissors), ink, stamps, ephemera, and stencils to get started. And I forgot… adhesive. Of course you need that to make everything stick together! Commonly in the crafting/ cardmaking industry we create an A2 card size which measures 4.25x 5.5 inches, and you can create either a top folding or side folding card base. From there the possibilities are endless. For today’s card I made a side folding A2 card starting with piece of Eclipse cardstock measuring 5.5 inches x 8.5 inches scored (or folded) in the middle. I also used Bubblegum Cardstock to make my layers. I personally like my borders to be an 1/8th of an inch so I cut the panel 1/4 inch larger than the panel it is backing.
So now you know about cardstock. let’s get into a fun and easy way to create a card panel. I recommend dye based inks because they are very diverse and can be used for stamping, stenciling, water coloring, and so much more. For my card today I used the Bubblegum Color Hive Ink and the Remarkable Eclipse Ink using the easiest method, ink blending. On the Bubblegum Cardstock layering measuring 3.5×4.75 inches I blended the Bubblegum ink with a blending brush to add a little more depth and contrast drawing your eye into the middle of the the panel. If you don’t have a blending brush you can lightly take the pad to paper to get a similar look. On the same panel, I then blended the Remarkable Eclipse Ink through the Balloon Animals Stencil. Stenciling is probably the easiest method to create a background or even a focal point on a card and are affordable stash builders. To apply the ink I used an ink dauber, but a brush or sponge would effective as well. So far we have made a card that is fun, easy, effective, with diverse and in my opinion must haves in the craft room.
I mentioned that ephemera or stamps are another necessity for cardmaking because they are effective for adding sentiments and images to your cards. In this example I used Birthday Sentiments Ephemera because I love the bold fonts that come in this pack. An added benefit of the Maker Forte Ephemera packs is that foiling can be added using Toner Foils and a laminator, so when you are ready to take them up a level you can! With that said, you have made your first card. But maybe you want to embellish it a little bit? I always like to add a little shimmer and shine to my projects so you will find a few gems, wire, or glitter in them. You can find all the embellishments that Maker Forte offers here, and I’m sure you will want all of the things. I know I do! But don’t you just love how adding a few bits of shine makes your card pop?
I hope this helps clear up where to start, if you’ve never made a card! Also when I first started out, I watched hours of Hedge Hog Hollow Videos. Maybe that will help you too?
For more Maker Forte inspiration:
Shop Maker Forte
Cardmaker’s Blog
Instagram
Below I am linking to the items used in this card, and those that I think are basic must haves.
Just a small disclaimer! All items used in all of my projects are (or have been) purchased with my own funds, but this does not include design team items that I have received or otherwise stated.
You can connect with me here:
IG: @joywilsonink
Pinterest
Youtube
Until next time… keep crafting!!!!
