Handmade Cards

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At 6 years old, I sat down at my grandmother's dining table with a notepad of smooth white paper (just the right size to fold into a card) and a pack of colored pens. I'd write one of the few sentiments I knew at the time--"Thank You," "Happy Birthday" or "Merry Christmas"--draw a pretty design, mark "25 cents" on the back, and voila! I was a cardmaker.

Cardmaking is still my favorite craft, and thanks to the incredible variety and quality of products in today's marketplace for scrapbooking, it's as simple now for you to make your own beautiful cards as it was for me back then. You still need paper (folded note cards or card stock) and colored pens or pencils; add rubber stamps and ink, embellishments (stickers, buttons, sequins, ribbon...), and a little bit of glitter, and you can make a beautiful, one-of-a-kind handmade cards in just a few minutes. Everyone will ask, "Did you make this yourself?" You'll smile and say yes, and they'll know they are loved.

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Cardmaking Projects

Here are some of our favorite projects from HGTV shows.

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one of many cute Accents from Meri Meri
Handmade Card Resources Online

Need great supplies and inspiration to make your own cards? Want something special and handmade, but no time to make them yourself? You'll find what you're looking for here.

Basic Supplies
...and a cherry on top

Impress Rubber Stamps: great stamps, unique accents
Making Memories: too many things to mention!
Kate's Paperie: square notecards & Envelopments
Vintage Workshop:vintage clipart on CD
Me & My BIG Ideas: threads labels & just write! cardmaking supplies
Clover Andabee: adhesive quotations
Nunn Design: pretty metal embellishments
Wishing Fish: scented pencils, vintage fabric envelopes, talking postcards
Tinsel Trading: unique appliques

See below for great cardmaking books filled with special techniques and unique designs.

Resources
Beyond Metal
Making Memories
Website: www.makingmemories.com

Creative Correspondence
includes 20 unique Card and Envelope projects
by Michael and Judy Jacobs
North Light Books
Order this title.
F & W Publications
Website: www.fwpublications.com

Close To My Heart Idea Book 2003-2004
Let Me Tell You A Story
Close To My Heart
URL: www.closetomyheart.com

Vintage Greeting Cards with Mary Jo McGraw
by Mary Jo McGraw
North Light Books
Order this title.
F & W Publications
Website: www.fwpublications.com

The Complete Guide to Card Making: 100 Techniques with 25 Original Projects and 100 Motifs
by Sarah Beaman
Collins & Brown, 2003
Order this title.
Collins & Brown Publishers
London, UK
England
Website: www.chrysalisbooks.co.uk/imprint/collinsbrown/index.jsp