Beginner’s Guide to Cardmaking: Essential Tools, Techniques & Tips to Start Making Handmade Cards

A huge welcome to the Beginners Guide to Cardmaking Series here on the Spellbinders Blog. My name is Lisa Tilson, and we are thrilled to have you join us for what we hope will be an informative and fun way to get you started on your creative cardmaking journey.

This series is going to take you through the basic tools and techniques that you need to become a card maker. Skills such as die cutting, hot foil stamping, stencilling, and letterpress will be covered in detail. You may not know what tools you might need to get started or even how to begin making a handmade card. This series will guide you along the way, whether it is covering simple design principles that you can apply to all cards or how to fix common mistakes. Everyone makes them, and far more often than you might think!

This series was created for you—the beginner—in mind. It’s here to spark your interest and give you that little nudge to reach for a piece of cardstock and start creating. Peppered throughout this post are some samples of what you will be able to make when you dive into this wonderful hobby.

What Is Cardmaking?

So, what is cardmaking? In its simplest terms, it’s the design and creation of a unique handmade work of art. You take some cardstock, create your design, pop a message inside, and mail it to someone special.  Not only is there the pleasure and fun of creating something unique for your friends or family, but there is that unexpected joy for the recipient when they open their letterbox and find it inside. It may just be a card, but it will feel like a gift.

You can, of course, expand your skills even further and head into other forms of papercrafting. This can include making tags, gift boxes, gift card pockets, and scrapbooking, to name but a few. They are all ways you can create with cardstock, and the world is your oyster! What better reason to start?

When Might You Send A Card?

Handmade cards can be sent for many occasions, whether it’s celebratory (birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baby births, congratulations, new job, New Year etc). They can also be sent in support of those not-so-happy times (sympathy, loss, ill health). Sometimes you just want to send a card to someone to tell them they are in your thoughts; that you love them, believe in them, are thankful for their friendship and kindness. Let’s not forget Christmas, Hanukkah, Halloween, Father’s Day, and Mother’s Day! So many reasons to create a card and mail it to family or friends.

Whatever the occasion, you will find stamps, dies, sentiments, and more that will help you create that personalised touch to your handmade card.

What Does Cardmaking Give Back to You?

For many, it is the simple joy of creating and sharing. Sending a card is an act of kindness, and it can enhance a relationship or even build a bridge. For some, cardmaking can be an escape. A way to switch off from things going on in their lives. Like many hobbies, it can help improve your mental health. You can simply lose yourself in the process and allow yourself to be distracted for however long you need. Furthermore, it’s a hobby that is accessible to anyone, whether you’re just starting out or already have some experience. If you want to be a part of a cardmaking community and meet new like-minded friends, you can do that! You might prefer it to be something you enjoy on your own. It really can be whatever you want it to be.

Where Can You Get Help To Make A Card?

Whether you are just starting out or are years into this hobby, there are many ways to gain inspiration and learn new techniques. It can be via blogs, YouTube videos, short inspirational reels, or classes – whether held online or face-to-face. They all have something to offer. The Spellbinders Blog is full of inspiration and ideas, whether you are looking for detailed step-by-step tutorials or you simply want a little help to kickstart your creativity.

There is no right or wrong way to make a card. Yes, there are simple design principles that will almost certainly help, but really, cardmaking is an expression of YOU, and you bring your own style and uniqueness to it. It can be as simple or as intricate as you want it to be.

What Techniques Can You Learn Along The Way

There are many ways to turn that little piece of blank cardstock into something special. Here are a few:

• Stamping
• Colouring/Watercolouring
• Stenciling
• Hot Foiling
• Drawing
• Mixed Media – pastes/waxes
• Die Cutting
• Heat Embossing
• Embossing
• Stitching
• Letterpress
• Wax Sealing

You may find yourself focusing on one or two of these techniques, or you may dabble in all of them. Whatever your preference, enjoy it! Be proud of what you create, as it can be worth so much more than just a piece of paper.

You can look forward to more coming your way in the weeks and months ahead, and we hope you’ll join us as you start your cardmaking journey. We can’t wait to help you open the door to a whole new world!