Getting Started

This discussion describes the tools and explains the general techniques used to make the cards in this session. Check that you have all the materials and tools you require you before you begin so you don't get frustrated half way through! Once you have mastered a few of the projects, you will want to be creative and adapt things as you would like, happily using the materials and paper you have available,  as well as the exciting paraphernalia that you will find everywhere once you start looking! Keep a special "card" box and as you discover things, store them in the box so when you want to begin making cards, you have all your treasures in one place.

Basic Equipment

Paper shops and craft shops will stock most of the materials used in the projects. The basic tools and equipment to begin making cards are listed in detail below, but be sure to check the list of materials needed for specific cards before you start.

• Paper and Cardboard: When buying paper and card the abbreviations "mic" and "gsm" refer to various thickness and weights of the papers and card-boards. The abbreviation "mic" is used when describing thickness and is short for microns, i.e. 1000 microns equals 1 mm. The abbreviation "gsm" is used when describing the weight and is short for grams per square metre, i.e. a piece of 100 gsm paper measuring 1 m square weighs 100 grams.
• A good weight to use is 230-260 gsm as this will be easy to fold and will not be too flimsy.
• Handmade papers: 1 Handmade papers are widely available in good stationery shops, artists' supply and crafts shops. There is a huge variety of colours and textures available, and you can also choose between paper with inclusions or without, and translucent or opaque paper. Of course you can also make your own handmade paper.
• Funky papers: 2 Holographic card, metallic effect paper and card, textured and corrugated card and a range of other materials can be obtained from general and specialist stationery shops and artists' suppliers. Glitter-effect papers sometimes have a self-adhesive backing. Some high-street chains also offer pre-packaged selections of funky papers and card.
• Paper sizes: Standard sizes used in this discussion are A4 (210 * 297 mm/8 1/4 * 11 11/16 in) and A5, folded in half, gives you the standard size greetings card to fit a C6 envelope. Sheets of paper and card can be bought in larger sizes (A1 or A2) from specialist paper suppliers and cut to suit your requirements.
• Cutting mat: If you use card-board, it retains score marks from a craft knife or scalped, so you will need to change the blade frequently for accuracy. Using a cutting mat is much easier as it self-seals so your craft knife will not get stuck in previous score marks.The cutting mat allows the blade to sink into the material while cutting through the paper or card.
• Craft knife: A good, sharp craft knife is essential to keep your cut edges neat, so you may need to change your blade frequently. This also eliminates torn edges resulting from cutting paper with a blunt knife. Most craft knives come with blades which you can snap off when they become blunt.
• Scalpels can also be used - these are very sharp, so be very careful and have a supply of spare blades to hand if you are going to be doing a lot of cutting. It is very important to take great care when cutting - never cut towards your body. Have plasters handy just in case!
• Scissors: Do not use scissors reserved for cutting fabric on paper or card as the paper will blunt the blades. It is handy to have a couple of different sizes of scissors - a large pair for general work and a small pair, like nail scissors, for fiddly detail. Pattern-edge scissors can create amazing effects. Be careful when lining up the pattern from cut to cut. 3 A pair of scissors with a smaller pattern can be used for details and a larger pattern fro dramatic results.
• Rulers: A set square is essential, especially for cutting accurate right angles. 4 A metal ruler is a good edge to cut against. If you haven't got one it will be worth investing in one, as the blade on a craft knife can cut into the surface of a plastic ruler and ruin your work. A paper guillotine is also useful, but not essential.
• PVA adhesive: This is a strong glue which forms a permanent bond when used on paper and board. It dries leaving a transparent finish.
• Spray adhesive: This is commonly used for sticking paper to paper or board as it has the great virtue of sticking firmly. Re-positioning can be possible for up to 30 seconds after bonding two surfaces. Always protect the area surrounding the paper or object you are spraying with some new paper. Spraying into a box is a good way of protecting surfaces. Remember to use in a well ventilated room and carefully read the instructions on the can!

• All-purpose clear adhesive: This is a strong cement-like adhesive for sticking objects together. It is ideal for mixed media and fabric and dries leaving a transparent finish.
• Glue sticks: You can buy glue sticks with a fine tip which can be useful fro writing. Glitter or embossing powder can be sprinkled over the glue.
• Glitter glue: This also comes in different thicknesses and many different colours. A fine tip applicator makes it easy to write out greetings 5.
• Tape: Cello-phone tape, masking tape, doubled-sided tape, magic tape, sticky fixers and foam pads are all useful. Double-sided tape can be used instead of glue for more lightweight craft materials. Masking tape can be useful when spraying glue on specific areas of a card or blocking out certain colours when colouring. Sticky fixing foam pads can be used as an adhesive and also create a three-dimensional effect.
• Cotton buds: These are very handy for applying glue to small or fiddly items.
• Tweezers: Use tweezers to pick up small items such as quilled elements.
• Sewing equipment: Different size needles are useful for a variety of sewing effects. Threads can also be bought in different thicknesses. A thimble is handy for protecting your thumb or fingers when sewing through thick card.
• Pencils: Pencils must be kept sharp for accurate marking. An HB pencil is a good hand pencil for making edges to be cut - use a softer pencil, such as a 2B, if you think you are going to make mistakes and need to rub the line out. A good eraser is also useful for this reason.