These 5 simple tips for beginner card makers for awesome cards will have you designing in no time!
If you’re a beginner paper crafter, you might think your completed cards might look clumsy. Or be too amateurish. Not so! With these tips, your cards can look polish, cohesive…and pretty darn awesome!
Beginning to Make Cards
Starting out with card making can feel daunting, but with a few straightforward tips, you’ll be creating stunning, heartfelt cards in no time. Today, we’re featuring this sweet “You’re Pretty Wonderful” card and envelope set as inspiration.
Let’s explore five easy tips for beginner card makers to help you craft brilliant cards, even if you are just starting out!
But first, here’s our card.
Clean and crisp, with just a hint of colour, and one cute little embellishment! That’s the trick to brilliant cards!
5 Simple Tips for Beginner Card Makers for Awesome Cards
1. Purchase a Stamp Set with Words & Images
Investing in a versatile stamp set that includes both sentiments and images is a game-changer. This card uses a sweet floral design and an uplifting message for a friend. It also has a different greeting on the inside (see below).
Having a set with a mix of designs ensures you can create a variety of cards for different occasions without needing to buy multiple supplies. Plus, coordinating stamps make designing effortless.
This Mixed Labels stamp set is new and will be available as an Online Exclusive on January 7th.
2. Use Pre-Made Card Bases with Matching Envelopes
Pre-made card bases save you time and guarantees a polished look. Our card today uses a Basic White card base and matching envelope in a notecard size (3 1/2″ x 5″) creating a cohesive and professional finish. It’s the perfect size to pop a note in the mail to a friend or add to a gift.
With ready-to-use bases, you get to focus on the fun parts of crafting without worrying about cutting or scoring your paper.
3. Stamp Everything in Black Ink
A high-quality black ink pad, like the Tuxedo Black Memento one used here, ensures clean, crisp impressions. Black ink is a universal choice that complements all colours and designs. Plus it can give your cards a bold and sophisticated look, serving as the perfect foundation for any additional embellishments.
Colouring is so much more fun when you have an open line stamp like this one! See the next tip for my top colouring tool!
4. Add Colour with Coloured Pencils
Coloured pencils are an inexpensive, accessible and super easy way to bring your stamped designs to life. Just a little bit of colour is enough to add some WOW!
On this card, the addition of soft pink and green enhances the charm and warmth. Coloured pencils allow you to be precise getting into the little nooks and crannies. Plus they’re ideal for blending, making them perfect for delicate designs like these dainty flowers.
What’s even better about these coloured pencils? They’re watercolour pencils! This means when you add a little bit of liquid, like water or a blender pen, or even your Wink of Stella, it softens the coloured lines even more!
You can see a whole post on colouring handmade cards with watercolour pencils here!
5. Coordinate the Inside and the Envelope with the Card
A cohesive design takes your card-making to the next level. Stamp the floral design on the envelope flap and the inside of the card to create a seamless, thoughtful set. This extra step not only adds flair but also delights the recipient with those charming details.
Don’t forget to add a different greeting to the inside of the card too, completing the heartfelt sentiment!
Pssst…Did you notice the one little surprise element on the card front? I added one pink sequin for a bit of splash! While not necessary for beginner cards, it can immediately elevate your designs and add instant charm!
These ones will be available as a free gift from Stampin’ Up! with a qualified purchase starting January 7th!
Express Your Creativity!
Card making is a delightful hobby that lets you express your creativity while sharing joy with others. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and embrace the process. Start simple, experiment, and let your personal style shine through!
You might have some other beginner tips…that don’t look amateurish or beginner at all! What are your favourite beginner card-making tips? Let me know!
Click here to leave a comment.
Then grab your card making tools, find a quiet spot, pick out a few colours and start playing using these 5 simple tips for beginner card makers!
