Store bought greeting cards are also becoming quite expensive.  For a nice greeting card, you are looking at spending at least $5.00, and sometimes much more. Instead of spending so much, why not make your own using leftover scrapbooking supplies or inexpensive items that can be found that any craft store or even around your house.

Now, if you have been to the craft supply store, you may be thinking that I am completely wrong – scrapbooking and card making embellishments are expensive. And yes, they can be but by using a little creativity you can easily find many supplies at very reasonable prices. Let’s take a look at where you might start:

1) Ribbon

Ribbon is one embellishment that is so simple, yet can add a unique beauty to any card. Most of us have some lying around the house and, if we don’t, it is very inexpensive to purchase. The best part about ribbon is that it comes in a variety of different colors and patterns and can be used in many different ways. Whether you use ribbons to create a card border or a bow, ribbon can be extremely versatile and is an excellent way to add a special touch to your card.

2) Buttons

Buttons are another type of embellishment that can often be found around the home or, at the very least, be purchased for an excellent price. While they are best suited towards cards with particular themes (for example, teddy bears or denim), buttons can add a sense of dimension to almost any card. One of the most popular ways to use buttons is as a border or to create or highlight words.

3) Faux flowers

Faux (or silk) flowers are another cheap yet stunning embellishment that can be used to decorate your handmade greeting cards. These embellishments are best used for cards directed towards weddings, thank you’s, anniversaries, or Mother’s day.

4) Fabric

Also inexpensive, fabric is probably one of the most versatile greeting card embellishments and can be used in many creative ways. Because fabric comes in so many different textures, colours and patterns, it allows you, the artist to be extremely creative. Whether you want to add a pattern, dimension or a special craft to your card, you can do so using fabric.

Because you are making your own cards, it is up to you how much you can spend. It can be as little or as much as you want. You don’t have to spend a great deal on embellishments unless you want to. Supplies such as fabric, flowers, buttons and ribbon are all inexpensive ways that you can spice up your handmade cards on a budget.

The Original Post is Located Here: Inexpensive Embellishments For Handmade Cards

1. Check in your sewing draw for leftover buttons, pieces of ribbon, cotton threads or yarn. All are great for adding dimension to your cards.

2. Look through your photo collection. Photo cards featuring member of your family are always fun, but also look for photos of beautiful flowers, butterflies or landscapes that you might be able to incorporate into your card designs.

3. Do you have kids? Kids are always drawing, painting and colouring in. Perhaps you could use some of their artwork in your card making ideas too. For example, perhaps you could ask your child to draw a rainbow and then use it as the background for your card. It’s a great way to get your kids involved in your craft too.

4. Keep any store-bought cards you receive. Instead of putting them in the recycling bin, consider recycling some of the images on your cards. They are also a great source of inspiration if you can’t decide on a colour scheme.

5. Keep an eye open as you read your favourite magazines. You may come across the perfect image for your cards. When you do, clip it out and set it aside for when you are ready to sit down and make some cards.

These are just a handful of places you can look to find unique embellishments for your card making. The options really are endless! Keep your eyes open and you never know what you might find!

The Original Post is Located Here: Creative Card Making Embellishments

There are so many choices available when it comes to shopping for card making supplies. Stores are filled with so many pretty and cute items to choose from. So how do we know which ones are essential and which are the optional extras?

Here is a list of the must-haves for making special homemade cards you will just love:

1. Cardstock in a variety of colors. Cardstock is perhaps the most important of your card making supplies as it will form the base for most of your cards as well as be an essential element of your designs. Make sure you keep a wide range of colors in your craft room so you always have what you need on hand.

2. Patterned papers for color, texture and interest.

3. Adhesives and perhaps an adhesive remover like a glue eraser.

4. A pair of good quality scissors, a paper trimmer and perhaps a craft knife.

5. Embellishments

Here is where you can really have some fun. There are so many different embellishments available that you can select whatever appeals to you and suits your personality.

Types of card making embellishments include stickers, rub-ons, cut-outs, buttons, brads, eyelets, ribbons, deco tapes, flowers, fabric, lace, sewing thread, glitter and more. They all come in a wide range of colours, styles and designs so there’s sure to be something to suit everyone.

6. Tools

There are also a wide range of tools on the market that help you create your own card making embellishments. These include punches, stencils, stamps, circle cutters and die-cutting machines like the Cricut.

While tools can be very useful card making supplies and a lot of fun to play with, it is best to wait awhile before investing in a wide range of tools as you can easily end up with a lot of things you won’t use.

Making cards for the special people in your lives is a fun and rewarding hobby. I hope this guide has helped you choose the card making supplies you need to get started.

The Original Post is Located Here: Essential Card Making Supplies