Part 1: Make Your First Card

If you've always been interested in cardmaking but not known where to begin, don't worry! Lou Collins is here to run you through the basics and get you off to a flying start.

Materials

You will need

• A nice sturdy card base - we're using an 8"x8" card base in white
• Two panels of coloured card, the same size as the front of your card base
• A card topper - we used a pre-made topper from Papercraft Essentials magazine but you can find a selection of free printable toppers to download here
• Trimmer (or a ruler and craft knife)
• Scissors
• Wet glue
• Foam tape

If you need some expert recommendations for products to buy, check out our shopping list for your complete card making kit for beginners.

Skills

In this free lesson, you will learn about

• Card bases. Working with different sizes, paper weights, working with pre-scored and adaptable card blanks.
• Matting and layering. This is the tecnhique of layering up papers on the front of your card, creating coloured borders.
• Adhesives. Lou shows you how to work with a a range of different adhesives, indluding double-sided tapes, foam tapes, wet glue and hot glue.

Learn More

• Ultimate Cardmaking Glossary - your guide to all the key papercrafting terms
• Best Glue for Papercraft and Cardstock - essential guide to adhesives

Watch Lesson 1

Share a photo of your finished cards in the Make Me A Cardmaker group!

Part 2: Stamping

Take your stamping to the next level with simple stamping techniques. Lou is here to show you how to use stamps to create unique handmade cards with ease.

Materials

You will need

• One clear "cling" medium-size stamp (we used a butterfly)
• One small sentiment stamp
• White cardstock for stamping
• Coloured cardstock
• Acrylic block
• Stamping platform (optional, but will make your stamping easier!)
• Black quick-drying dye ink
• Low-tack tape (optional, but useful for masking)
• Scrap of plain printer paper
• Alcohol markers in three shades - we used Spectrum Noir alcohol pens
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Paper trimmer
• Scoreboard
• Your choice of adhesive
• Scissors

If you need some expert recommendations for products to buy, check out our shopping list for your complete card making kit for beginners.

Skills

In this free lesson, you will learn about

• Stamping. Learn about the different stamp materials and inks, how to care for your stamps, using acrylic blocks and stamping platforms. Lou shows you how to get a clear impression from your stamps.
• Masking. Create a mask in simple steps to create beautiful layered designs.
• Colouring tips. How to make the most of your alcohol-based colouring pens. How to choose a colour palette and get a beautiful blended effect.
• Making a simple card blank. Use a paper trimmer and scoreboard to make your own custom-sized card blank from plain cardstock.

Learn more

• Comparing Stamps This handy video walks you through different stamp materials to talk about quality, priming and care so that you can get the most from your stamp stash!
• Comparing Inkpads Lou Collins shares a quick Tip of the Day video giving you advice about your inkpads to get the most from your stash!
• Tried and Tested - the best stamping blocks and platforms Follow our guidance for stamping using blocks and platforms to cater for your needs!

Watch Lesson 2

Top Tip!

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Part 3: Die-cutting and Embossing

Today we’re looking at die-cutting with a die-cutting machine, embossing with embossing folders and a little bit of ink blending. Follow along and create a beautiful card.

Materials

• 6”x6” card base in white
• Coloured cardstock
• Card Making Magic corner die set
• TEXT{ures} sentiment dies
• Creative Craft Products nesting dies
• Manual die-cutting machine – we used the Sizzix Big Shot
• Low-tack tape
• Pokey tool (also known as an awl)
• Ink blending brush
• Distress Oxide Ink
• Resistant surface such as and ink blending mat
• Foam tape
• Wet glue

Skills

In this video, you will learn about:

Die-cutting with a manual machine

• How to make a basic cut with a die-cutting machine
• How to construct your die-cutting plate sandwich
• Tips for getting the cleanest cuts
• Working with intricate dies
• Advice on essential tools to make die-cutting easier
• How to spot and fix ghosting
• Keep your dies in tip-top condition
• Ideas for making the most of your waste

Embossing with an embossing folder

• Setting up the sandwich for embossing
• How embossing folders work
• Trouble-shooting

Ink blending

• Add dimension with ink
• Blending surfaces
• How to handle blending brushes

Watch Lesson 3

Part 4: Heat-embossing and more!

In this final instalment, you'll learn some new techniques to take your cards to a professional level.

Materials

• Stamp - we used one of our favourites from Made to Surprise
• Eraser (if your stamp is brand-new)
• Clear sticky ink for embossing - we used VersaMark
• Stamping platform or acrylic block
• Embossing powder
• Anti-static bag
• Heat tool
• Vellum
• Tidy tray
• Square card base
• Hexagon nesting dies
• Low-tack tape
• Manual die-cutting machine
• Patterned paper
• Scissors with a sharp point - we recommend Fiskars embroidery scissors
• Wet glue
• Foam tape
• Sequins

Skills

• Heat-embossing
• Making your own unique card bases
• Designing your own unique cards

Learn More
WOW! Embossing Powders review, top tips & free printable colour chart

Watch Lesson 4

CLAIM YOUR FREE CARDMAKING BOOK

If you want even more ideas for making gorgeous handmade cards, we've got a free book for you to enjoy, packed with step-by-step guides and inspiring ideas.