cardmaking

Cardmaking is the craft of designing, assembling, and decorating handmade greeting cards for various occasions. It involves cutting and folding paper to create a card base, then adding layers, images, text, and embellishments. It emphasizes personal expression and customization, offering alternatives to mass-produced cards.

Materials and tools commonly used include cardstock for the card base, adhesives such as glue or double-sided tape, scissors and craft knives, scoring tools or a scoring board, and a bone folder for crisp folds. Additional supplies include decorative papers, stamps and inks, markers or paints, and die-cutting machines or punches for shapes. Embellishments like ribbons, sequins, enamel dots, and washi tape are frequent accents. Envelopes sized to fit the finished card are also important. Many makers reuse scraps and practice sustainable crafting.

Techniques used in cardmaking cover folding and scoring, stamping images or sentiments, and heat embossing with embossing powder and a heat tool. Die-cutting and layering create dimension, while ink blending, watercolor washes, or markers provide color. Other approaches include decoupage, paper piecing, and careful typography. Designers consider basic principles such as balance, contrast, focal point, and cohesive color schemes to create visually appealing cards.

Styles range from minimalist and minimalist to elaborate, seasonal, or personalized projects. Cardmakers may produce individual commissions, seasonal greetings, or mass-produced sets for sale. The hobby has a strong online presence, with tutorials, communities, and marketplaces contributing to its growth and accessibility.