• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kristina Rees, CreatingWithKristina.com

Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator

  • Home
  • Benefits of Joining
  • Shop With Me!
    • Shop Stampin’ Up!
    • Shop Tutorials
    • Must Have Tools
    • My Account
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
  • Events
  •  

3 Things Every Beginning Card Maker Needs to Know

April 4, 2020 Leave a Comment

Affiliate links may be used in this post. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my affiliate link

I’ve been a crafter nearly all my life. But 3 years ago I discovered card making. One of the main attractions is the instant gratification of completing a beautiful project in less than an hour and being able to bless someone with your heartfelt greeting. Cards have been nicknamed “happy mail”, “hugs in the mail” and “paper hugs” to name a few.

And card making is making a strong come back with us all staying home practicing social distancing because of this virus. So, I thought I would share 3 things I feel every beginning card maker needs to know.

I first shared it on my Youtube Channel Creating with Kristina but thought I would also write it out also.

1. THE BASICS

  • Paper – card stock comes in different weights. The ideal weight for a card base is 110 lb. The lighter weight, 60-80 lb is best for layers. The other kind of paper is designer paper. This pretty pattered paper is an inexpensive way to add color and interest to your cards
  • Ink – There are 2 main types of ink, water based and alcohol based. You will need opposite inks for coloring. For example, if you want to color with alcohol markers then you need a water base ink to stamp your image and if you want to color with water color then you need an alcohol based ink to stamp your image
  • Stamps – There are 2 types of stamps as well. Red rubber stamps are able to give finer details and Clear stamps allow you to easily layer because you can see through them. However, clear stamps need a foam mat, such as a piercing pad under your paper to get a clear image.

2. BASIC TOOLS

Product List
Paper Trimmer
Paper Trimmer
[152392]
$25.00
Bone Folder
Bone Folder
[102300]
$7.00
Snail Adhesive
Snail Adhesive
[104332]
$7.00
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
Multipurpose Liquid Glue
[110755]
$4.00
Stampin' Dimensionals
Stampin' Dimensionals
[104430]
$4.00
Simply Shammy
Simply Shammy
[147042]
$8.00
Clear Block D
Clear Block D
[118485]
$8.50

3. DON’T TRY TO BUY EVERYTHING AT ONCE

It will be temping to want to buy it all. But what I found was I was buying so much I couldn’t even remember what I had bought. Also it took me several card project to find my style.

If you do want fancier cards than just a basic one like I made in the video I would suggest you invest in some card kits. The kits come with all the fancy elements like sequin and ribbon but in a more cost effective way.

Product List
Looking Up Card Kit
Looking Up Card Kit
[149651]
$27.00
Three Cheers For You Card Kit (English)
Three Cheers For You Card Kit (English)
[151304]
$27.00
Lots Of Happy Card Kit
Lots Of Happy Card Kit
[146388]
$35.00

I hope you found this information useful. If you ever have any questions about card making I would be happy to help. Email me at kristina@creatingwithkristina.com Also be sure to follow my Youtube Channel and Facebook Page where you will find more helpful cardmaking information. Links are at the top of this blog page.

Happy Stamping!

Signature for Blog

Filed Under: Tips & Tutorials

Subscribe

Not sure what to write?

Sign up for my email list and get 43 verse ideas to write inside my next handmade card.

I love creating beautiful handmade cards and want to share that love with you. I believe expressing our creativity with handmade cards can make a difference in this world by making it a happier place. I created this blog to help you make a difference with your creativity too.

I discovered cardmaking just a few years ago. It all started when a friend of mine invited me over to make cards on a Friday night. There were 3 other ladies there. We had a great time creating beautiful cards together all evening. I was hooked! I started dreaming of my own home filled with friends making these beautiful cards. And so I started my business Creating with Kristina.

I am a retired middle school math teacher. I am married and have 3 step-daughters and 8 grandchildren that call me Nana. I love cats and have 2. Their names are Diamond and Merlin. You will periodically see them in my videos and pictures and I love sharing them on Instagram. Contact Me

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Kristina Rees, Stampin' Up! Demonstrator


Kristina Rees


Stampin' Up!
Demonstrator

Helping you create beautiful cards, scrapbook pages, and handmade gifts that connect people you love.


Let's Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Subscribe
Kristina Rees, Shop My Online Store

CLICK here to see the May 2026 Catalog

Stampin' Up! Catalog

Search

Archives

Kristina Rees, Disclaimer

The content of this site is the sole responsibility and opinions of Kristina Rees as an Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and the use of its content, classes, services, and/or products offered is not endorsed by Stampin' Up! Stamped images are copyright Stampin' Up!

View My Privacy Policy
Content © Kristina Rees, all rights reserved. Wordpress Genesis Framework customized by WebsByAmy, LLC