I have always made things, so when I first received handmade cards I was interested in how they were made. When I saw card making packs in a shop I couldn’t resist having a go. I was soon hooked. At first I was putting outline stickers onto cards, then I started using punches to make flowers and other shapes. I bought magazines and books, gradually I discovered more techniques and ways to extend and vary the ways I was already using. There are many, many different techniques used in card making, stamping, embossing, peel-offs, tea bag folding, punching, iris folding, de-coupage, the list goes on. Every card maker has their favourites and their own style. Twice a year I join thousands of other eager paper-crafters (mostly women) at the Hobbycrafts Exhibition at the NEC. There are new techniques and equipment on display and lots of “must haves”, and of course, bargains! I come home worn out and spent out!
The spare bedroom has been taken over by all the paraphernalia, paper of many kinds (even the small scraps are useful), vellum, different types of glue, scissors, punches, stamps, paints, pencils, heat gun, etc. etc.
Card making is an absorbing and relaxing hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages. I love sharing my hobby with children who are soon able to make cards of which they can be proud.