Hello WCS readers, Aly Dosdall here. I'd like to officially welcome you to (and invite you to hang around for) Card Week! Indulge me while I share a bit of my creative history. I started scrapbooking over 14 years ago and for about 10 of those years I didn't make a single handmade card. I actually refused to take the cardmaking plunge for a while. Now I actually enjoy making handmade cards. In fact I have 2 small baskets full of cards I've created and whenever an ocassion comes up all I have to do is pick one, write something on the inside, put it in an envelope, and voila! It's like having my own custom Hallmark store at home!
My Personal Card Philosophy
Here are a few thoughts that changed my mind about cards:
--handmade cards carry special meaning
--you can customize handmade cards for any occasion
--handmade cards are a great way to use up paper scraps
--handmade cards are usually less expensive than store-bought cards
--handmade cards are a quick creative fix if you don't have time to create an entire scrapbook page
Finding the time to make cards can be a challenge, and sometimes it's hard to balance how much time to spend on something that may end up in the trash or recycle bin. While each crafter has to find a groove that works for her, here's how I approach card-making:
1) When making cards for friends and family I try not to spend more than 15 minutes on each one. I love being creative--it's my lifeline some days. But my time is also precious, and for me family comes first, so I have to set myself limits.
10 minute birthday card using a black felt tip pen and ruler, Sassafrass felties, and a mini brad.
2) I also find that making a quick card after I've finished a layout and while my scraps and supplies are still out on my desk works really well for me. I get more mileage out of my supplies and time that way.
Travel mini album pages made using an 8 x 8 October Afternoon 5 & Dime paper pad, and a 15 minute card made while the supplies were still sitting on my desk.
3) I'm a big believer in scraplifting myself! If I find a design that I love, I have no problem using it over and over. Don't feel like you have to re-invent the card wheel every time you make one.
Now it's your turn! If you create a card (or more than one) inspired by something in this week's posts, please share it in our flickr gallery. I'd love to see your creations!
Well, that's all for today. I'll let you chew on those thoughts and tempt you to come back tomorrow when I'll be sharing some tips for simple but effective card design. Until then!
