For the serious card maker, there are some essential card making supplies that you must have on hand before starting a project. And while many of these items are readily available around the house, you might need to pick a few up at your local craft store.
Scissors can be found in every house, and usually in several sizes, but when it comes to making cards, a plain scissor will not do. In fact, the well-stocked crafter will have up to a dozen different styles of scissors, including everything from straight edges to zig-zagged edges-called pinking shears-to a type of scalloped edge, or a larger pattern of the same. Some scissors cut wavy lines as well as dots, ribbons and bows, lacey edges and edges that resemble distant mountain ranges. Still other scissors cut uneven or wavy patterns referred to with names such as jigsaw, deckle and antique edging. But even having all of these designs will not be adequate for the serious hobbyist. If card making is something you do all the time, you'll also want small and large scissors for specialized projects, bent and angled scissors for those hard to reach cuts, titanium blades for longevity and sharp lines and soft-grip crafting scissors with offset handles for comfort.
Card Making Supplies
If you think owning a dozen scissors is excessive, glance down the cardstock aisle at any craft store. Cardstock comes in hundreds of colors, patterns and textures, and if you're a card making enthusiast, you'll want a variety of each. Before buying anything, however, make sure you have adequate space for cardstock storage. While the regular crafter can find a use for wrinkled, stained or sun-bleached cardstock, it's best to avoid damaged cardstock by providing a place to keep it safe until you're ready to incorporate it into your latest and most crafty card making idea.
Look for acid-free items when card making and wash your hands often to prevent smudged fingerprints on the card. Add non-alcoholic baby wipes to the list. Baby wipes are great for wiping fingers as well as rubber stamps after each use.
Markers, blending pens, rubber stamps and a variety of ink pads, stickers, ribbons and accessories and other embellishments all come in handy when making cards, however, the amount of accessories or decorations you choose to place on your card is entirely up to you.
Adhesive will also be required. Glue is available in bottles, sticks and roll-ons, and staples can be used to secure items on the page, as well as ribbon. Neatness counts, so take care when determining which means of adhesive you will use.
Though serious crafters will have plenty of each item on hand, the beginning crafter needn't be overwhelmed. In fact, when it comes to card making, invitations, as well as get well wishes and holiday cheer can be created with just one piece of cardstock, one pair of scissors, one glue stick and a little bit of imagination.
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