Handmade card ideas can start from pretty paper prints, beautiful stickers or even a favorite tool like a craft punch. Making greeting cards can be fun but sometimes frustrating when you are just staring at a blank card.
There are so many tools and embellishments available these days that coming up with card making ideas seem endless. You can create beautiful, handmade birthday, thank you, Valentines, Christmas and get well cards using a plethora of materials.
One popular tool is craft punches. I love using craft punches because my cutting skills aren't so refined. Since the cut is pretty precise, using craft punches give your card a professional, polished appearance.
One of my favorites is the 1/2" corner punch. You can round off one, two or all four corners of your card. Rounded corners help soften the look of a card.
- TIP #1: Cut two or three different sizes of rectangles or squares in different colors that coordinate with your card, each 1/8" smaller than the other, and round off the corners. Then layer them about 1/8" apart to give a dimensional effect.
- TIP #2: To give depth to a card, cut out a rectangle or square shape, round off all four corners using a corner punch and then adhere foam tape on the back. Put your sentiment, sticker or other embellishment onto the rectangle or square shape.
- TIP #3: You can also use a corner craft punch on your photos. Cut a shape from cardstock, 1/8" larger than your photo and round off the corners with a corner punch. Round off corners of your photo as well and then place your photo over the larger shape which will create a frame for your photo.
A ΒΌ" corner punch is great for making tags as well as rounding off corners from square or rectangle shapes. Apply chalk paint to soften and highlight the edges.
Decorative corner punches are pretty and delicate. I like to use it on solid color paper or paper that isn't so busy because you lose the fine detail of the punch design.
My other favorite craft punch is border punches. As of this article, I only have one design but it has been so versatile, I've utilized it on many cards. You can include a punched border on the sides, middle and bottom of your card.
- TIP #4: Cut strips of paper using different colors that coordinate with your card. Punch out one side of the edge of each strip and layer by overlapping the strips. Circle punches are great for adding a sentiment or featuring an embellishment.
- TIP #5: Using a graphic software program, create a dotted circle large enough that it fits just inside the circle, close to the edge of the punch. You can also include a sentiment or personalized message. Print it out on light cardstock paper. Center and punch out the dotted circle or sentiment with your circle punch. Punch a tiny hole just close to the top and use it as a tag.
If you can find two circle punches, one about 1/8" smaller circumference than the other, the larger circle creates a nice frame and is just another idea to include in your card making techniques.
I think craft punches are a great addition to your card making supplies because they are so versatile and you can reuse it over and over again.
My name is Chloe, a card making enthusiast, and I love to share my ideas with those of you that have the same passion for card making. Find these tips, examples and instructions of how punches are used at http://card-making-corner.com/handmade-card-ideas.html. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chloe_Abing.
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