by Merri Weaver

Created on: March 07, 2008

The simplest way to begin making a card is to purchase a card kit from your favorite local craft or hobby shop. There are many kits to choose from, and I recommend you pick the one that has either the theme you need or the colors you love.

Within the kit you will receive card stock that is already scored and folded into the proper size. No need to worry about cutting the card stock as it's already done for you! Let's say you've picked a card making kit that will help you make a wedding card. Some of the embellishments you will find for weddings include: ribbons, buttons, beads, charms and lace. Don't be surprised if several different types of paper come in the kit. Those are included to help you create layers of loveliness on the front of your card. So, let's begin with the process for making the wedding card example.

Start with making sure the card is properly folded in half. Next, find the largest rectangle or square colored (or printed) piece of paper. The good thing about the papers included in your kit, they will already be color coordinated, so you won't have to worry about that. Position the paper on the front of the card, but don't glue it down yet! We are going to first layout our design, and then we will glue it down. This way, if we decide we don't like our design, we can change it without destroying our pretty papers. Continue to layer the papers as you have them. I usually place three different layers over top of one another on the front of the card.

Next, examine the charms and embellishments that came in the kit. Let's pretend that a wedding dress charm and tuxedo charm came in this kit. If you don't quite understand what I mean by this, try Googling the phrase "card making wedding dress" and press Images. You'll find several pictures on Google which will show you these pretty little charms.

Now, take each the wedding dress and tuxedo charm and position it on the layers of paper. Have you got it in the best spot? Great! Now you can glue everything down. Take the pieces of your design off the card and carefully lay them aside. Please remember which goes in what order! Using your glue stick, glue the papers back onto the card stock in the order you have already designed. When you get to the charms, make sure you reach for your craft glue. You'll need your craft glue to make sure the charms do not fall off the card. The worst thing would be if the Bride went to open your lovely card and the tuxedo charm falls off! Oh no! So, adhere your charms well to the layout.

Lastly, let's pretend that the card kit has included some gorgeous ribbon. Grab the ribbon and tie it in a pretty bow, making sure there are long tails of ribbon. Glue the bow to the top of the card, near the middle so the ribbon tails fall down the middle of the card. So pretty! Remember to let the card dry completely before you give it away. And don't forget to sign the inside!

Card making can be lots of fun. The easiest way for a beginner to learn card making techniques is to purchase a card making kit and learn as you create!

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