Card making is a wonderful hobby that allows you to express your creativity and share your love with others. However, purchasing all the necessary supplies can get expensive quickly. Here are five tips to help you stretch your card making supplies and get the most out of your investment.
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1. Use paper scraps from other projects
Instead of throwing away your paper scraps from other crafting projects, consider repurposing them to create another unique design. You can use a paper punch or die cut to create small shapes, or simply tear the paper into smaller pieces or strips to arrange them in a collage-like project. Not only will this help you use up your scraps, but it will also add texture and interest to your cards. You may find that you come up with a lovely, unexpected project! I made this holiday card using leftover strips of paper as an example.
2. Use what you already own when possible
Before purchasing new supplies, take a look at what you already have on hand. Can you stretch your supplies by using something similar that you already own? Consider a different color or pattern of paper to achieve the same effect. Can you use a different stamp or stencil and tweak the design slightly to create a similar design? By using what you already own, you can save money and get more creative with your projects.
3. Invest in multi-purpose tools when you do need to make a purchase
Another way to stretch your supplies is to consider investing in multi-purpose tools, when you do need to buy something. These are tools that can be used for multiple projects. For example, floral stamps can be used for birthday cards, sympathy cards, thank you cards, and the list goes on. So I can usually get a lot of mileage out of that one stamp, and I rarely get tired of using it!
Another great example is the Misti stamping tool. I use it to stamp, but I also remove the foam insert, place a piece of paper on it, and use the magnetic surface to keep a card base in place while stenciling or ink blending. Get creative! There is no limit to what you can do if you never try it out!
4. Use the positive and negative impressions from dies
I LOVE die cutting. I use metal dies and my Cricut machine. When making die cut shapes, you get the positive image, (the shape inside the die), and the negative image (the exterior, leftover paper). Don’t throw that negative away! Both can be used to create unique designs and add interest to your cards. Here’s an example of two birthday cards that I made with positive and negative die cuts.
5. Go through your supplies to get inspired
Have you ever heard the term “shop your supplies”? This is one of my favorite things to do. Sometimes I know that I need to make a certain type of project. A birthday card for example. I’ll then take out all of my supplies that can be used to make a birthday card, set it out, and start pairing supplies up. I might pair a stencil with a stamp, or some paper with a sentiment die. I’ll draw out a handful of possible designs, pick my favorites, and go from there! Sometimes, all it takes is to go through your supplies to get those creative juices flowing.
Bonus tip: Mix and match tools and techniques
Don’t be afraid to try mixing and matching different tools and techniques to stretch your supplies. Put unexpected things together. For example, I didn’t expect to be able to pair embossing powder with distress oxide ink, but it turns out that they go very well together. I created these thinking of you cards below using a stencil and watercolor paints. Some of the paint bled because they are not meant to be used together. But I love how it turned out! By experimenting with different techniques, you can create one-of-a-kind cards that are sure to impress.
In conclusion, card making is all about getting creative, and that creativity frequently extends past the design itself. By using these tips to stretch your supplies, you can create beautiful cards without breaking the bank. Remember that you have everything you need to get started. So roll up those sleeves. You have my permission to try your supplies in new ways and have fun with it!
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