Does anyone here do cardmaking?

I don't - well haven't done - but a friend has given me a pack of 'stuff' for card making and I've no idea what to do with it.

Perhaps if you do make cards, you'd allow me to ask a couple of really basic (and probably stupid) questions?

 

I have been known to dabble

Ask away ....

 

Oooh thank you. It goes like this ...

A few days ago by way of a 'thank you' and with the words "I know how clever you are [wrong there for a start] and how much you like these ...' a friend presented me with a huge but very beautiful pack of 'cardstock', die cuts and all sorts of bits and pieces from the 'Hunkydory' Decadent Days and Glamorous Nights design range.

All I want to know is this ... the 'cardstock', (which is 300gsm), consists of A4 printed sheets, where (for example) there may be a decorative/foiled border down the left hand side or along the top/bottom, a coloured printed background and an image (reflecting the die cut images) in the bottom right-hand corner ... an image that in some case is approx 8cm x 4cm. So - am I supposed to just fold it and use it 'as is' - which seems an almost criminal waste since half the beautiful design would then be on the back of the card - or would you normally, select various elements and stick them to something less weighty, using the borders and 'left over' pieces as embellishments on other cards?

I did warn you it was a stupid question!

 

There is no such thing as a stupid question

I'm not familiar with that particular product but I am familiar with similar products and from your description it does sound as though the range is designed as a theme which *you* cut out the elements to create a themed designer card on a card blank (lighter weight card you fold yourself, or card 'blanks' available at craft stores).

I found that I acquired/spent quite a bit in the initial stages because I thought the "themed" stuff was the "must have's". I soon learned that, while the themed stuff has its place, using it alongside other items genuinely create that "unique" card. I've also used some of my card crafting goodies for my dolls house and vice versa

Have fun with it though - that is the most important thing! I must say, your friend must have been very appreciative, of whatever it was you did, to give you such a gift!

PS: I have ust found an example using the "Decadent Days ... " theme which may inspire you: Crafting with Hunkydory Crafts (scroll down to the second project)

 

Thank you so much, that's exctly the sort of thing I wanted to know. Despite hours spent 'googling' (and even watching Create and Craft TV!), everyone - including the 'inspiration sheet' which came with the pack, all assumed some pre-knowledge which I sadly lack, even down to knowing what to search for, since I singularly failed to find the site you mention.

My 'card making', if such it can be called, has in the past, been limited to making the odd one-off perhaps for my husband or 'prettying-up' some of the art deco cards from Clintons (to which my daughter is addicted!), but whilst I have plenty of inspiration it's the basic 'mechanics' of a proper kit that, as they say, 'had me beat'. The site you recommend is exactly what I needed and, it would seem, that for the majority of the kits mentioned, they've also started with plain cardstock or blanks.

I'm really grateful ....

 

I know just what you mean about assuming "pre-knowledge"; glad to be of assistance Any more questions, ask away. If I know the answer, I'll be delighted to help