[TwoBubbas]

Hi,

For a while now I've been getting interested in cardmaking and scrapbooking (doing alot of browsing around my local Spotlight!). I've made a few cards (very basic) with my little girl and it is something we like doing together and that I also like doing on my own. I love giving handmade things to people and think they have so much more meaning.

I'm a bit stuck with a few things. I would love some tips from experienced cardmakers and scrapbookers on how they got started..
- where is the best place (magazines, websites etc.) to learn techniques and the products available etc?
- how did you learn how to do it? Self taught?
- what basic tool and equipment are pretty much essentials when starting out?
- where is the best place to buy papers and other materials. I only really know of Spotlight and have seen lots of websites but what sites are really good?

I can imagine this becoming quite an expensive addiction, but do think the things that you can produce are so lovely! I really look forward to getting some tips from you all.

Many thanks..

[Tracey2]

I have been scrapbooking for about 6 years. It can be quite expensive but the outcome is truly beautiful and something that you can hand down to your children.

The most essential things you will need is a cutter (this is where you slide a blade down a track to get a straight cut) and your adhesive. I use double sided tape as there is no drying time needed.

Then it is all about paper and emblishements (pretty things that you use to sick on a page).

Spotlight of cause has a big range, there is also Lincraft, Kmart and Big W. Do a google search for your local scrapbooking store.

There are magazines that you can buy covering all types of cardmaking and scrapbooking.

There are 100's & 100's of great scrapbooking sites on the internet. Also youtube for video tutorials.

Remember you can never make a mistake with scrapbooking! If something doesn't look right or something just stick a flower or some other emblishment over it!!!

[ssorrrento]

I've bought cardmaking magazines when they have 3 in a pack for the same price and use them for inspiration - I keep coming back to them for ideas because they're pretty current, so they've been worth it. I've got books from the library for techniques, although I don't do anything fancy anyway. The books tend to be dated for designs, but the techniques are universal. And the internet is great for ideas.

I tend to go Spotlight, KMart and cheapie shops for bits and pieces. It's easy to buy on a budget but still look like you've spent a lot if you choose well. I don't do the proper scrapbooking shops as I can't justify the cost. I try to buy thinking of how many different uses I can have for a product, rather than for a single project.

I buy hole punches when they're on special at spotlight, but make sure I chose very versatile ones. I've bought a few stamps recently, but again, make sure I can get a lot of use out of them.

I print sentiments onto nice paper instead of using rub ons. You can download some great fonts for free.

And I often re purpose cards we've received, cutting elements and saving them for future projects.

Essentials - cardstock, papers, a paper cutter, or cutting mat, metal rule and craft knife. Double sided tape.
In my boxes I've also got different colours and shaped brads, beads, glittery threads, foam shapes, 3D embellishments, stars, rub ons, stamps, inks, glitter, ribbons, tape, 3D tape, glue spots, edgers, scissors that cut different shapes, stickers.........I'm sure there's heaps more, but I can't think right now.

I'm self taught, but I've always been creative, so it's a natural progression.

Have fun and just play around. Take photo's of every card, and you'll soon see how you're developing.

[eeyorebaby]

Oh we could probably all talk for hours! What state are you in so we can direct you. I may even be able to let you know someone who is offering some intro classes depending on where you live.

I will pm you some websites to look at re techniques and ideas later on....be prepared to spend lots of time looking!

It's such a great hobby. I still regularly see mums from mums group who craft with me and mum is also involved so we have all continued and developed our friendship over our shared interest.

[sallan]

Hy twobubbas,
come on over and join the cardswapping group. we have finished for 2012 but new monthly challenges will begin again jan 1st 2013.
Sal-card swap coordinator

[TwoBubbas]

Thank you so much for your replies to my post. It's been ages, and I had to put everything on the back burner due to some pretty major financial stress. Things are on the way up now, so I'm venturing back to cardmaking again. Can't wait!