Creative Thinking We all give people greeting cards and wrap up gifts throughout the year All those cards and rolls of wrapping paper can be expensive And sometimes you just can't find cards or giftwrap that you really like Why not try making them instead Get the Gear For making cards and wrapping paper you need basic art and craft materials such as card stock paper pens and pencils paint glue and scissors Some projects use a bit of fabric or felt and a few beads or buttons You may have most of these things at home If not craft stores discount stores and stationery stores sell them quite cheaply For help with finding particular items see the equipment tips on page 30 Why Do It Besides saving money creating your own cards and giftwrap makes them unique and special Plus it's fun to do If you really enjoy it maybe you could even become a designer one day safety a o o o g 99 8 99 99 9 0 Remember to keep sharp scissors craft knives string and buttons away from small children s Happy Birthday
Get well soon Tip You can often reuse and recycle things when you're making cards Keep old magazines giftwrap boxes fabric scraps buttons and bits of ribbon to use when you need them O o O 0 O O 0 Tip Store all your craft gear in a shoebox or plastic container along with finished cards and wrapping paper that are ready to
R Basic Card Making Making a basic card isn't difficult but it will look best if you follow these tips Decorate it using one of the ideas on page 7 or use it for one of the other card projects in this book Get the Gear If possible use paper and i envelopes that fit together so I I that when the card is folded in half it will fit in the envelope Thin white or colored card stock ideally in small sheets half letter size is good Envelope Ruler Pencil Scissors oGlue Paper pens paints photos or other materials for decorating Tip If the paper isn't a good fit first measure your envelope and mark a rectangle on the card that is about 2 in 1 cm shorter and narrower than the envelope Add another rectangle the same size next to it and cut the whole shape out I Lay your card stock flat and I I find the middle by measuring i it Place the ruler along the middle line and score it by i running the blunt outer edge I of your scissors along it I pressing on the paper gently
I You should now be able L to fold your card neatly along the scored line NI Your design will go 1 here on the front i of the card I Check that your card fits I into your envelope and i you re ready to go Tip You can also buy ready made blank cards and envelopes at craft stores I ID Ideas for Decorating a Basic Card Draw or paint a picture cut it out and stick it to the front of your card IT I Glue on a paper or fabric shape small buttons or sequins Use a rubber stamp and ink to decorate your card 1 Cut out a photo and glue it to the front of your card aw Happy Valentine's Day Happy
