Starting out at cards (bit long sorry)

[Lulabell]

Ok, I've been so interested by all the card making chat that i've decided to give it a go. Luckily my dad was an art director who sadly doesnt have much time for art at the mo, so I so far have for free: cutting mats, metal rules, scalpels, craft knives, guillotine, bone folder and assorted lovely pencils etc. BUT I'm CP at drawing so wont be creating anything with just that lot. I need a few (must not spend too much on new craft) items which will mean i can start making lovely cards. What would people recommend?
Also, where's a good place to buy lots of cheap, but lovely, plain coloured card? I dont want anything fancy or textured, just a few nice colours.
Many thanks in advance!
ps. no-one is to suggest a sizzix machine - they sound far too good!

[Dingle]

IMO one of the best places for card is The Paper Mill shop, you can fill a box for a set amount( not 100% but it's something like £3.99 for A5 and £6.99 for A4)
here is some more info on them

[stitch]

i cant draw wither, but i think i have been making passable cards.
actually the ones where i try to draw are the crap ones
layer on different bits. use some peel offs and stickers, ribbons etc. cut out motifs from old christmas/birthday cards. etc etc.

dd had an invite from a spiderman mad child. for his card i cut out the spiderman from the invitation, stuck onto the card blank, went round iti n black marker, and that was it. no complaints.

[Lulabell]

Hi, thanks very much for that! I think i was overwhelmed by the amazing cards on display so forgot i could start so simple, will have a go at layering some stuff.

Dingle, is the paper mill just a proper shop or do they have a website? Can I order on line?

Thanks again

[Dingle]

No unfortunately The Paper Mill shop isn't an online shop.... Is there one any where near you?

[Lulabell]

Doesnt appear to be, no is anywhere else good? Thanks anyway

[jessicaandrebeccasmummy]

Lulabell

Me and DH have just started this and we have found The Range invaluable.... i wasnt going to spend too much either.... YEAH RIGHT! Sizzix machine is on order!

[Lulabell]

Nooo, not sizzix, i really want one!! Must restrain myself until i'm sure i'm going to get good use out of it!
Is the range online?

Thanks for that JARM!

[Lulabell]

Oooh have just been to ELC after someone mentioned they had an art sale and have found some really interesting stuff for about 80p, packs of letters and little flowers etc. Also 10 tubes of pretty coloured glitter glue for £4 and some b'day type stamps for £3.20. Lots of tissue paper too! This is going to be easier than I thought! (am i allowed to name shops on here?)

[jessicaandrebeccasmummy]

no they arent unfortunately, we have one here. Whereabouts are you???
they have stores in ....

Blackburn
Bristol
Cardiff
Cheltenham
Clacton
Colchester
Coventry
Doncaster
Exeter
Gosport
Harlow
Ipswich
Kidderminster
Leeds
Newport
Norwich
Plymouth
Rochdale
Southampton
Southport
Swansea
Wigan

HTH

[Lulabell]

SE London at home and Cambridge at college. I never seem to be in the right place. Thanks anyway though

[champs]

Lulabell - stamps are a good buy, you can get some sets for reasonable prices, go for unmounted ones like see d's, woodware clear ones, rubadubadoo.

[champs]

Lulabell - stamps are a good buy, you can get some sets for reasonable prices, go for unmounted ones like see d's, woodware clear ones, rubadubadoo.

[Lulabell]

Have been looking at stamps Champs so will order a few in and give it ago. Thanks very much everyone!

[champs]

you will soon be addicted... mark my words.. and sprinkle them with glitter

[PeachyClair]

The Works have got some really nice cards at the mo- they also do a fill a box offer. My local one has pearlescent papers, hammered and holographic too.

They're also excellent for other craft stuff, and always good value.

[Whizzz]

Champs - love that line

I was very good today - went in the Paper Mill Shop & didn;t buy anything. Nearlly bought eyelets & a setter though

[champs]

whizzz

you know you want a silent setter..... provo craft.... mmmmmm

[Lulabell]

Champs, thanks so much for the stamps tip. I got some clear magic ones and they're great! Made my first card yesterday and thought it looked quite good for a first attempt (if i do say so myself ). Quick question though, what's the best way to clean stamps after use? The stamping side of mine also felt slightly sticky before use so am nervous about wahing them in case they're meant to be. Thanks so much again
Oh, also, went to our heffer's craft shop to find something to use as pretty backing, got suckered by beautiful silk fibre paper - looks stunning and for £1 per A3 sheet didnt seem to expensive, but I can see it might escalate

[champs]

hiya!! only just seen this
the sticky bit on stamps when just brought is residue. apparently using sticky tape on them removes it.

to clean stamps in between uses you can use baby wipes(alchol free) invest in proper stamp cleaner for good clean ups. theese have rubber conditioner.