Prob been done before - but where do I start with Cardmaking?

[Lmccrean]

Went to a free class run by local womens forum and methodist church and loved it, but where should I start? I am a little overwhelmed by all the different machines etc. Only planning it for personal stuff, rather than selling them, and am starting with Thank you cards for xmas pressies, and a few cards for sending photos to family abroad...so..

1. Wheres a good, but cheap, place to buy online? (Im in NI, so dont have hobbycraft etc AFAIK) Especially the cards..what price should I be paying for, say 10 cards with envelopes?

2. Whats the most used bit(s) of kit you have ever bought?

Try this place if you are in NI. They have a great cardmakers forum too, have a peep there and Im sure you'll get loads of ideas.
here

My best things,

glittery paper
good pair scissors/craft knife
double sided tape and glue dots,
good ruler
Stamps etc which can be universal, e.g. flowers, wine glasses etc.

Look out at poundland type places, woolworths, elc (or equivalent) for most things. E.g. gift tags, wrapping paper, sequins.

I would also make a list of the cards you need to make this year, and then go from there with regards to buying other stuff, e.g. if you are making wedding cards, you can buy paper/embellishments to go with that.

Also look at other cards on websites, will give you a lot of ideas.

LM... I think Pootle has offered some great advice - think about what you need /want to make and what you will need for them. I'm also a newbie and slowly building up my b&ps. I look at all the sites recommended on here and have purchased a few mags for inspiration. JM always recommends Cara's Crafts so they must be good for purchases . I've just been having a look through their site (again) and made a wish list. Now I have to figure out how to get to the checkout without dh noticing

Thank s for the tips!

Have loads of ideas - and was given a book on it for xmas, and see they have stencils (fiskars?) which look good. Guess pricing around online is the best way to go!

Look at Ebay fro prices as well. Also 'different' things on ebay.

There are loads of good magazines for help/inspiration

I recommend Cara because they have some good starter packs for newbie card makers and the forum is an excellent source of advice....plus the users are a really friendly bunch