What do I need to start card making?

[wetweekend]

I would love to make my own cards...

What are the basic essentials and where is the best place to get them?

Avoid hobbycraft as its expensive BUT it is good to have a mooch about & see what you need. Loads of high street shops sell card blanks/envelopes now. You may be best starting with card kits - that give you everything you need to make a few cards. Lakeland do good kits that will let you see if you like card making before buying loads of stuff.

Ebay is a good bet for cheap stuff, I find. The Works is also worth a gander, as is The Paper Mill if you have one nearby.

To start- card!! I started (and still by ) pre-creased, and though it is more expensive if you're not sure about keeping it up it's neater than a simple fold and cheaper in the short term than a creaser. WH Smiths sell packs of card blanks, or E Bay.

Then it depends on what you want togo with- I like stamping and embossing and quilling, others like die cuts. Lots start with peel off stickers and go from there.

Have a look t the Do Crafts website gallery, they ahev loads of ideas. Then you might do well buying a copy of quick cards amde easy- a great beginners magazine.

If you want online, Jillcrafts are sensibly priced and reliable, as is www.cardmaking.crafts.co.uk for embellishments- the bits you stick on.

Oh and don't forget glue.... something like a pritt stick and something stronger for bulkier items, I like Anita's glue myself.

The Range is quite good too.

Wow - thanks for your help. I was wondering about getting a card kit just to start out and see what I can do. I think I'll try that and get a copy of quick cards made easy then have a look around some of the shops peachyclair mentioned. Will look at those websites too & see about getting some embellishments.

Thanks - I'm looking forward to getting started. Pritt stick at the ready !

Lots of money and lots more money for when you get hooked

Asda & Tesco sell bits of things, get a pack of cheap A4 card to practise on.

u can get lots of things from argos too these days. Personally i would start small and then if you like it (some don't- wierdo's ) you can get a "stash".Card, envelopes, different kinds of paper, things to stick on the pretty paper, rubber stamps, embossing kits...the list is endless have fun

I started by making a cheapy 'stash' of anything I could lay my hands on! Bits cut from other cards or tags or anything pretty then mounted on card blanks with either writing or peel off stickers is a great way to start.
Become a magpie! Bits of ribbon from crackers, postage stamps for a "thinking of you" card - anything!!

[by the way, I mainly send my homemade cards to my gran ]

Agree with lots of money! QVC are worth a look - not everything they sell is cheaper but you can send it back in 30 days if you dont like it - you can make a lot of cards in 30 days

Oh and I found it useful to get some parercrafting mags - they give you ideas which then give you ideas on what to buy. And they often have a nice free gift like a pack of stickers or peeloffs.