Big Book of Cardmaking Answers

We all have questions about papercraft that we’d love to know the answers to – well now you can. Our bumper compendium of crafting Q&As will provide solutions to all those niggling queries, as well the questions you didn’t even know you needed to ask! We’ve rounded up the best papercrafters in the business to share their knowledge about the latest techniques and tried and tested products as well as inspiring you with fresh ideas and new approaches to old dilemmas. Whether you’re looking to buy new kit for your stash, want more from your die-cuts or are searching for different ways to use your stamps, follow their handy hints and you’ll be well on your way to crafting success. P.S. Turn to page 83 to find 16 gorgeous papers you can…

Q What can I do with my die-cutter other than cutting shapes for cards? Cutting embellishments for cards is just one of a multitude of things you can do with your diecutter. You can cut apertures for cards, emboss surfaces such as paper, vellum and foil to create raised patterns and make layers for découpage among other things. But die-cutters aren’t just for cardmaking. You can use them to make boxes, toys, table centres, wedding favours, Christmas crackers and pretty much anything else you set your mind to. There are loads of tutorials you can find online to give you inspiration. Start by looking at the websites of the brand of die-cutter you have – they will be packed with ideas on how to use their dies. You can also see…

Q How can I use my die-cutter to make 3D flowers, and what can I use them for other than to embellish my cards ? Learn How IN 8 EASY STEPS There are so many different types of flowers you can cut with your diecutter and so many different ways to present them. Have you ever thought about turning your paper flowers into wearable art? We think the layered rose dies used to make the flowers here are extra special, so follow our steps to find out how to turn them into a fantastic brooch. It’s a great gift that you can send in the post to someone with a handmade card, but we get a sneaky suspicion you’ll find it hard to part with! YOU WILL NEED _ My Favourite Things Die-namics die…

Q How can I make a colourful card for a girl who’s not very girly? Not all girls love pink! And that doesn’t mean that you have to go for muted tones. Try making a colourful panel from strips of bright card that acts as a background for your design. To make the panel here, cut strips of card in bold, clashing shades, then stick them together using double-sided tape. Stamp a small design, like the butterfly image shown here, randomly over the front of the panel using black ink, then mount the panel onto black card and trim to leave a narrow border. Stick this to a white base card and add a greeting below for a stylish, yet bright birthday greeting. You can create different effects using different paper…

Q How can I change the look of my stamped images through colouring to get more use from my stamps? Changing your colour palette is a fantastic way to give your stamps two very different looks – you’ll be amazed at how one image can be transformed with a totally different appeal. The two cards here are both coloured with Copic markers and both have the same basic layout, but by changing the colours, shading and backgrounds you can produce two designs with different feels that are perfect for two different occasions. YOU WILL NEED _ Copic Ciao Twin Tip Markers For Tan puppies: E40, E41, E42 (beige shades), BG10, BG11, BG12 (teal shades), R81, RV000 (pink shades), C9, C3, C1, C0 (black and grey shades), Blender 0. For Black puppies: C9, C7,…

Q How easy is quilling to do – can crafting beginners give it a go? Quilling, like all techniques, can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. The technique is a way of creating paper patterns using precut narrow strips of paper that are rolled, shaped and glued. It is quite easy to roll tight coils using a special quilling tool, and you can buy readyfringed quilling papers to make pretty flowers quickly and easily. The filigree patterns and shapes are more advanced as you need to be able to control the size of loose coils and then pinch to create specific shapes. Start with simple petal shapes to make 3D flowers for your cards and papercraft projects, then once you have got to grips with…