If you make your own cards, or have tried, then you know how important having the right tools can be. Many craft shops and retailers sell everything you need to get started!

Materials:
Cardstock. You cant use just any paper to make cards. The base should be a heavy cardstock, so cards can be displayed by the reciever.  cardstock comes in every size and color you can imagine.  make sure the label on the package or shelf says CARDSTOCK

Paper. You may want to embellish your cards with a smaller cut of colored paper. Vellum is another option. Vellum is usually translucent or shiny, and makes a great embellishment on your card.


Scissors. Scissors are an important tool. You need to cut and trim your paper, dont you? BUT, scissors arent just for cutting anymore!  you can also use them to decorate your card.  there are scissors out there that cut in Patterns, and this makes creating scalloped edges to your cards fast and simple.

Embellishments. This category has fewer guidlines. You can use almost ANYTHING to embellish your cards. clay, foam, buttons, lace, flowers, paper, stickers, stamps.... just about anything as long as it is small enough and light enough not to weigh down your cardstock, and fit into an envelope.

Envelopes. If you dont have the right type of envelope, or want another color, but dont want to pay the retail prices for them, see your local Hallmark, Walmart, K.mart, or any other large retailer that sells thousands of cards per week.     Usually, at the end of the week, they have LEFTOVER envelopes. there is nothing wrong with these! they are just extra.  People buy cards and forget to take the envelopes, or the card manufacturer sends extra because sometimes they get ruined or dirty and they want to make sure there is enough.    And they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.  They are actually higher quialty than the ones you will pay alot for!!!   And, if the retailer asks you for ANY money at all for the extras, it will be much lower than retail.

Adhesives.  there are also different types of adhesives you can use for your cards.  Elmers glue can be used in extremely small amounts. (EXTREMELY.... no globs please!)   There are ZOTS.... glue dots. you just press on your paper or embellishment, and stick, thats all there is too it, so simple,and yet they stick really really well.  Acid free glue sticks are my favorite.  you can use alot of it or a little and you still get a nice even stick.  just make sure there are no CHUNKS under your paper. they will show up.  Mod Podge puzzle saver is a nice adhesive, but it dries glossy, so dont get any where you dont want it.

Paper cutter.   You may want to invest in a good paper cutter for good, even, smooth cuts. it gives a much nicer finshed product than cutting by hand.


 Heres another tip (AND a good self promo lol)   There are many different embellishments available on EBAY every day.  if you just dont feel like you have the time, patience, or ability to create your own toppers and embellishments, buy some readymade ones and spruce them up a bit. Your card will turn out looking homey, handmade, and wonderful!

One last thing. Please please store all your paper and cardstock in something plastic or acid free..... shoeboxes arent acid free, and if you leave your paper products in storage lik that, they will be discolored the next time you wanna use em!