Why make handmade cards? 

Because they are fun!  It's that simple! 

I've started stamping several years ago just after I got married.  In the beginning, I got very discouraged because I felt that my cards never looked as good as my mom's cards.  But, I didn't take into account that she had been stamping for several years and there was a time, when her cards too, needed some polishing. 

Now that I've been stamping for several years, my cards have become much more polished.  I recently had one of my cards published in a Paper Crafts magazine as a result.  I've heard many people say to me, 'I wish I could do something like that'.  I'm here to tell you that you can.  Anyone can that wants too.  Yes, even those whom you would think didn't have any 'natural talent' or any 'creativity'.  In this quide, I hope to help inspire you to create for yourself! 

1.  Have a purpose in mind.  Think of an event or an occasion for someone that you'd like to create a card for.  It can be overwhelming if you don't have a specific purpose. 

2.  Get inspiration.  I like to look at other's work to see what they've done.  This always helps to inspire my own creativity.  Even after years of stamping, I still am looking through magazines, books, web sites and pages, and even on eBay itself for ideas. 

Friends are also a great source of inspiration.  Perhaps you know someone who has been making cards for awhile that would like to get with you to show what they've done.  That's a great way to get feedback when you're getting started.

Many people may have workshops you can attend in which you can learn hands-on from the instructor and from those around you.  Be sure to attend one of those if you have an opportunity.

3.  Purchase your supplies.  A lot of people get overwhelmed about creating their own cards because they feel the initial cost is just too much!  I'm here to tell you that it's not.  YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY OUT THE WHOLE STORE RIGHT NOW!  Just start by getting only the supplies you need (from the example you have chosen).  If you're not sure what to get, ask someone at the store.  If you're stamping a card, you would most likely want to purchase a stamp, an ink pad or two of your choice, papers, a paper cutter, any embellishments you'd like to add (such as ribbon, brads, eyelets, etc...), and adhesive.  That's all! 

4.  Practice!  We've all heard the saying that 'practice makes perfect', right?   Well, it might not make perfection, but it does make you better and better the more you do.  In fact, some of my best cards have been created from my 'oopsies'.  You just never know until you work at it! 

5.  Don't give up!  Along the road, you will get discouraged at times that your project is not turning out like you'd like.  But, each time you work at it, you will make yourself better and better.  I promise.  Don't compare yourself to others, just compare yourself to you.  If you do that, you will always be improving and suceeding. 

I hope you have found this guide to be helpful and hope it has inspired you to get started on your own beautiful creations!