Handmade cards are an expression of care and creativity—they’re little pieces of art crafted just for your loved ones! But to create those memorable cards, you need the right materials.
At Wendy Crafts, I’ve dedicated years to exploring and mastering the art of cardmaking, and I’m here to share my passion with you. I’ll share my favorite picks for the best cardmaking supplies, from paper types to embellishments to tools. With the right supplies, you can transform a simple DIY card into a beautiful keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
Best Paper for Homemade Cards
The quality of your handmade cards heavily relies on the paper you choose. Selecting the right cardstock and specialty papers can elevate your designs from simple to stunning.
What is Cardstock?
Cardstock is the foundation of most handmade cards. It’s thicker than regular paper and provides the necessary sturdiness and durability needed for a card.
Understanding the different types and weights of cardstock is crucial for getting those professional-looking results. Popular types of cardstock include:
- Smooth Cardstock: Ideal for stamping and printing, offering a clean, crisp surface. This type is perfect for detailed images and intricate designs.
- Textured Cardstock: Adds visual interest and tactile appeal, perfect for backgrounds and layering. Embossed or linen textured cardstock can elevate simple designs.
- Glitter Cardstock: Adds sparkle and glamour, great for festive cards. Ensure the glitter is adhered well to avoid shedding.
- Metallic Cardstock: Adds a sheen, perfect for elegant designs. Brushed metallic or mirror finish cardstock can create stunning effects.
Weights and Their Uses:
Think of cardstock like fabric—it’s not just about how it looks, but how thick and sturdy it feels. Choosing the best paper for homemade cards often depends on your specific project, so you’ll need to consider the purpose of the card and the desired effect.
- 65lb Cardstock: A good option for layering and die cutting. It is a lighter-weight cardstock that will add dimension without adding a lot of bulk.
- 80lb Cardstock: Excellent for layering and die-cutting, providing flexibility without being too flimsy. It’s versatile and easy to work with.
- 110lb Cardstock: Ideal for card bases, offering a sturdy foundation. This weight ensures your cards stand upright and maintain their shape.
Essential Cardmaking Supplies
Specialty Papers
Beyond cardstock, specialty papers open up a world of creative possibilities. These papers can add unique textures, visual effects, and a touch of elegance to your handmade cards. Some of the most popular specialty papers for cardmaking include:
Vellum
Vellum is a translucent paper that brings a soft, elegant, and ethereal quality to cardmaking. Its delicate appearance makes it perfect for creating overlays, adding depth, and softening harsh lines. Vellum can be used to create “windows,” layers for photos, or subtle background elements.
Patterned Paper
With patterned paper, you get fantastic designs right at your fingertips, making cardmaking way easier and instantly adding that “wow” factor. Use patterned paper for backgrounds, borders, or as focal points with eye-catching designs. For a consistent aesthetic, match your pattern selections to the card’s theme and color coordination.
Handmade Paper
There’s something really special about using handmade paper to give cards a lovely, natural feel with different textures and fibers. You can find handmade papers through local artisan shops or online specialty retailers. Handmade paper is ideal for rustic or nature-themed cards when used as a card base or as accent pieces.
Where to Buy Cardstock and Paper
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, knowing where to find quality materials can make all the difference. There are a lot of places to find what you need—from big online shops to your friendly neighborhood craft store and even little specialty shops that have the really cool stuff!
Some of my favorite supply spots are:
- Online Retailers: Amazon, Scrapbook.com, and other online stores offer a wide selection of cardmaking supplies at competitive prices. Online retailers often have sales and discounts that make it easy to stock up on items.
- Local Craft Stores: Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabrics, and similar stores provide hands-on access to various papers. I love being able to see and feel the paper before purchasing.
- Specialty Paper Stores: These shops often carry unique and high-quality papers for specific projects. They may also offer expert advice for choosing the right paper for your cards.
If you want your cardmaking ideas to come to life, you’ve got to have the right tools and materials. Beyond cardstock and paper, a card crafting arsenal includes a variety of adhesives, cutting tools, and embellishments. These are the kinds of supplies that make your crafting flow smoother and really bump up the quality of your handmade cards.
- Adhesives: Glue sticks, liquid glue, and tape runners.
- Cutting tools: Scissors, paper trimmers, craft knives, and cutting mats.
- Embellishments: Stickers, gems, glitter, ribbons, twine, washi tape, stamps, and ink pads.
Creative Cardmaking Ideas
Getting creative with cardmaking means trying out all sorts of techniques and finding themes that spark your interest. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, there’s always something new to discover.
Let’s dive into some creative cardmaking ideas that will inspire your next project and help you craft memorable handmade cards.
DIY Card Ideas for Beginners
For those new to cardmaking, starting with simple techniques builds confidence and creativity. Simple layering is a great way to begin, using different cardstock colors and patterns to create depth and visual interest. Focus on coordinating colors and patterns to ensure a harmonious design.
The stamping technique is another excellent idea for beginners that allows you to create focal points and backgrounds easily. Consider masking techniques by covering part of your card or designs to create layered stamped images for a more intricate look.
Die-cutting machines are also beginner-friendly, enabling you to create intricate shapes and designs effortlessly. If you emboss the cut-outs, they create this amazing raised texture that makes your cards look really professional. If you’re looking for simple projects with just a few supplies, Wendy Crafts has tutorials on handmade and homemade cards to get you started.
Advanced Cardmaking Techniques
As you become more comfortable with cardmaking, exploring advanced techniques can unlock new creative possibilities. Watercoloring adds vibrant colors and unique effects to your cards—use watercolor paper for the best results.
If you want to make your cards really pop, try mixed media techniques. Use fabric, buttons, wood cutouts, or whatever else catches your eye—it’ll give your cards a totally unique look and feel.
Pop-up cards create designs with elements that pop up when opened, offering a delightful surprise for the recipient. There are special pop-up dies and templates that make the whole process a breeze for making impressive, eye-catching cards.
Homemade Card Inspiration
If you want to make cards that mean something to someone, you’ve got to find that spark of inspiration first. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Birthday cards: Use bright colors and festive embellishments to celebrate the special occasion. Add personalized messages and photos to make the card even more memorable.
- Thank you cards: Let your gratitude shine with elegant designs and heartfelt inscriptions. Consider using calligraphy or hand lettering to add a personal touch.
- Holiday cards: Showcase seasonal themes and festive holiday colors. Use foil accents and glitter to add sparkle and shine.
For more DIY card inspiration for all occasions, check out Wendy Crafts’ on Instagram!
Tips for Choosing the Best Cardmaking Supplies
As you get ready to dive into the exciting world of cardmaking, here are some pointers to help you set the stage for fun and inspiring paper crafting.
- Consider your budget and crafting frequency: Be honest about how much time you’ll have for making cards, and then buy accordingly.
- Start with basic supplies: Start with cardmaking supplies that can be used for multiple projects. Gradually add specialty items as you branch out into new techniques and styles.
- Invest in quality tools: Quality tools last longer and provide better results. Look for tools with ergonomic designs.
- Explore different brands: Try new products and brands to find your favorites. Read reviews and compare prices for the best deals.
Unleash Your Creativity
Once you discover how easy it is to create gorgeous handmade cards that make people say “wow,” you’ll never look at store-bought cards the same way again! By using the best cardmaking supplies and playing around with various techniques, you can create stunning cards that recipients will love and treasure.
Ready to start crafting? Visit my Wendy Crafts YouTube channel for more tutorials and inspiration. And follow me on Instagram for daily crafting tips and ideas!