The following is a list of the very basic equipment needed for you to start card making. Card & Paper Assortment, Card Blanks, Embellishments, Craft knife, Cutting Mat preferably with marked grid lines, Bright Table Light, Large Scissors and small scissors for card & paper cutting, Glue Sticks, Glue Dots, Double Sided Sticky Tape, Metal Ruler, Tweezers, Card Scorer & Folder, Punches, Peel Off Greetings & Decorative Edgings + Corners, Envelopes, Polybags (if you are thinking of reselling your cards) , Storage Containers.

As you progress you will find a paper and card trimmer, although an expensive outlay, will be invaluable.

Common Card Sizes: A4 card measures 210mm x 297 (8.1/4" x 11.3/4") fits C4 envelope / polybag A4 cut/ folded in half becomes A5 148mm x 210mm (5 7/8" x 8 ¼") fits C5 envelope / polybag A5 cut/ folded in half become A6 105mm x 148mm (4 1/8" x 5 7/8") fits C6 envelope / polybag DL 110mm x 220 mm fits DL envelope / polybag

Common Envelope Sizes: Available 'off the shelf' C5 162mm x 229mm C6 114 mm x 162 mm = 6 x 4 Card blank 133 mm x 184 mm = 7 x 5 Card blank 125 mm x 175 mm 130 mm x 130 mm = 5 x 5 Card blank 155 mm 155 mm = 6 x 6 Card blank DL 110 mm x 220 mm

Choosing your card blank: You can fold your own card but care needs to be taken to score and fold your card accurately. Always choose your envelope before folding your own card. Nothing more annoying than to spend time making a wonderful card to then find you have not got an envelope to fit it. Textured cards often feel and look more professional . Smooth cards allow for embossing. Think about your card design before deciding on what size shape card you need. Place your design on your card without actually sticking it down to see how it looks and if anything needs adding or removing. Aperture Cards are two fold - three panelled cards with a cut out on the front panel. Most pre packed cards will come pre scored and folded with envelopes to fit. When choosing a card blank or mount ask the GSM weight, (which is the thickness of the board) , Anything less than 235 gsm will be flimsy and paper like. Ideally you need card between 250 and 305 gsm. It is better to pay more for your card and get quality than it is to skimp on cost and end up with a cheap looking card.

Card problems: Card buckles or bends. Normally caused by loading too much into the design Check the weight (gsm) of your card blank, anything under 250 gsm will not be suitable. Glue soaks though card blank. Card blank weight low, or using too much glue, Use a higher gsm card blank (250+) or use sticky foam pads as an alternative means of fixing Objects will not stay stuck to card blank. Incorrect card blank used, some card has a very smooth or coated finish ideal for printing and stamping but not for mounting objects.

Card Making tips: Use co-ordinated colours and try not to use any more than 3 colours on a card.Layer or mat to give your card that professional look. Layering or Matting" means adding a complimentary or contrasting layer below your main focal point, cut slightly bigger than the focal point to "frame" it and draw the eye onto it . Additional layers/mats are made by cutting yet another contrasting piece a few mm's larger again to 'frame' the first 'frame' you made. Mirror card looks very effective for this method, as your final 'frame'. Make sure that you are careful when cutting layers - straight edges and exact corners are a "must" for a good looking card. Seek out visual triangles." Images in odd number groups (3,5,7...) are most pleasing. Don`t "overdo" a card. Stop layering and colouring before it looks like "too much." Remember, sometimes less is more. Visit card shops and take a look at what other people do, and take ideas from what you see and like, maybe its only a small part of a design that you then can build on.

Anniversaries: 1st Paper 2nd Cotton 3rd Leather 4th Linen 5th Wood 6th Iron 7th Wool 8th Bronze 9th Pottery 10th Tin/Aluminium 11th Steel 12th Silk 13th Lace 14th Ivory 15th Crystal 20th China 25th Silver 30th Pearl 35th Coral 40th Ruby 45th Sapphire 50th Gold 55th Emerald 60th Diamond