Cardmaking Techniques Glossary

Welcome to the enchanting world of cardmaking, where creativity knows no bounds! Whether you're a seasoned card crafter or just dipping your toes into this delightful realm of artistic expression, having a trusted guide at your side can make all the difference. Experiment with these techniques, mix and match them, and let your creativity flow to produce unique and heartfelt cards for any occasion.

Fussy Cutting

Fussy cutting, a term that has its origins in the world of quilting, has become a cherished technique in the realm of paper crafting and cardmaking. It involves the precision of cutting out intricate designs or specific elements from patterned paper or stamped images to create beautifully customised and detailed embellishments for your projects. Using the term is often a way of distinguishing between die-cutting using a machine or cutting by hand.

Matting & Layering

Matting and layering are fundamental techniques in cardmaking that involve stacking and combining different paper elements to create depth, dimension, and visual interest in your card designs. These techniques can enhance the overall appearance of your cards, making them look more professional and appealing.

Layering, as the name suggests, involves stacking multiple paper or cardstock layers on top of one another to create a multi-dimensional effect. For more complex card designs, layering can include interactive elements like pop-up mechanisms or hidden messages beneath flaps.

Matting refers to the practice of framing a card element, such as a stamped image, sentiment, or focal point, with a slightly larger piece of cardstock or paper called a "mat." The mat is typically a different colour or pattern from the background and the element it surrounds.

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Stamping

Stamping is a foundational and versatile technique in cardmaking that involves transferring images, patterns, or text onto paper or cardstock using ink and a stamp. This technique allows cardmakers to add decorative elements, sentiments, and designs to their cards. Stamps are usually made of rubber or clear polymer. There are different types of ink pads available, including dye ink, pigment ink, and specialty inks like embossing or archival ink. The choice of ink depends on the desired effect and the type of paper you're using.

Stencilling

Stenciling involves applying ink or another medium, like textured paste, through a stencil. When the stencil is lifted, it reveals a pattern or design on the paper or card, created where the openings in the stencil allowed the ink to make contact with the surface. Stenciling is commonly used to create decorative backgrounds for cards. You can layer stenciled patterns or combine different stencils for unique backgrounds that complement your card's theme. Stencils can also be used to create central focal points on your cards, especially when combined with die-cut shapes or stamped images.

Ink Blending

Ink blending is the technique of seamlessly transitioning between different coloured inks using blending tools. This method aims to achieve a smooth and gradual shift from one colour to another. Various types of inks, such as stamp inks, Distress Oxides, or Distress Inks, can be employed to execute this technique effectively. Whether you're looking to create serene, pastel skies for a landscape card or vibrant, eye-catching backgrounds for a birthday card, mastering the art of ink blending opens up a world of creative possibilities in your cardmaking projects.

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Embossing

Embossing is a prominent and versatile technique in cardmaking that adds texture, dimension, and elegance to handmade cards. It involves creating raised or recessed designs on paper or cardstock, often with heat and embossing powders or with dry embossing folders and machines.

Heat embossing is the most common type of embossing in cardmaking. It involves the use of embossing powders and a heat source, typically an embossing heat gun.

Dry Embossing Dry embossing, also known as pressure embossing, is done with embossing folders and embossing machines (like a die-cutting and embossing machine).

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Die Cutting

Die cutting stands as a pivotal and adaptable technique within cardmaking. It involves cutting out intricate shapes, designs, or patterns from paper or cardstock using specialised cutting dies and a die-cutting machine. This technique allows cardmakers to create precise and detailed elements for their handmade cards. Die cutting is commonly used to create card elements such as focal points, embellishments, frames, and sentiments. For example, you can die-cut flowers, stars, or intricate lace borders to enhance your card designs.

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Digital Die Cutting

Digital die cutting is a modern and technology-driven technique in the realm of crafting. It involves using an electronic die-cutting machine, often connected to a computer or digital device, to precisely cut out intricate shapes, designs, or patterns from various materials such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and more. Digital die-cutting machines, also known as electronic cutters, are automated devices equipped with a motorised cutting blade or tool. It works similar to a printer following instructions of where to cut the card or paper. You can create and resize your own bespoke designs. Popular brands include Cricut, and Brother ScanNCut.

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Paper Piecing

Paper piecing is a creative and artistic technique used to enhance card designs by layering and assembling small pieces of paper or cardstock to create intricate patterns, images, or embellishments. This technique offers cardmakers a way to add depth, and intricate patterns to their handmade cards, resulting in beautifully detailed and visually striking creations. Paper piecing allows for extensive customisation, enabling cardmakers to experiment with various colours, and textures.

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Foiling

Foiling, is a decorative technique that adds a touch of elegance and shine to handmade cards. It involves applying a thin layer of metallic or holographic foil to specific areas of the card design, creating a stunning and reflective effect. Foiling can be used to highlight sentiments, embellishments, patterns, or entire card backgrounds, and it's a popular choice for creating cards with a luxurious and sophisticated appearance. You can use special attachments for digital die-cutting machines, foiling pens or machines specifically designed for hot foiling.

Decoupage

Decoupage is a creative technique that involves layering and adhering multiple paper, fabric elements and various other decorative elements to create a three-dimensional and textured design on handmade cards. It's a lovely technique that can build height to your cards by adding in layers with foam pads in between the layers. It's very simple and many people do without realising they’re doing it.

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Embellishing

Embellishing, refers to the creative process of adding decorative elements, enhancements, or finishing touches to handmade cards to make them more visually appealing and personalised. These embellishments can take many forms and serve to enhance the card's overall design, theme, and aesthetic. Cardmakers use a variety of materials and techniques to embellish their cards such as small paper flowers, sequins or coloured gems for example.

Shop Embellishments

In the world of cardmaking, the techniques explored here are just the beginning of a vast and inspiring creative journey. From the intricate art of embossing to the vibrant world of ink blending and the dimensional allure of decoupage, these techniques offer endless opportunities for crafting unique and heartfelt cards. So, grab your supplies, let your imagination soar, and enjoy the fulfilling world of cardmaking.

Happy Crafting!