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POSTED: Friday, October 31, 2008

Bills and junk mail inundate our mailboxes every day. But once in a while, people find a pleasant surprise—a greeting card—within the stacks of dreary envelopes.

Naoko Page tries to make this happen for people on a regular basis by creating an array of handmade cards for all sorts of occasions.

In the next few weeks she will host several holiday-related classes on making special greeting cards or simple stamp projects like calendars or gift bags. Taking the time to create something handmade shows someone you care, she explained. “;When we finish a card or project, we always say that it needs to be for someone special.”;

A “;modern-day sewing circle”; is how Page describes her card-making classes. “;We get together regularly,”; she said. “;When we make these kinds of things, we receive instant gratification, and we really like seeing each other's stuff.”;

Page is a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, one in an international network of 40,000 who sell the line of card-making supplies such as paper, rubber stamps, punches and ink.

“;Seeing someone get excited about a card they made or a scrapbook page they created is so great,”; she said. “;I love to share my stamping ideas, teach others new tips and techniques.”;

Page searches catalogs and Web sites for color ideas. “;We usually make our own designs by playing around.”;

But it can be difficult for beginners to deal with layout and color schemes, said Sonya Oshiro, another independent distributor. “;People like the classes because they don't have to create their own designs. Those that are creative also get to come and put their own personal touch by changing it up a little, as well.”;

Oshiro got into card-making through scrapbooking. “;I started card-making and found it was easier and faster than scrapbooking, so I focused on that. I personally love receiving handmade cards, and some of my best presents at Christmas are the handmade ones.”;

Lorinne Nakahata also was hooked by the ease of the hobby, although at first she wasn't sure she had the time. “;I work six days a week as a nurse,”; she explained. “;But, I really love stamping. ... I joined to be a part of the group. It's been a stress reliever for my busy life.”;

Getting started usually involves some basic purchases such as a paper cutter and scorer, card stock, stamp pads, adhesive, rubber stamps and some embellishments such as ribbon and brads.

“;When people first get started, we suggest getting everything they need for one specific project,”; Oshiro said. This can cost about $100 but will provide some items that can be used on future projects.

In the classes, participants pay for their materials, but some items, such as punches and stamps, are shared, allowing crafters to try out new things and see what they like.

Serious card-makers eventually find themselves making a significant investment in supplies, but Page doesn't think about cost. “;Some people love shoes and handbags, but we spend our money on this stuff.”;

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Naoko Page provided these instructions for two holiday projects. They call for the purchase of specialty tools used in scrapbooking and card-making, available at craft-supply stores. Those who aren't ready to invest in these tools can simplify these designs—for example, forgo the scalloped circles and heat-embossed embellishment—then use scissors and glue or double-stick tape instead of punches, paper cutters and heat tools.

 

Snow-Swirled Card

12-by-4 1/4 inch piece dark brown card stock
3 1/4 -by-4 inch piece blue card stock
2 3/4 -by-4 inch piece blue card stock
2-by-2 inch piece white card stock
6-by-1 1/2 inch piece white card stock
Glitter embossing powder
2 1/2 inch square piece dark brown card stock
1 rhinestone brad
3 inches silver cord
17 inches blue striped grosgrain ribbon
» Tools:
Paper cutter/scorer
2-way tape
Stamp set with snowflake designs
Blue, red, olive-green and Versamark (see note) stamp pads
1 3/4 inch circle punch
Heat tool (see note)
Scallop die
Paper piercer and foam mat
1/16 inch circle punch

Score 12-inch brown cardstock at 3 1/2 inches and 9 inches. Fold pieces in. Attach blue cardstock pieces onto the folded part of the dark brown areas with two-way tape.

Stamp a large snowflake image in blue ink onto the 2-inch piece of white cardstock, then punch it out with the 1 3/4 inch circle punch. Hold punch upside down so you can center your image.

Stamp more snowflake images randomly onto 6-inch piece of white cardstock using blue, red and olive inks.

Holding Versamark pad upside down, stamp directly onto both pieces of white cardstock. Liberally apply glitter embossing powder all over both pieces and shake off excess. Use heat tool to “;melt”; embossing powder.

Cut 6-inch piece of white cardstock at 3 1/4 inches with paper cutter. Attach it toward the top of blue cardstock.

Punch out a large scallop circle from the 2 1/2 inch piece of dark brown cardstock using the scallop die. Adhere the white circle snowflake piece to the scalloped piece. Pierce center of snowflake and attach rhinestone brad.

Punch out a 1/16 inch circle at top of scallop circle and thread a 3-inch silver cord through hole. Tie knot at top of cord.

Wrap grosgrain ribbon around entire card and tie a square knot. Stamp a greeting on the bottom left card in blue ink.

Note: A Versamark pad is a specialty stamping pad with many uses. In this case, it applies a tacky surface that allows the embossing powder to adhere to the card. A heat tool is a wand-like device that radiates heat for embossing. Both are available at craft-supply stores.

 

Holiday Trinkets Gift Card Holder

4-by-11 inch red cardstock
3 3/4 -by-2 3/4 inch designer paper
7 1/2 -by-1 inch designer paper
2-by-2 inch white card stock
2-by-2 inch blue cardstock
Glitter
» Tools:
Paper cutter and scorer
Small corner rounder punch
3/4 inch circle punch
Sticky strips
2-way tape
Stamp with ornament design
Blue stamp pad
Red marker
Scallop circle punch
13/8 inch circle punch
Blender pen
2-way glue pen
Pop dots (adhesive dots)

Score red cardstock at 1 3/4 inch, 47/8 inch and 8-inch marks. Round top corners using small corner rounder punch. Attach 3 3/4 inch piece of designer paper to middle of inside of card, using sticky strips, forming a pocket. Leave right edge open to create a slot for sliding in your gift card. (If desired, punch half a circle in middle of open right edge to make it easy to pull out gift card.)

Close card and wrap remaining designer paper around card, creating a belly band. Use two-way tape to stick ends of belly band together.

Press ornament stamp onto blue stamp pad. Using blender pen, “;erase”; center of ornament. Go over the center image with red marker. Stamp onto white card stock, producing a two-color image.

Punch image out with 13/8 inch circle punch.

Punch out scallop circle from blue cardstock. Attach ornament piece using two-way tape. Go over center image with two-way glue pen and apply glitter. Shake off excess.

Adhere the stamped ornament circle and scallop circle onto belly band using pop dots.

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Create a card

All classes held at Naoko Page's home in Mililani. Call 590-8051. Supplies are included in class costs; light refreshments are served.

Holiday “;Stamp a Stack of Cards”; Classes
The Nov. 5 class is a mini-class where participants create eight cards and envelopes. All other sessions include 12 cards with envelopes.

» Wednesday: 7 to 9 p.m.; $10 (reservation deadline Sunday)

» Nov. 8: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $15 (reservation deadline Sunday)

» Nov. 14: 7 to 10 p.m.; $15 (reservation deadline Wednesday)

» Nov. 30: 9 a.m. to noon; $15 (reservation deadline Nov. 20)

  Calendar class
Made with a CD jewel case

» Nov. 10 or 12: 7 to 9 p.m.; $20 (reservation deadline Monday)

  ”;Wrap it Up”; classes

Create custom gift wrap and bags

» Nov. 19 or 21: 7 to 9 p.m.; $15 (reservation deadline Nov. 9)

  Additional Stampin Up! classes:
» www.stampage.stampinup.net; call 590-8051 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

» www.kaylarylansmom.stampinup.net; call 671-4626 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

» www.stampwithsonya.stampinup.net; call 391-1799 or e-mail sonyanaguwa @hotmail.com

  Ben Franklin classes
» Holiday Card with Ornament: Noon to 12:30 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 6; and 11 to 11:30 a.m Wednesday at all Ben Franklin stores. Free.

» Holiday Card and Stocking Stuffers: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15. Pearl City store. Includes make-it-and-take-it projects and demonstrations. Nominal fee.