How I did it: I have been doing this for years.  As a kid, I would just use scrap paper or construction paper and crayons, markers, or paints.  Over the years I have moved on to using a nice cold press art paper and watercolors.  I first fold and then rip the paper along the folds to get a unique edge, repeating until I get the size piece I want for my cards.  I use Arches cold press 90lb, which is 2x3 feet, but my cards are small, maybe 2x3 inches.  So I get quite a few of them from one sheet.  I tape the cards down with masking tape to create borders and o keep the paper from warping.  Then I use kids watercolors and a lot of water to get nice abstract wash-y effects.  Mine need to dry for a few hours because the paper is so heavy.  I buy envelopes at Staples, but they are larger than my cards.  They work in the mail, so I don't care.  You could also use watercolor paper, oak tag paper, card stock, or a card kit [usually available at arts'n'crafts stores].  Or you can print photos from your computer onto card paper [Staples] if you have card-making software.

Lessons & tips: Start by making holiday or birthday cards for friends and family to find your preferred style and medium.  Watercolor works for me, but you might like collage, printmaking, photography, crayons, etc.  I didn't really love mine until this year, maybe the 12th year I have been consistently doing the watercolors, and I think it was because this year I finally came up with several motifs and copied them for all the cards.  It was less overwhelming than making each card individualized.  It also allowed me to perfect my technique.  Just keep doing it.  That is the best way to learn what you like and what you will be happy with as your creative product.

Resources: Arches cold press 90lb paper.  Prang watercolors.  Water.  Paintbrushes. Masking tape.  Salt for effect.  Practice.

Feb 03, 2009, 12:57PM PST | 0 comments | 1 cheer