Making cards is something I really enjoy doing, I not only find it relaxing but I also love the look on people’s faces when I send them one of my own designs as they know how much time and effort has gone into it.

I have picked up a few tips that may be beneficial to others and I would like to share these with you.

• The most obvious tip and easiest of all is never to throw anything away! Keep any off cuts of paper and card, as these could be useful for future projects and save you money at the same time.

• Store all your off cuts in a craft box. You will find your box of scraps will grow in size over time.

• Keep your eyes open for pictures in magazines, cuts of ribbon, jewels and little embellishments that could later be used to add a finishing touch to one of your designs.

• Organise your punched out shapes so they are ready to use when you need them. Invest in some small containers to store the shapes in. You can label the containers so you know exactly what is inside.
• To keep all your finished cards in mint condition store them in cello bags. These bags will protect them from dirt and grime. The cello bags are also handy should you decide to sell your creations.

• Store rubber stamps away from direct sunlight as this can cause them to deteriorate.
• Ink pads should be stored ink side down, this will make all the ink run to the surface so the ink pad is always ready to use and you can get the most out of it.

• Organise all you peel off stickers into categories to make it easy to find what you need.

• Keep scissors, trimmers and scalpel blades as sharp as you can as there is nothing worse than rough paper edges.

• It is always best to store your scrapbook papers flat. This will ensure that the edges do not become damaged or creased and will keep the papers looking as good as new.
• When using embossing powders, lightly dust the surface you are stamping onto with fine talc, this will ensure the embossing powders only stick to the ink and not the paper or card.

Creating cards is a fun hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone, it is important to keep organised because if your materials end up a jumbled mess you may find you do not want to return to it.