There's some debate on what exactly constitutes a 'handmade card' in card circles and this category still includes "the look of a hand-assembled - yet manufactured" card.
The degree to which the handmade card has actually had mechanical manipulation is of course down to the nature of the card and its selling points. There's no doubt though, that handmade is big business. And the more frippery, glittery and feathery you can make it - the better it is for business.
There seem to be a number of key words in the handmade category if you're trawling around looking for inspiration. The main keyword is "embellishment". Most of us know this to mean some extra facet added to the front of the card, often giving a 3D quality. That could be anything from beads, buttons, paper, fabric to wire or metal, to name a few. That list is by no means exhaustive, and any crafter worth their salt will know just how tempting it is to add any bit of dazzling finery to their card. Often though, less is best.
What seems to be catching the public's eye this end of 2007 are cards incorporating glued or stitched on fabric. But the front of the card is only half the story.
One of the UK's leading card industry magazines carries regular reports on best selling products in the handmade categories. Whilst smaller independent stores often speak of cards being 'subtly sparkly' they also mention the 'beautiful board' (or card stock). They talk of 'delicate and feminine' being in vogue too.
So, whether you're being drawn to purchasing 'handmade' or creating your own handmade, if you want to be up to the mark look out for all things glittery and embellished. There's sure to be a great range in your local stores to meet demand, and as craft retailers know, if its in demand in the card shops, then their craft buying public will want to purchase similar boards and bags of embellishments. Just take a look at the QVC shopping channel - or any one of the craft channels to check out what's sizzling right now.
Trends include mixes of materials, metal, all things fluffy and glittery.
Check out the better card shelves for ideas. See what workshops are being held locally and read magazines to get up-to-the-minute ideas for all things current. As in any market, things are always on the change but as magazines are planned up to several months in advance you've got comfort in knowing that trends will stay around for a little while.
Craft stores will always carry a wide selection of card embellishments and if you're canny you'll also include flea markets, bargain stores and charity shops in your trawl for all things that could loosely be described as 'surface decoration'. Make sure you store your favorite bits carefully so that you'll be able to find them again when you need them. There's nothing worse than tracking down the perfect addition to your handmade card, only to find yourself hunting feverishly for it, just when you've found the perfect place to use it!
Handmade cards are certainly hot news right now!
Pull apart worn out dresses for fab buttons, look at old watches with a new eye, and start to hoard interesting paper textures, fabrics and fluff. Maybe you've some fellow crafters who would welcome a 'swap shop' event or a workshop where you can pool ideas and learn from each other. Craft is definitely one area where it pays to share your enthusiasm, skills and resources. You never know who might have just the perfect piece to lift your current project.
You can find all sorts of decorative 'bits' for your cards at jumble sales, if you root around and think beyond what you see.
Imagine how fabric flowers may look separated into individual petals.
What could you do with that feather duster?
How could you make the most of those military tunic buttons?
How could you weave that line of thin coated wire into your next card project?
Which bits of fabric and paper could you stitch or glue together to create a new base material?
Learn to look at things from different view points and keep abreast of colors, textures and trends to make the most of your current and future projects.
Time spent collecting and sorting is never wasted. You're building up a supply of exciting embellishments to adorn your lovingly planned and assembled card.
If you want to ride the trends in handmade greeting cards just keep an eye on the market.
In 2007 big shoes are expected to make a big hit! It's time to mothball those delicate, feminine heels because it's chunky wedges and platforms that will feature this year. During the day, rope-wrapped espadrilles will be ?de rigueur? and for that glamorous night out, the step up to sexy, evening platforms will be the norm. But, what will you be wearing on top to match footwear that makes such a statement?
With 42% of the average UK women's wardrobe consisting of entirely black items, its bad news for your bank account but great news for your shopping alter-ego, as you head to the shops for this summer's super colours. With most designers choosing bright and bold colours incorporating vivid blues, yellows and poppy reds, you'll need to find the perfect match for you in terms of both the latest fashions and the spectacular colours on show.
For the mega-bold, neon clothing screams ?dare you to wear me!?, while for futuristic fashion, the space age look is set for a meteoric rise - with metallic silver becoming the ?must-have? colour.
But, if you think those colours are just a tad too bold, then fear not. Grey will still feature heavily this year, thanks to stylish ranges from most of the high street fashion stores. And although it may be frowned upon on its own, black is definitely on the racks this summer - mostly when combined with white. Everything including swimwear, accessories and dresses will carry this bold combination in prints and solids, stripes and checks, and dresses and two pieces.
Designs showcased on the catwalks during fashion week highlighted the return of 80s power-dressing. So prepare yourself - shoulder pads are coming back, but hopefully they won't be accompanied by endless re-runs of Dallas and Dynasty! Also quite bold, but less obtrusive than the pad is the puff sleeve, also favoured by designers and guaranteed to be in plentiful supply throughout 2007, both on tops and dresses.
Denim accessories will feature heavily this year; whether its handbags or shoes, all are designed to be worn with this season's colours. But, also expected to sell strongly this season will be the evergreen denim shorts, both as hotpants for the bold or on-the-knee versions for the more conservative amongst us. Whilst we're on the subject, leg-fashion is most definitely back, with the mini-skirt expected to feature heavily in this summer's must-have fashion items, alongside the recently revived leggings look. With zig zags, panels, pinstripes, pleats, flannel check and countless other designs, you'll find mini skirts in abundance, while many high street stores will carry extensive ranges and with a similar, massive choice in leggings, you won't be left wanting.
So, it's good news if you want to stock up on . But, while there is plentiful choice, the secret to making that ideal look will come down, as always to shopping around, trying on all the styles and seeing exactly what suits you!
Both Geraldine Jozefiak & Andrew are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Geraldine Jozefiak has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Family and Advertising Guide. Geraldine Jozefiak has written widely on how to craft a for someone special. Greeting Card Guide gives you the latest new. Geraldine Jozefiak's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.