Originals Card Confidence Program - Handcrafted Cards Made Easy by Jeanette Lynton seeks to provide handmade card makers with blue prints to ninety nine different card designs. Each card pattern is illustrated with examples which gives inspiration to the reader. This is a source book for paper crafters and card makers who are looking to explore their craft further.
The Card Patterns
Originals Card Confidence Program features ninety nine individual card patterns in fifteen different sizes. Each pattern is complete with detailed paper dimensions and cutting diagrams. The step by step instructions explain how to assemble the cards. Each card pattern is shown made up in different ways. The sample cards are broken down into occasions, for instance baby, birthday, thank you and weddings.
The card patterns can be approached in a number of ways. Firstly there is a handy easy-to-read reference guide that shows all of the card patterns broken down by size. This is an ideal starting point for readers who are perhaps looking for a specific card size or have an idea for the type of style that they are after.
Another way of approaching the cards is by browsing through the different sections. The beautifully photographs of cards that are throughout the book give plenty of inspiration and show how the different patterns or layouts can be used. Many of the card patterns or layouts are showcased within the book in different ways. This is a useful feature as it helps the reader to visualize how different color schemes or embellishments can alter the overall feel of a finished card. A pattern used for a sympathy card, for instance is transformed when it is made into a wedding card by the change of color scheme.
Materials for each pattern or layout are clearly defined. This includes papers and embellishments such as ribbons.
The card patterns can be approached in a number of ways. Firstly there is a handy easy-to-read reference guide that shows all of the card patterns broken down by size. This is an ideal starting point for readers who are perhaps looking for a specific card size or have an idea for the type of style that they are after.
Another way of approaching the cards is by browsing through the different sections. The beautifully photographs of cards that are throughout the book give plenty of inspiration and show how the different patterns or layouts can be used. Many of the card patterns or layouts are showcased within the book in different ways. This is a useful feature as it helps the reader to visualize how different color schemes or embellishments can alter the overall feel of a finished card. A pattern used for a sympathy card, for instance is transformed when it is made into a wedding card by the change of color scheme.
Materials for each pattern or layout are clearly defined. This includes papers and embellishments such as ribbons.
Using the Book
The book is very much a reference tool. Jeanette Lynton has created a book that is a rich mix of inspiration and instruction, and is something a little different from a conventional card making book. Unlike some 'how to' card books Originals Card Confidence Program is not prescriptive when it comes to materials, stamps or embellishments. Readers are encouraged to take the designs and customize and develop them to make their own unique cards.
The reader can approach the patterns and layouts depending on what they want to achieve. Therefore if someone is looking for a specific design they can find one within the different sections to replicate. If instead, someone is purely seeking an idea on which to build, the quick reference guide is an ideal starting point.
Jeanette's tips are liberally scattered throughout the pages. These are useful little snippets that are ideal to help beginners though the process, yet also act as timely reminders for more experienced stampers and card makers.
The reader can approach the patterns and layouts depending on what they want to achieve. Therefore if someone is looking for a specific design they can find one within the different sections to replicate. If instead, someone is purely seeking an idea on which to build, the quick reference guide is an ideal starting point.
Jeanette's tips are liberally scattered throughout the pages. These are useful little snippets that are ideal to help beginners though the process, yet also act as timely reminders for more experienced stampers and card makers.
The Book and CD
Originals Card Confidence Program has many positive features - including the design of the book. Not only is it beautiful to look at, the book is printed on good quality paper that is spiral bound within a hard cover. Many long suffering crafters, who find that two hands are never enough to both hold a craft book and craft, will find the ease that spiral bound books lay flat leaving both hands free a joy!
A free CD accompanies the book and details any specific design or layout requirements. This includes, for instance, cutting guides for more complex patterns. In addition to the card patterns, there are also a range of envelope templates on the CD which are ideal. These envelope templates are easy to follow and are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced readers. The CD is in both PC and Mac format and the files are in PDF format.
Owners of the previous version of the Originals program should note that this is a new addition of the program, packaged in one handy hardcover book. Other new additions that were not in the original volumes are a variety of new art and crafting techniques, updated card samples and beautiful full color photography, card sentiment ideas, quick reference guide to the card styles, and accompanying CD with templates for cards with unique requirements and for envelopes.
A free CD accompanies the book and details any specific design or layout requirements. This includes, for instance, cutting guides for more complex patterns. In addition to the card patterns, there are also a range of envelope templates on the CD which are ideal. These envelope templates are easy to follow and are suitable for beginners as well as more experienced readers. The CD is in both PC and Mac format and the files are in PDF format.
Owners of the previous version of the Originals program should note that this is a new addition of the program, packaged in one handy hardcover book. Other new additions that were not in the original volumes are a variety of new art and crafting techniques, updated card samples and beautiful full color photography, card sentiment ideas, quick reference guide to the card styles, and accompanying CD with templates for cards with unique requirements and for envelopes.
Conclusion
The title of Originals Card Confidence Program is apt as a large part of the book is about giving card makers the confidence to explore their own creativity and create their own unique handmade and hand crafted cards. Both novice card makers and those with more experience will enjoy the book and find plenty to inspire.
The book is all about the patterns, layout and design, so stampers can look through the book and decide how best to use stamps from their current collection - not have to worry about having to buy the 'right' stamp for the project. The basic designs can be used to create quick and easy cards with the placement of a couple of stamped images, or used to create complex and detailed miniature works of art.
While Jeanette Lynton is the founder of Close To My Heart, the stamping and scrapbooking direct sales company, the card patterns and layouts in Originals Card Confidence Program can be undertaken using absolutely any rubber stamps, paper or other supplies.
This is an excellent book for stampers wanting to explore their creativity and make their own unique cards.
The book is all about the patterns, layout and design, so stampers can look through the book and decide how best to use stamps from their current collection - not have to worry about having to buy the 'right' stamp for the project. The basic designs can be used to create quick and easy cards with the placement of a couple of stamped images, or used to create complex and detailed miniature works of art.
While Jeanette Lynton is the founder of Close To My Heart, the stamping and scrapbooking direct sales company, the card patterns and layouts in Originals Card Confidence Program can be undertaken using absolutely any rubber stamps, paper or other supplies.
This is an excellent book for stampers wanting to explore their creativity and make their own unique cards.
