The Big Book of Handmade Cards and Giftwrap: Over 50 Step-by-Step Projects [Paperback]

Vivienne Bolton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2004

For any crafter seeking new ways to create personal, one-of-a-kind cards and gift wrap, this guide will show them how. Successful author and craft expert Vivienne Bolton provides:

*45 new projects and designs for readers to create and make

*Card and gift wrap ideas for a spectrum of occasions, from birthdays and new babies, to Easter and anniversaries

*Ways to incorporate a multitude of materials, including stickers, wire, foam, rivets, rubber stamps, and beads

With straightforward instruction perfect for beginners, and a wealth of different techniques to appeal to crafters at an advanced level, this exciting guide will capture the attention of every reader who likes to create.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Vivienne Bolton is the author of The Big Book of Greeting Cards. She regularly lectures and runs workshops on crafts, and lives in Norwich, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books; 2 edition (July 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581806361
• ISBN-13: 978-1581806366
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #276,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous reference guide for beginners, April 19, 2006

By 

Blurooferika (SF Bay Area) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Big Book of Handmade Cards and Giftwrap: Over 50 Step-by-Step Projects (Paperback)

I am new to cardmaking and was looking for something that "held my hand" through a few projects and had lots of ideas. This book delivered on all accounts. Each of the 50+ projects are shown on a spread (2 facing pages) with the finished card and variations on the left and detailed how-to instructions, color photos, materials list, and variations on the right. Up front there is a friendly discussion of the materials used and how to make gift bags & pouches, and to decorate envelopes to coordinate with the finished card.
I loved everything about this book--from the friendly British (?) tone and descriptions to the use of relatively simple materials (she uses 3-D paint instead of brads; that has to be a purse-stretcher!) and the "galleries" in the back that show many work-ups of one particular theme (e.g. 6 cards w/ rosebuds, with a peacock feather stamp). I pored over each page and really savored it--beginners need look no further for a 101 how-to guide, and more experienced card crafters could still find some ideas, I'm sure. Thank you, Vivienne!

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!!!, November 4, 2005

By 

Shelly "ShellyWorld" (Somewhere, Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Big Book of Handmade Cards and Giftwrap: Over 50 Step-by-Step Projects (Paperback)

Not only does it tell you how to make each card step by step, but it gives you coordinating items to match with the card or to make alone. It also gives you templates to trace or copy. Very nice!!!!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with Cardmaking Ideas, April 10, 2008

By 

Virginia Allain "(retired librarian)" (Poinciana, FL) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Big Book of Handmade Cards and Giftwrap: Over 50 Step-by-Step Projects (Paperback)

Every year, I make valentines for everyone in my family. Wanting to expand my range of techniques, it delighted me to find Bolton's Big Book of Handmade Cards and Gift Wrap. It demonstrates more than 50 projects with a full page photo of each followed by a page of step-by-step instructions. The projects show off different techniques like using beads on wire, using flower punches, using rub-off transfers, folding paper, making pop-up cards and many more methods to make exciting cards.
It's great that it shows how to make gift pouches, gift bags, and unique wrapping paper too, but the cards fill most of the book. She also shows how to line an envelope with designs to match the card.