Customer Reviews

Quick & Clever Handmade Cards (Quick and Clever)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The card projects in this book have a good balance of efficiency and attractiveness. Most of these designs and instructions are nicely applied to individual cardmaking as well as mass-producing for invitations and announcements.

Author Julie Hickey starts with a section that explores basic tools and supplies, including the card stock and envelopes. I can honestly say that this is the first cardmaking book I've come across that explains the logistics of stocking up on supplies so thoroughly well.
She has also perfected a standardized system which uses a few basic card sizes/shapes for all the designs. There are even patterns included for making envelopes (thank you!) so that if you can't find suitable envelopes at the craft store you won't be stuck with the ugly industrial kind to ruin the effect you worked to achieve with your custom card.

Hickey seems to start from an assumed beginner level and progresses the crafter though different projects to the more advanced cards at the end. All the steps are carefully illustrated with photos. I will describe the overall look of her designs as simple and elegant, but except for a few, not particularly innovative. A nice range of popular materials and styles are explored in the projects, including buttons, charms, microbeads, vellum, copper, shrink plastic and rubber-stamping. These are fun cards you might make up ahead for the sheer enjoyment and file safely away until an occasion calls for one; and yes as promised, there are card ideas to suit any occasion, or that can be easily adapted.

Recommended for card crafters that are looking for enjoyable, pretty projects that don't take up much time or money.
-Andrea, aka Merribelle

I just purchased this book and am a new scrapbooker / card maker. I found this book a complete joy. It gives you step by step directions and photos to help you along the way. Prior to beginning each card the book lists the supplies you will need to complete each project. I thought a great plus was the book provides step by step instructions on envelope making for the cards. This book is AWESOME!!!!! So easy to use and fun!!!!

This is a wonderful book! If you are looking for simple, plan, lovely and charming design, this is the book for you! I saw many books in the bookstore but couldn't find the style that I like, but I found what I am looking for in this book, it's wonderful! Lots of brilliant design! I will definitely buy books from this author again!

"A wealth of stylish ideas for making gift cards that are beautifully crafted and highly original, whatever the occasion. Weddings, Birthdays, Christmas, Get Well, Good Luck and more: the variety of occasions on which a handmade card would be appreciated is endless!
This book offers such a huge variety of design ideas that you will be spoilt for choice when deciding what to make. Paper and card make up the basic materials for creating gift cards, and the massive range of paper and card on the market is explored. In addition, there are so many tools and embellishments to choose from to make your card really special: beads, punches, rubber stamps, charms, ribbons, paper yarn, mikuhki cord, wire, gold leaf, and funky foam.
Each technique is explored through a step-by-step project to make up a specific card for a particular occasion; variations cards are then featured. Handy tips feature throughout, inspirational gallery spreads plus advice on making cards to sell complete the book." (review by familycorner.com from one of their terrific online newsletters)

The problem I had with this book was finding the supplies in it. The book is from England and most of the supplies are from companies over there. I finally found them on the internet but couldn't afford the shipping. Had to substitute every single thing so I didin't get the look I wanted on most of the cards.

This book is not for beginners, except to show designs. The techniques are not self-explanatory, but there are plenty of photos to make it fairly clear what's expected. My main complaint is that the list of tools, components, elements, papers, stamps, etc. is far beyond what a novice card maker would likely have on hand. And the cost of all these things is not clear, except that you just know it costs a lot. I found this book more discouraging than encouraging for the beginner. But it has given me more ideas on how to adapt the tools, components, and elements I have. And when I am more financially solvent, I can buy some of the tools I don't have in the future.

I am a beginner in cardmaking and found this book very useful. However the book is not aimed entirely at the beginners. Anyone can draw inspiration from it. The cards are very beautiful and relatively easy to make. There are lots of useful information about the tools, basic techniques, choosing the right color, even selling your cards, personal trademark, which I liked very much.

Very good ideas for the newcomer and a good reference for all

I purchased another of Julie Hickey's books first and sent an email to her through a card supplier/club in the UK. They forwarded my email to her and Julie graciously responded personally to me. I asked a question about the embellishments and artifacts not being available in the U.S. She told me that a large amount of the items are from U.S. manufacturers. I began a lengthy web search and discovered many companies that are not readily public. It paid off. I agree that it seems that those UK suppliers have some unique items. I found a company in Thailand but the shipping charges were more than the order that I wanted. I also consulted CardMaker and GiftMaker magazines because they include the names of suppliers for every project in the magazines. There is a wealth of supplies right here in the U.S. Julie's book is wonderful for the novice card maker and those who are more experienced.

Trish
San Diego

Whatever the occasion, ensure all your handmade greetings cards are quick to make with fantastic results - every time!

Step-by-step projects show in illustrated detail how to make a variety of eye-catching cards for different occasions

A wide range of simple techniques, such as stamping, paper weaving, embossing and punches, are used in fun and innovative ways for unique effects

Easy-to-use technical section gives all the know-how required to get started, while hints and tips throughout the book offer indispensible advice for fuss-free card making

Variation cards for each project, plus lots of additional design ideas, provide as extensive source of design inspiration and how-to information

Julie Hickey is a talented card maker, holds workshops in the craft and runs a successful card makers' club