Tag Archives: cardmaking

A History Glance Of The First Valentine’s

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In America before the mid 1800’s Valentine’s Cards were handmade including real lace, ribbons and what-not. If you do a little research, you’ll find all sorts of stunning handmade vintage cards online. Maybe you even have one passed down to you.

Then the whole mass production of card making by machines came about towards the end of the 19th century and they arrive in abundance to retail stores making Valentine’s Day- most likely- the biggest card selling day of the year.

Lets back track a little to an earlier time in history. Valentine’s Day goes way back to even the Roman times, but who knows, maybe even earlier.

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Did you know that British Library in London houses the oldest known to us humans, surviving Valentines? From what I learned it is a poem composed in French in 1415 by Charles Duke of Orleans to his wife, which he sent while imprisoned in the Tower of London. Wow, now that is some Valentine’s card! Can you imagine? Then again, it is said that Saint Valentine himself actually sent the first valentine so who really knows. The important thing to remember is that the tradition of expressing one’s special greetings and love is a really old affair.

Let’s get back to card making, shall we? This year I decided I wanted to make a few Valentine Cards with the focus of personalizing each one and blending my style with what I know each persons’ interest. What fun that was and I want to encourage people to consider making your Valentine’s to love ones and friends. They are much more appreciated and from the heart. They also carry on the traditions of the old arts and give you a sense of calmness and a moment of slowing down in this fast-paced world we live in. Happy Valentine’s Day! -Stephanie

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“No copyright on images infringement is intended” Used for blogging about history purpose only.

(Images may be subjected to copyright. All book reviews, interviews, guest posts, art work and promotions are originals. In order to use any text or pictures from Layered Pages, please ask for permission from Stephanie.)

 

Creative Journey With Heather Hall

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Today my friend Heather Hall is a guest on Layered Pages to share her creative journey with us. When I met Heather a few years ago I was thrilled to discover her creative side and it is always exciting to discover another paper crafter. Let’s get our craft on! 

Heather HallThank you for visiting with me today, Heather! Tell me how you got into card making?

I started making cards in the mid 90’s when a group of women where I lived started sharing different crafts that we did…. teaching each other. We got together once a month to work on new project and talk.  We talked a lot.  I learned to stencil, cross-stitch and card making.  Card making has stuck with me as it is so much fun.

 Is there a specific style you stick with or do you mix it up?

I like to try new techniques all the time, but find I revert back to simple but fun to make, as my favourite. I have been to card making classes and learned many new styles, but I also check out Pinterest, as there are so many creative ideas on there. Most of the time I try to take an idea and make it my own, using what supplies I have on hand. Online videos also give me many options.

 Are your cards available for sale and where can people reach out to you?

At the moment my cards are not for sale, I make them for family and friends, but my goal is to eventually sell them but I am not there yet.  I hope is to get this going in the New Year. So, stay tuned.

What are some ways you upcycle pieces you might use to make your creations?

I like to use other cards I receive to add to my new cards. I also try to save all my little scrap paper, using them in other project to not waste anything.  I like to reuse ribbon and lace from clothes, gifts and from supplies given to me.  Unique items like buttons add dimension to cards. I would like to add things like fabric to my cards, but haven’t done any yet. I love fabric and texture, so that is my next thing to try. I want my cards to be able to go in the mail without too much cost, so I can’t add too much bulk to it. I look forward to experimenting though.

How much time a week do you spend on your card making ?

I try to be creative a few hours a week at the moment, but in order to start selling them, I would like to expand my time to a couple of 7-hour days per week

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What advice would you give someone who wants to get into card making?

I would suggest that if you want to get into card making, that you find a group in your community, where you can meet and share stamps and supplies. To start out you will need to have a few basic items like a paper trimmer, adhesives, a few ink pads, card stock and a couple of stamps you really like. With these in hand you are ready to go. Card making supplies are available at many stores and online.  The sky is the limit, but working with others and sharing will help you to get started, without much expense.

Most important to me is to have fun, start out with a simple design and move on from there.