Card Making Embellishments

If you haven't tried adding card making embellishments to your cards you're in for a surprise!

Embellishments are the finishing touches that add that extra something to make your cards shine.

They are designed to enhance and add interest.  They're supporting players not the star cast.

With this in mind add your embellishments subtlety to avoid dominating your main focus.

The rule of odd numbers is thought to be more visually appealing. For example: add 3,5 or 7 sequins for a natural and balanced look.

Let's look at some of the main options....

Ribbons and Twine

Ribbons are available in an array of colours, widths, materials and textures. They are used to add bows and ties.  Ribbons soften a card and are great for weddings, birthday and baby cards.

Ready made ribbon bows can be purchased to save time and your fingers!

Bakers twine is easier to tie as it's thiner and less slippery.  Although available in a multitude of solid and combined colours the plain natural jute remains a popular and versatile choice.

Pearls, Gems and Rhinestones

These jewels add sparkle and a touch of glamour to your cards.  They come in all colours, shapes and sizes.  

They are sold on sheets and are self adhesive. Occasionally, a little spot of wet glue is needed for a permanent fix.

Get more out of your jewels by buying clear or neutral products and colour with alcohol markers.

Flowers and Leaves

Collect and press your own flowers and leaves for a delicate vintage look.

For those of use who are time challenged you can buy paper flowers and leaves in a a variety of styles and colours.

Glitter and Shine

Adding glitter is a cheap and potentially messy way to add sparkle!

Easier sparkly alternatives include using glitter paper, glitter pens or heat embossing with a metallic embossing powder.

You can also add a glittery shine with sprays, glossy and glitter accents.

Gilding Flakes are decorative flakes that add a subtle metallic shine.  These too can be messy but the finished effect is stunning and luxurious.

Making Card Making Embellishments

Making your own card making embellishments can save you money.  You can easily customise the colour with your ink pads or alcohol pens.

One simple way to create embellishments for your cards is to use left over paper scraps.

Use punches and dies cut out shapes like hearts, stars, butterflies or flowers to add a pop of colour and dimension to your cards.

Layer them to create dimension.  Either cover with Glossy Accents or heat emboss for shine.

Another fun and easy embellishment to make for your cards is paper bows.  

Paper bows are a cute and whimsical addition to any card and can be die cut in minutes with left over scraps.

Pearls and gems are popular but expensive for something so small.  So, have a go at making your own with  Nuvo drops or Scrapbook.com's Pops of Colour.  

Squeeze out a small amount of the drops onto an acrylic block or greaseproof paper.  Leave to dry overnight and then remove gently to stick onto your card.

Another option is to use the round recesses left by foam circle pads.  Squeeze into the holes and leave for when you need to use them.

My most recent purchase is the small Bubble die from Woodware Stamps.  I use this to die cut small circles to use as embellishments.  Use your scraps from the project you're working from or use metallic card.

More Card Making Embellishments....

The list of embellishments is endless!

• Brads and pins
• Sequins
• Buttons
• Enamel dots/shapes
• Wooden shapes
• Paper doilies
• Butterflies
• Metallic objects such as charms and trinkets
• Paper craft stickers 
• Feathers
• Metallic threads
• Washi tape

And finally....remember save all your scraps of glitter or shiny paper to create your own embellishments.

Enjoy!