Stenciling and Embossing Greeting Cards: 18 Quick Creative, Unique & Easy-To-Do Projects

This idea and how-to book features many creative ways to make greeting cards, note cards, announcements, etc. with stencils and a few other simple tools. Readers will learn fun techniques such as embossing, flocking, masking and more as they let their imagination do the rest. Barker presents a wealth of ideas for using stencils for all kinds of seasonal and occasional greetings in a range of styles so readers can make everything from birthday cards to post cards to invitations and announcements. The 30 projects showcase the various techniques on an assortment of paper and cards in a variety of styles. Each project includes information on materials used, step-by-step instructions, illustrated with sketches, diagrams and photos, and the finished piece. With just a few stencils, some colored paper and a few colors, anyone can make dozens of innovative cards that are fun to send and receive.

Stenciling is one of the easiest ways to add a personal touch to handmade cards that are sure to be treasured by recipients. The 18 projects in Stenciling & Embossing Greeting Cards by Judith Barker showcase a wide range of styles, occasions, and skill levels. Most are relatively easy, though, and the excellent instructions--complete with individual step-by-step color plate--help ensure that anyone really can achieve these designs. Each project also features a photocopy-ready stencil pattern that can be enlarged and cut out, or choose a readymade stencil for even easier crafting. Embellishments include various paints, glitter, embossing, cutouts, even polymer clay and shrink plastic. A good resource list rounds out this nice presentation. --Amy Handy