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Book Launch . . .
My book on handcrafted greeting cards was recently launched. It
features a selection of my most popular and effective
collage cards inspired by Africa, Nature and everything
I can use and recycle. My home in Swakopmund, Namibia,
lies between two opposites: the desert and the
ocean. The materials I use reflect my
surroundings, and my surroundings are reflected in my
cards.
Card Ingredients
My 'recipes' for making a delicious dish and a beautiful
card are the same: use the best 'ingredients'. You
cannot go wrong with Nature's 'ingredients' as far as
colour, texture and variety are concerned. For most of
these cards you only need paper, glue and the odd stamp.
For the rest you can scavenge. It is to the crafter's
benefit that the old and distressed look has become
popular. Look in unusual places. One man's trash is
another man's treasure. Keep your eyes peeled, your mind
open and improvise where necessary!
Green Cards
This book was not a deliberate attempt to be 'green' and
trendy. I come from generations of 'green' people. They
were not 'green' for any scientific reason, but out of
sheer necessity. 'Waste not, want not' was their way of
living. I Just followed suit. My intention was neither to
ignore, nor to promote products. My motto: use what is
available to you - from Nature, the kitchen, sewing
basket, garage and hardware store to your general dealer,
stationery suppliers, second hand shops and various
craft stores.
Easy Instructions
I attempted to write this book for both the reader and
"non-reader", the beginner and the expert, The
instructions are sparse, because materials, tools and
techniques I used are very basic. I also believe a
picture is worth a thousand words. The pictures of the
cards in this book are full-sized (A6), which in itself
is explanatory. Measurements can (and should) be taken
directly from the picture. Although a certain degree of
basic knowledge will be to the crafter's benefit, it is
not a precondition for success.
Contents
The cards in this book are categorized under: basic
design principles, improvisation, stamping, distressing,
simple paper piecing, three-dimensional images, paper
clay, printed fabric, paper moulding, frames, household
bleach, wire, pockets, lacé, printing, creating your own
canvas/background, paper piercing, blind-embossing and
sand.
EXTRAS
At the back of the book are exclusive black and white
animal skin prints, lacé templates and a grid which can
be used as an aid to cut accurate windows and to guide
you in piercing the holes for stitching and beading. The
lacé templates and grid are also provided as prints on
acetate.
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