[.ca] Quick & Clever Handmade Cards (ISBN 0715316605)

Wonderful!:
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!

Definitely Quick, somewhat Clever, decidedly Classy:
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