A homemade card is a joy to receive, and this book set makes card-making craft a joy to do. Handmade Cards includes a full-color book of instructions and ideas along with a large box filled with supplies. Besides some glue, a pencil, and a pair of scissors, the set contains enough supplies for kids to get started with this fun paper craft.
The included folding tool makes it remarkably easy to accurately fold your cards when you are using cardstock--and the results are professional-looking. Of course, when you're working with square- and rectangle-shaped cards, the included measuring grid comes in handy as well. Some plastic templates are included for making lovely curves (petal-shaped templates) and an adorable purse card (the template is shaped like a purse). These are reusable supplies. Although there is a sufficient quantity of high-quality paper in the set, many families will want to purchase more. There are 22 sheets in all and they come in a variety of colors from plain to patterned. Some are text sheets and others are cardstock.
The book's layout is inviting and the instructions are clear. Plenty of valuable tips are offered, such as pointers for cutting nice curves and even a recipe for envelope glue. Card designs include simple square (along with ideas to dress it up), a purse-shaped card, a photo easel (designed for framing and propping a favorite photo), 3D and pop-up cards, a fabulous and impressive daisy card, a unique and expressive caterpillar card, and more. Kids can surprise their relatives and friends with a bow-topped "itty bitty box" (it opens into a card!). This is a slightly more complicated project, but the template does wonders and the results are impressive. Finally, professional-looking envelopes can be crafted using the set's templates, easy instructions, and a recipe for envelope glue.
We love it when a craft instruction book comes with tools and supplies--it almost guarantees that kids will actually attempt the projects. This set will appeal to kids of almost any age but it involves a fair amount of coordination and concentration. This is why we have suggested that it is most appropriate for children ages 10 and up, although kids a little younger than 10 can participate if they have an enthusiastic adult to help them. Appropriate for beginners to the world of paper engineering, this manual and kit is inspiring and very satisfying.
