Top Tips to create dimension on your handmade cards, without the bulk

A selection of UK Stamps

In the UK we have two types of letter stamps (as well as 1st and 2nd class!)

Something I have noticed catches beginner crafters out is the difference between Letter stamps, and large letter stamps.

in order for something to count as a letter, it must be no more larger than 24cm long, 16.5cm wide, and 0.5cm thick. It must also weigh less than 100g. With 1st class large letter stamps now costing a whopping £3.15 what can you do to keep your cards standard letter size, and a slightly more palatable £1.70 to post?

Tip #1 - Use a coloured card base

Using a coloured card base rather than a white base means you will not have to add a layer of solid coloured card onto the base. This helps to keep the weight and thickness down, but also helps to make your cards pop, and creates the illusion of dimension.

Tip #2 - Use your ribbon differently

Everyone loves a pretty bow, but the reality is as soon as you tie a bow around your card you are guaranteeing the thickness has increased to large letter size. Don't worry, you can still use all your amazing ribbon! Instead of tying a bulky bow, wrap the ribbon flat around your card, or if you are adding a single panel of pattern paper the ribbon can be wrapped around that. This creates a focal point on your card, without increasing the thickness.

Tip #3 - Add Sparkle!

Who doesn't love a bit of sparkle on a card? Glitter is super eye catching, and is very easy to add without adding any weight or using complicated techniques. I am a huge fan of heat embossing, and if you follow me on Instragram you will see I try to use it in all my projects. For me, heat embossing is a great way to add that extra special touch, but beats glitter because once it is heated it will not shed!*

My other craft room essential is the Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush Pen...I do not know how I lived without this! As the name suggests it is a simple brush pen, there is an abundance of silverly sparkle contained within a clear liquid which makes it perfect for adding on top of your card. It is very easy to use, and simply looks amazing!

*Some powders are 'hybrids' meaning they are a mix of embossing powder, and glitter. These will not fully set, and will still shed slightly compared to a normal embossing powder.

"When in doubt, just add glitter" -Unknown

Final Thoughts

If you would like to learn more about Heat Embossing, check out the downloads section where I have a free guide for beginners! Let me know in the comments if you will use any of these tips in your next crafty session and tag me in your makes @The_ChronicCrafter