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THE ARTFUL CARD

Alison Eades

 

Cards! We all need cards at some time or another, and very often fall into the trap of making one in the same old style, as we either left it too late (again!) to get too experimental - or else we chickened out (again!) and went and bought one.   So, (as you can imagine) I was delighted to discover this book! Alison concentrates mainly on cards, but again you'll find this book a little bit different. Alison has a style all her own: a little bit collage-y, a little bit scrapbook-y.

Her projects range from cards to full-size framed pieces and cards are themed to the recipients: Retail Therapy is '50s retro, tongue-in-cheek, girly pink and very charming - I can't think of any woman who wouldn't be delighted to receive something like this. A Lifetime of Chocolate is a hanging card, and would grace any kitchen - or workspace! Cake is a shadow box - and this one will grace my kitchen, just as soon as I have made my own version. Talking of versions: for every project, there is one (often two) alternatives made in the same theme, so you can easily see how to adapt the instructions to incorporate materials, stamps and photos you already have on hand - great for cards on the run!

Materials used are eclectic - anything and everything is grist to her mill, from bottle caps, antique lace, eyelets and chipboard letters, to matchboxes (transformed into little drawers full of keepsakes, complete with pull handles). The emphasis is on collage, with antique and scrapbook papers and memorabilia, and Alison shows how to age and distress these using a variety of techniques including inkpads and gesso. Not just collage: Alison also uses rubber stamps to achieve the effect she is looking for. A very charming book altogether, with a very fine judgement of colour and composition.

As you would expect, this is another great publication by North Light Books, so you know there will be full colour photographs throughout, and well planned and stepped-out projects, very clearly explained.

Highly recommended - especially for card makers wanting to stretch their wings, and scrapbookers wanting to get out of the album!

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