INTRODUCTION TO PAPERCRAFTS

What is Papercrafts?

Papercrafts is art using paper of card as the primary artistic medium. Papercrafts can lead itself to very wide range of techniques and can be used to created varying projects. Common uses (and ones that will be taught here) are Card Making, Scrapbooking and making gifts or decorative items.

The history of Card-Making

The custom of sending cards can be traced back to ancient Chinese (though the Egyptians also conveyed messages on papyrus scrolls) who would send messages of good will at New Year. By the early 15th Century, cards were regularly being sent in Europe. By mid-15th Century, handmade Valentines were being exchanged! By the 1850s the technology advances in printing and mechanisation meant that greeting cards were a lot cheaper and so available to all. They become printed and a means of general communication. The trend to send cards increased and so encompassed Christmas. The first Christmas card was published in 1843 when Sir Henry Cole hired artist John Calcott Horsley to design a card he could send to all his friends.

The card making industry boomed, with shops opening up that were dedicated to the sale of greeting cards. Handmade cards have remained popular since their inception. The giving of a handmade card sends more than just a physical message- it also lets the recipient know you are thinking of them and appreciate them-enough to make something special for them!

When to Send Cards

The best thing about cards, is that you can send them anytime for any reason. Sometimes the most thoughtful card is totally unexpected-just a note to say I love you or I care. There are some occasions when a card is more expected that others.

Here is a of occasions when you can send cards – remember any day is a good to send a card-no reason needed!