Embellishments

Most card making embellishments can be acquired in craft stores or online. This word essentially means "to beautify" -- from a Latin word where we get "belle" or in Spanish, "embelleza" -- all meaning something of beauty.

Rhinestone embellishments

When adding something onto my card making projects, my favorite are the rhinestones as they always give that extra "pop" or sparkle. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. The trick really, is to use a rhinestone applicator tool for adding them onto the paper, although it can be done with tweezers and self-sticking rhinestones.

Stickers

With a plethora of stickers you can find available almost everywhere, these are a great way to embellish your handmade cards. And an easy way for kids to make their own cards. I have found some beautiful and cheap stickers in dollar stores and discount stores as well.

Buttons

Buttons are made up of mother-of-pearl, plastic, wood, etc. For mailing purposes, you want as flat of a button design as you can find. I love the mother-of-pearl buttons, as they have a natural look, and still add a shimmery effect.

Silk flowers

Try using fabric or paper flowers. There are so many different kinds and colors to choose from. Or, use a hole punch to create lots of paper flowers to add to your design. Whether you use dollar store flowers, as mentioned above, or ready made in the craft stores, they add a nice touch when applied to card designs.

Ribbons

Since ribbons come in endless widths, patterns and colors, they are a great addition to any card to match the colors of the decorative papers and rubber stamping inks that you use. You can try treating a gros-grain ribbon with a thin layer of clear acrylic glaze brushed on, let it dry, and try stamping a one-line sentiment onto it or other rubber stamp design, cut it out, and attach to your card.

Chipboard

Chipboard shapes can be found readily either as blank for you to color them yourself, or with colors and patterns applied, ready for you to use.

Make your own

Using rub-ons adds an artistic touch with some having transparent qualities. They can be placed onto the paper, or over other designs, if desired. You can find large and small sized blank labels in the office supply stores that you can print on your printer which enable you to create your own sticker designs.

Most crafters and card makers are on a budget. There are so many ways that you can improvise and make your own. Go to this page for ideas on how to make your own embellishments.

Storage

With all of the different kinds of embellishments you can use, you will want a way to store them. Go to this page for some ideas on how to organize embellishments

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