Thanks, Alison, for sharing your work with me (and with the blogosphere).

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1. How did you get into making cards? Did you take a course or did you just pick it up by trial and error?

I started to make cards about five years ago, when I was planning my wedding. I wanted to provide my guests with personalized thank you cards so they would have something to remember my wedding by.  I have always enjoyed getting nice cards myself, so I thought it was to take the time and make something heartfelt.  It was also so much fun to do.

I did start by taking a few stamping courses and by reading a lot of magazines, but I found the development of my cards has come from trial and error.

2. What are you favourite supplies to use? Do you have a favorite store where you shop for materials? Or do you order online?

My favorite tool is the  ‘Quick Kutz‘ personalized dye cutting system.  You can pick from thousands of shapes and characters, and they are so easy to use to cut out and use.  I typically order these online but many of the scrapbooking stores carry them as well.

For ideas through and paper products I like to shop at The Paper Place [in Toronto].  This store has wonderful paper products and so many note cards, boxes, and book-binding ideas displayed around the store.  It is a fantastic store to go to for the most beautiful paper and for general inspiration.

3. Are you often looking for new crafts to try?

Now that I have children I am always looking for new ways to store the crafts and notes they bring home, so I learned how to make special paper boxes. They are terrific ideas for gifts for people to use to store notes, pictures or jewelry.

I most recently learned how to bind books.  I write a journal for my children, so having a personalized journal that I have made is extra special.  This is a new technique for me but I enjoy the challenge of learning something new and just can’t wait to become even better at my book-binding. There is so much you can do with the skill.

4. Do you make your own Christmas cards, party invitations, etc? If yes, how far in advance of the holiday/event do you start?

I make my own Christmas cards.  This holiday is when I make the most cards and I typically have to start my production in November.  I find that it takes me the longest time to create my design as there is so much lovely paper to choose from! It’s hard for me to narrow down the design I want to go with!  Typically I make about three different types of cards so not everyone in my family is getting the same card.    I also take an annual course on card-making, in November each year, just to help generate some new ideas and learn from other card makers.

Overall, I like spending time making things for other people as I know they appreciate the gesture and they keep my cards and books.

Alison's beautiful paper boxes!

Gorgeous!