Splash of Color Blog: Cardmaker's Workshop and Brush Strokes by Jenn Mason

Cardmaker’s Workshop was designed for the masses. Not just the masses of crafty people who like to make cards but the people who have to make masses of cards! While writing The Cardmaker’s Workbook (Quarry 2008) I realized that there weren’t any affordable options for uniquely constructed cards that come in multiples. Cardmaker’s Workshop fills that niche—very nicely. The first release of our line is very universal. We picked colors and construction styles that can be used for everything from bar-b-que invites to wedding shower thank yous. Our cards are reversible too! We’ve also put together sets of birthday, baby and wedding rub-ons that come in the multiples you need for invites, and thank yous. We’re also introducing printable cardstock stickers that can be used in your inkjet for easy card information (like the who, what, when, and where).

The colors in the Cardmaker’s Workshop line coordinate with many of the other CI paper lines. Feel free to add a little here or there for unique cards.

Brushstrokes is my new paper line and the first release is Piece of Cake. This line was developed using the same techniques I use in my fine art pieces including, collage and found items. I enjoy scavenging through flea markets and antique fairs (especially Brimfield, MA show that takes place in May, July and September). I’m always on the lookout for interesting books and papers. In this series I used a lot of sheet music of marches and songs about candles and balloons.

The colors are bright and electric and the papers can easily change their look and feel by which neutral or solid color you choose to pair them with.

I am especially fond of the balloon animal that pops up on some of the paper and some of the stickers. I actually can make a pretty mean balloon dog, hat, fish, sword, etc.

This entire line also pairs nicely with the Cardmaker’s Workshop—pretty smart eh?