An introduction to making greeting cards that includes explanation of basic and complex techniques and instructions for twenty-one different projects.

Susan Pickering Rothamel, author of the best-selling Encyclopedia of Scrapbook Tools and Techniques (Sterling/Chapelle, 2005), now turns her A-to-Z eye to another popular papercraft: greeting cards. With its detailed definitions of terms, tools, materials, and techniques; illustrated how-to instructions; and hundreds of handmade cards from leading artists, this will become the must-have visual reference for anyone interested in the craft. Photographs of delightful greeting cards appear on every spread, along with step-by-step pictures of key skills. Sidebars on leading card makers discuss the techniques for which they’re celebrated, from Dee Gruenig’s rubber-stamp designs to Alli Bartkowski’s quilling.

Flowers...gardens...seasonal motifs such as snowflakes and angels...traditional Japanese designs like Kabuki masks and geisha...animals...scenes...all these and many others become delightful greeting cards that are even more special because they're hand-made. Here are easy-to-follow directions—as well as cut-out templates—for creating 60 different, intricate-looking designs. Twenty-four color illustrations of the finished projects are followed by step-by-step instructions and diagrams. Whether it's to say, "Merry Christmas," "Happy Spring," "Just thinking of you," or "Get well soon," readers will find inspiration and hours of enjoyment in this beautiful and practical book.

An “utterly brilliant” and deeply researched guide to the sights, smells, endless wonders, and profound changes of nineteenth century British history (Books Monthly, UK). Step into the past and experience the world of Victorian England, from clothing to cuisine, toilet arrangements to transport—and everything in between. A Visitor’s Guide to Victorian England is “a brilliant guided tour of Charles Dickens’s and other eminent Victorian Englishmen’s England, with insights into where and where not to go, what type of people you’re likely to meet, and what sights and sounds to watch out for . . . Utterly brilliant!” (Books Monthly, UK). Like going back in time, Higgs’s book shows armchair travelers how to find the best seat on an omnibus, fasten a corset, deal with unwanted insects and vermin, get in and out of a vehicle while wearing a crinoline, and avoid catching an infectious disease. Drawing on a wide range of sources, this book blends accurate historical details with compelling stories to bring alive the fascinating details of Victorian daily life. It is a must-read for seasoned social history fans, costume drama lovers, history students, and anyone with an interest in the nineteenth century.

From dimensional appliqu� to lively, eye-catching zig-zag designs, these greeting card techniques will delight the creative crafter in search of inspiration. It’s not a collection of projects, but an encyclopedia chock-full of fabulous ideas that card makers can use in whatever way they want, for whatever type of card they need. There’s so much to select from: fast, easy, and elegant die-cut cards; foam cutouts posted on colorful patterned papers; lacy greetings that incorporate doilies; and even sparkling, bejeweled ones. In addition to all the basics on tools, there’s information on choosing cardstock; selecting pretty embellishments; and making personalized envelopes.