It took me quite some time to stop, close this book and actually write the review. Simply Cards by Sally Traidman is that hard to put down.

If you’ve ever browsed the card racks and admired the hand-made sort, you’ll be thrilled to make your own with help from this user-friendly guide. And it really doesn’t require oodles of artistry – if you’ve got even the slightest edge of creativity, you’ll be able to master these projects like a pro.

There’s something for everyone and every occasion. The introduction details all the materials – paper, paints, adhesives, accessories and tools – and a couple of pages on techniques like stamping, using embossing powders and watercolours.

From there, you can choose your design from over 100 in three sections – Thinking of you, Moments in time, and Seasonal delights. Each project is laid out over two pages; details materials required and offers step-by-step instructions as well as alternative tips. The photography is bold and useful, and no questions are left unanswered.

The only drawback to Simply Cards is that all the resources (supply stores) printed at the back of the book are based in the US. In addition, some of the holidays – like Thanksgiving –do not apply to a South African audience. Don’t let that stop you though – substitute content where necessary and enjoy making your very own birthday, Christmas and other occasion cards.

Reviewed by Cara Visser

Published by North Light Books

It's undeniable that receiving a homemade card conveys a sense of appreciation and effort that store bought cards never manage to achieve. It always adds more of a personal touch when you give someone a card you made yourself. The Encyclopedia of Cardmaking Techniques makes adding that personal touch so much easier by offering interested crafters the opportunity to learn some of the techniques used in making exquisite cards.

The book encompasses eighteen different techniques, ranging from using a punch, watercolours or hot metal, to folding and embroidering. Each technique is taught while the crafter attempts a suggested project, and the learning process is aided by step-by-step photographs and easily understood instructions. Each project is beautiful and unique in its own right, and the various sections of the book are guided by experts in each technique, offering the crafter only the best of advice and tips.

A wonderful book for both beginners and advanced crafters of all ages, and a must have for those who love adding that extra something special to their gifts or cards.

Reviewed by Lauren Inggs

Whether you're a beginner not sure how to make your first bunch of cards, or a seasoned professional stuck for fresh ideas, you'll find something to kick-start your card-creating faculties in this book.

It contains 20 step-by-step projects, ranging from my favourite - the Decoupage Angel card, to a very inventive Driving Test Collage card. In addition to the projects there are a number of gallery pages, each containing a host of other ideas and descriptions.

Om jou eie kaartjies te maak, is relatief goedkoop, geskik vir enige ouderdom en kan so eenvoudig of ingewikkeld wees as wat jy verkies. Jy kan boonop bykans enigiets gebruik om unieke, besonderse kaartjies te maak. Hierdie boek met sy pragfoto’s vertel jou alles hieroor en sluit die volgende in: