The Encyclopedia of Greeting Card Tools & Techniques

by Susan Pickering Rothamel

This classic resource by Susan Pickering Rothamel belongs on every crafter's bookshelf. Featuring hundreds of handmade cards from leading artists, plus step-by-step photographs of key skills, The Encyclopedia of Greeting Card Tools & Techniques contains a treasure trove of information and projects. Sidebars on today's most creative card makers showcase their areas of expertise, from Dee Gruenig's rubber-stamp designs to Alli Bartkowski's quilling. This crafty celebration is sure to inspire.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2008

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are unsure about what a pencil or pen is. If you aren’t completely sure on the concept of, say, glue—then this book is for you! Some of the definitions border on insane. And, in ways, this book is more like a dictionary than an encyclopaedia. There are only a few places where topics are covered in any depth. Those few entries are all that kept my rating at two stars rather than just one. Not. That. Helpful.

[Marcie Lovett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is arranged like a dictionary, defining terms, techniques and materials. It might be overwhelming for beginners - it is large and has a lot of information.

Along with the definitions are project ideas for many different occasions, materials and skill levels. I marked several of them for future use or inspiration.

[Lakota Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cool thing about creativity is that it generalizes and spreads like wet grass in a thunderstorm. It is more a mindset than it is a specific "I am talented in this one area" phenomenon. And that brings me to Susan Pickering Rothamel's Encyclopedia of Greeting Card Tools Techniques.

Don't let the mongo title fool you. This is a fun book, filled with bright ideas and amazing examples of the types of greeting cards you can make. Paper weaving, crayon resist, interference mica, quilling, lace paper, mizuhiki cord, ornare. The author spotlights talented artists and gives examples of their work.

She takes on complicated techniques like stamping and spritzing, working with vellum, and thermography.

If you've ever spent an afternoon engrossed in a seed catalog or the Sears Christmas Wish Book (remember those?) you'll love perusing this glorious collection of possibilities.

Fun to read and dream. And even make a few cards to send. Who do you know that might appreciate one?

Also recommended is her book, The Art of Paper Collage. In addition to being the founder and president of one of the largest international paper companies in the world, the author is a talented creative artist in her own right. Why am I not surprised!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book about basic and more advance papercrafting techniques. Lots of pictures of examples.

[Lorie Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to have on hand for ideas. Good for a beginner, has lots of information on making cards.

[Mary Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reference for a beginner. Check out from the library though. Not something I'd use over and over.

[Mama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dated examples. Techniques not explained in enough detail to try. For beginners that want a basic explanation of terms. Not really an inspiration for experienced papercrafters.