Vintage Cards to Make and Treasure, softback published by Search Press. ISBN 978-1-84448-669-4, price 12.99 available from www.searchpress.com

This is a wonderful compendium of card-making techniques from five top authors. There are 12 techniques in all and 18 projects to make for the beginner to the advanced card maker. The instructions are clear and the photography is good. Vintage is still very popular. However, it has to be said that the content is based on six of the publisher’s other books, so if you have any of those, you will want to think twice about buying this book.

Sheep Poo Paper TM from www.creativepaperwales.co.uk

I jest not – it’s the first time I have come across this, although I know elephant poo paper has been around a while. Sheep poo paper TM comes in various weights – such as 90gsm, should go through an inkjet without problems and 300 gsm card. These look the same to all intents and purposes – the only difference being the thickness. They look as if they have little bits of grass or plant material in the paper and the basic colour is neutral. There is also a very pretty wildflower seed paper that is much creamier and obviously has little bits of seed. 

The big question? Do they smell? No. Do they look like they are made from poo? No. They look like any ordinary paper. So pop along to the website and get yourself some recycled paper.

Inspire Me Papers available from www.inspiremepapers.co.uk

Inspire Me Papers produce products aimed at crafters, particularly card makers. Imagine creating your own designer cards – it’s never been easier with this range of papers. They produce 8 Inspiration Collections consisting of co-ordinating handmade papers. The range includes packs that can be used for every occasion. The sets are bright, colourful and contemporary. These are just 1.99 each.

They also produce three fabulous box sets – luxury, essentials and vintage. The luxury box includes a stunning array of 6 packs to inspire your card making activities. Inside you will find Male Birthday, valentine’s Day, Baby, Children’s, Wedding and Female. The packs have multiple uses i.e. the Male Birthday pack could easily be used for Father’s Day. Inside each pack is an A4 sheet of paper, 3 cards and 3 envelopes. The box itself is re-usable. The luxury box set is 30 pounds.

The paper ranges includes brights, stripes, plains, luxurious metallics, textured surfaces and shimmering iridescents. I love the luxurious flocked patterned paper in the Ruby Slippers collection. The card collection includes metallics, corrugated, exciting finishes and my favourite – pearl embossing. Ready-folded cards and matching envelopes are available too. Card-making kits complete the selection. 

If you are looking for ways to make your cards look different, stop by Inspire Me Papers and see how they can make all the difference.