This month I would like to cover some of the steps you can take to take your cards from ordinary to extraordinary. Adding finishing touches to your cards does not necessarily mean adding embellishments, although I will be discussing some in this article. The details I want to emphasize are the extra care that you can inexpensively include to take your cardmaking to the highest level.

Adding string or thread to your buttons: A card that has thread in the buttons shows completion, it only takes a second and can make an impact on the finished piece. Try the no-sew method by threading the button and adhering to the card with a glue dot.

Paper Piercing: This is fun and makes a fantastic statement. Pierce a frame around an image or at the edges of layering papers. Use a template or draw a light pencil line to mark your card; erase the pencil marks when done. Try stamping a graphic image and piercing the pattern using the image as a guide. To pierce, use a mouse pad under your cardstock, then pierce with an awlor large needle to pierce the paper.

Mounting centerpieces onto a backing paper or card stock: Layer your stamped images or stamped panels onto a piece of complimentary cardstock. Think of it as a framed piece of art having mount board, it always looks better. Keep scraps of cardstock handy to grab later for embellishing smaller pieces on your cards.

Distressing Edges: Add a hint of color to the edges of your cardstock. Also try distressing by roughing up the paper with a craftknife, sanding block or other tool. This adds warmth and dimension.

Drawing dots and lines with a pen: Try adding your own drawn doodles, frames, dots and squiggles for a personal touch. Hero Arts Permawriter pen is perfect for this. Use a white pen when working on darker cardstock.

Coloring: Take special care when coloring with pencils, add shading and mix colors for great effects. Mix several greens together to create a natural look when coloring leaves and stems. Add shadows by using darker tones and heavier pressure with the pencil. Use a white pencil to create highlights.

Stamping subtle backgrounds: Try stamping quick tone on tone images to compliment your centerpiece or message. Make sure not to make it too busy, keep it subtle.

Foam Mounting: This is by far the one of the details I add to my cards most. Mounting elements of your card with foam tape gives amazing dimension. The foam lifts the image up from the paper just enough to cast a slight shadow, love it!

Using Embellishments: Hero Arts has carefully chosen small embellishments which coordinate with most of the Paper Basic notecards. Use pearls and gems in the centers of paper flowers, stamp on buttons, wrap pieces with twine, threads or ribbon.