Card Swappin’ with Dave Gordon

Hello everyone, we are so excited to be able to announce a new feature here on Weekly Scrapper called “Card Swappin’ with Dave Gordon.”  If you’ve attended a Crop or a Card Swap at a Stamp & Scrapbook Expo, you’ve already been charmed by our wonderful Dave Gordon. He always takes an event up a big notch and turns them into a delightful occasion full of fun. You really haven’t experienced the complete Expo until you Crop or Swap with Dave! In his posts on Weekly Scrapper, Dave will share all of the great happenings from Stamp & Scrapbook Expo Card Swaps. Today is Dave’s first post, so we’ll turn the time over to him!

Card Swaps are packed with inspiration and ideas for creating fabulous cards and also sharing them with other crafters.  Maybe you have been making cards for years and need to get some fresh ideas. Or maybe you are new to card making and want to get connected with other card makers who share your new passion. I can say one thing, once you make that first card you are sure to be hooked and will be looking forward to creating your next one!

Card Swaps offers many fresh and new ideas for card making. In the swap, I encourage guests to share their inspiration about why they enjoy card making. Maybe the participant likes to use flowers, buttons, or bling on their cards. Some are great at using their “scraps” for making cards. (As you and I know, there is nothing “scrap” in our creative world! We always find a use for even the smallest piece of paper or embellishment.)  Making and sending a handmade card means as much to me as it does to the special person who is receiving it.

Each guest that attends a Card Swap receives 15 unique cards made by other swappers in the room. How fabulous is that?! We even have a “traveling card box” filled with cards from other shows for your inspiration. The ideas you will receive are endless!

Look at this card full of birthday celebration created by Chris Zelnick. This card was made using a dot style embossing folder for the background and die cuts for the balloons and balloon strings. I love the bright shining colors used in making this special card

Everyone likes a little elegance and this next card is simply perfect. The sweet flamingo is for that special someone who needs a soft touch of kindness. This card, created by April Smith, features a flamingo die cut, bling, ribbon, and a charm.

Now that you’ve been inspired to start swappin’ cards, check out this Card Swap group on Facebook “Card Swap Pals.”  What a great way to reach card makers both around the corner and across the country.

This series of posts, along with all the Card Swaps at Stamp & Scrapbook Expos, are designed as a great way for you to be inspired to create beautiful cards. Join me each time for “Card Swappin’ With Dave” because the fun has just begun! To attend a Card Swap in person, make sure to check out the schedule for Scrap & Scrapbook Expos across the country and plan for a fabulous weekend crafting, cropping, shopping, and swappin’ with friends!

~ Dave