Chris' Review	Renee's Review	Stephanie's Review	Pomaika`i's Review	Donna's Review

Review by Chris

A few months ago, I had a chance to review the instructional video Scrapbooking: Memories Made Simple by On Air Video and I was impressed with its content. When I learned that I would have the opportunity to review a cardmaking instructional video by the same company, I looked forward to it. I hoped for the same detailed, well-paced instruction and I was not disappointed!

The Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites and Announcements video takes the viewer through the entire process of making a card, starting with a simple, single-panel card and progressing with more detail through single and multi-fold cards, window cards and specialty cards including pop-up cards. The video includes a pdf file with a complete list of tools and supplies needed to create all the cards demonstrated. This list can be printed and taken to the store for easy purchase of needed materials. The entire video runs approximately 120 minutes and is divided into sections according to card type. The viewer can stop and start the video as they wish which makes creating the cards quite easy.

The video starts out by presenting a list of supplies and tools needed to create the projects demonstrated within. The instructor, Sharon Pak, speaks clearly and slowly and her instruction is easy to follow. The visual demonstrations are clear and detailed, ensuring cardmaking success. Sharon includes helpful tips at the beginning of the video and also sprinkles them through-out the demonstrations.

In addition to showing us how to make several different styles of cards, Sharon helps the cardmaker create professional-looking cards by adding many detailed touches to her finished projects. Lining the inside of the cards, for example, to cover the back of brads or to add visual interest to the inside of a card - an area which is often ignored in the card-making process - and creating perfectly-sized envelopes to coordinate with the handmade cards are just two examples of how this video goes "above and beyond" to help the cardmaker create a card which they can be proud to give.

As the video progresses, the cardmaker is taken from a single panel and single-fold card to multi-fold cards and window cards. As the difficulty of the card increases, the complexity of the embellishments also increases. Each chapter includes several additional examples of the particular card style giving the viewer added inspiration as they create their own cards. The video emphasizes that the cardmaker can use many of the products she already owns, thus making card-making a fairly inexpensive activity.

Since I have made many single fold cards, I decided to attempt some of the more complex card styles and my first effort was an envelope card. This card utilizes two folds and resembles an envelope when folded. I used a corner punch to create decorative corners on the flap, lined the inside with coordinating paper and used a ribbon to tie the card closed. This will make a perfect card to accompany a gift.

Envelope card
Products used: Inspired by Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites & Announcements by On Air Video
Patterned paper (Inque Boutique)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Tape Runner)

Next, I created a gate fold card. I used some fun paper by Cosmo Cricket. Their coordinating die cuts were the perfect elements to use to "hold" my card closed. I lined the inside with coordinating paper and once I add my message this card will be ready to send.

Gate fold card Products used: Inspired by Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites & Announcements by On Air Video
Patterned paper and die cuts (Cosmo Cricket Cogsmo)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Tape Runner)

For my last card, I created a window birthday card. After covering the front of the card with patterned paper, I used a scalloped die cut to cut the window. Then I placed a stamped image inside the card so that it could be seen through the window. I wrote my message on the cut out shape, which I adhered on the inside of the card.

Window card
Products used: Inspired by Cardmaking: greetings, Invites & Announcements by On Air Video
Patterned paper (Polar Bear Press)
Stamps (Inkadinkado, Kolette Hall; Vap! Scrap)
Ink (Stewart Superior Memories black)
Colored pencils (Prismacolor)
Die cut (Spellbinders Nestabilities, Petite scalloped square)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

The pace of this video is moderate and deliberate, which allows the novice cardmaker to keep up with the instructed projects. The experienced cardmaker will appreciate the tips and techniques as well as the extra details included in each project. The examples in the added galleries at the end of each section offer wonderful ideas for additional cards. With a purchase price of $14.95, I consider this video a great bargain. It is available through several online retail merchants as well as directly from the company (who offers free shipping).

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Review by Renee

While I love to scrapbook, I also like to find other ways to use my scrapbooking supplies. When you hoard papers the way I do, you really have to find other paper crafting projects to try to use a little of the stash you have accumulated. My favorite way to stash bust is by making cards. Needless to say, I was very pleased to have the opportunity to review the DVD “Cardmaking, Greetings, Invites and Announcements” by On Air Videos.

The DVD, which runs approximately 120 minutes, teaches basic techniques useful for both cardmaking and other paper crafting project. The video walks the viewer through cardmaking beginning with basic single panel notecards and announcements, and then multifold cards like the gate cards. It also demonstrates specialty cards such as window cards, money gift cards, and pop up cards. Most beneficial for me was the demonstration on how to make envelopes for any size card using regular scrapbook paper and not template. This is a technique that I will repeatedly use as I love to make 6 x 6 square cards but can never find envelopes to fit that size.

In addition to teaching the technique required to make the above cards, the video teaches basic techniques such as the proper use of a exacto knife, metal ruler and cutting mat; use of a paper trimmer; use of a bone folder; and the use of a variety of punches. Even though I have been scrapbooking for many years, I have never taken a class in cardmaking or attended a demonstration of how to properly use certain tools like a bone folder. I was finally able to see why my folds sometimes come out crooked when I attempt to use my bone folder. I was very please to get this tidbit of information.

For my first project, I decided to tackle a card that I have never quite been able to get right in the past. I decided to make a gate fold card. I followed the directions given by the video host, Sharon Pak, and determined the size card I wanted, then measured out to find my first fold. I was a little nervous when I reached my second fold as this part of my gate fold cards has always come out a little short or long compared to the first fold. Using the measuring techniques in the video, I was able to get a perfectly sized gate fold card.

Title: Dream Big
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics White)
Patterned Paper (Making Memories and American Crafts)
Die Cut Machine (Provocraft Cricut)
Cartridge (Cricut Graphically Speaking)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my second project, I just had to try the envelope instructions. My math skills were a tiny bit off, but since I erred on the side of larger, I was easily able to trim the card base before gluing. I love that I can now make envelopes to fit my beloved 6 x 6 cards from leftover papers that I would probably never use otherwise. I am such a happy camper with this new skill.

Title: 6 x 6 Envelope
Products used: Patterned Paper (Dirty Laundry by Keeping Memories Alive)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I really had a lot of fun playing with the projects and techniques on the On Air Video Cardmaking video. The techniques taught are largely for the beginner cardmaker. However, even a seasoned cardmaker can find things that they have never tried on this video. For me, the envelope presentation was the best thing I have seen in a while and will certainly be used at least weekly. If you enjoy classroom type demonstrations, you will definitely enjoy this video.

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Review by Stephanie

With all the wonderful cards that cardmakers are creating, do you sometimes wish you could find a source for all the information and tips necessary to create an assortment of cards? Do you wish you could have someone sit with you while you tried new techniques? Do you wish someone would work with you one on one to help when you are having trouble figuring out a new card style? Well, you are definitely in for a treat with Cardmaking, a new DVD by On Air Video Incorporated. This DVD is just what you need to create an amazing assortment of cards. Our hostess, Ms. Pak, shows you how to create a whole range of cards from simple to intricate. She has broken down cardmaking into easy step by step directions and all within the confines of your own home. Just think – pop in the DVD and pause, stop, rewind, play – all this is at your fingertips in the comfort of your own home and on your own time schedule. Pause the DVD and go pick out the supplies you need for the project then follow along as Ms. Pak takes you on a journey through cardmaking.

This DVD is a new product which On Air Video has created. It is a perfect mate to its sister DVD, Scrapbooking Made Simple. On Air Video is run by Sharyn Pak and Larry Withers, a husband and wife team, who create a number of instructional videos for the artist in all of us. This DVD comes in a hard cover plastic case and shows our hostess with some of the cards she will be demonstrating on the DVD. Materials needed for the projects are noted on the back cover. As Ms. Pak shows us, it is very easy to make cards even if you are just starting out. Her calm demeanor and detailed, but easily understood instructions, make you want to gather some supplies and work right along side her. Broken into subjects such as Pop Up cards, Invitations, Swing cards, and even envelopes, Ms. Pak shows you how to create beautiful cards in no time at all, using a variety of techniques and supplies you may well have on hand.

This DVD is approximately 2 hours in length. Watch it through once and then go back to each project and get started, or just work with Ms. Pak immediately while she shows you how to create amazing projects. For each project, Ms. Pak shows you the items you will need. So, pop in the DVD and have fun.

One of the first cards Ms. Pak demonstrates is a Thank You card which is created from one sheet of pattern paper and two colors of cardstock, plus some rub-ons, clips and fiber. A beautiful card is created.

Title: Thank You card
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Black, yellow)
Pattern Paper, Rub-ons (DCWV)
Die cuts (Cricut)
Clips, Fibers (Making Memories)
Brads (Creating Keepsakes)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I used one sheet of 12x12 sheet pattern paper for my next set of cards and cut it into 2 pieces, each measuring 5”x11”. I then folded up 3 ½ inches and down 3 ½ inches, creating a tri-fold card. On both edges, I used a scalloped punch, then rounded the corners with a corner punch. Cutting a small rectangle to fit the front of the card, I stamped my sentiment. Opening the card, I stamped the interior sentiment. I love how they turned out.

Title: Birthday cards
Products used: Pattern Paper (DCWV)
Stamp (Just For Fun)
Ink (Ranger)
Punch (EKSuccess)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my next cards, I followed along with Ms. Pak while she created flip cards. You can create 4 cards from one sheet of 12x12 pattern paper and some scraps. The top flip can either hold the sentiment, or be opened to reveal the sentiment.

Title: Flip cards
Products used: Pattern Paper (DCWV)
Stamps (Inkadinkadoo, Hampton Arts)
Ink (Ranger)
Embossing (Provo Craft, Cuttlebug)
Flowers (Prima)
Brads (Queen & Co.)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

Finally, I have always wanted to create a pop up card, but have never been able to get it just right. Well, by following along with this Ms. Pak, I was able to create this wonderful pop up card in no time at all.

Title: Thank You Card
Products used: Pattern Paper (MME)
Stamps (Hero Arts, All Nite Media, Stampendous)
Ink (Staz on)
Die cuts (Nestabilities)
Flowers (Prima)
Metallic Rub-ons (Craf T Products)
Trim (Flair)
Brads (Creating Keepsakes)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

From invitations to thank you cards to pop up cards, On Air Video has you covered. This is definitely a DVD everyone will enjoy, even the most seasoned pro. From intricate dangling and cut out cards to simpler single paneled cards, there is something for all crafters. I love to make cards and am always looking for something different to create, so it was wonderful to see so many different styles on one DVD.

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Review by Pomaika`i

On Air Video Inc, was founded in 2002 by husband and wife Larry Withers and Sharyn Pak. They specialize in instructional videos for the fine arts and arts and crafts including scrapbooking, beading, bookbinding and mosaics as well as some fitness videos including the “Chubby Hubby Workout” and Desk Sets. Their mission is to produce thorough, reasonably priced DVD.

I have been making my own cards from scrapbooking scraps for many years, but aside from the odd card making book here and there, I haven’t run across too many useful cardmaking resources. I was curious to see what this video had to offer after reading the favorable the reviews of my team for On Air Video Inc.’s Scrapbooking DVD.

Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites & Announcements ($14.95) is a professionally created 120 minute DVD by On Air Video Inc. This video is an on demand how-to workshop for greeting cards, invitations and announcements. It is packaged in a standard plastic 5.25 x 7.5” DVD case with a full color title sheet and a content summary and materials list on the back.

The video is well organized with easy to access chapters

• Introduction
• Tools and Materials
• Single panel note cards and announcements
• single fold cards
• multi-fold cards
• window cards
• specialty cards including swing-out, money-gift and pop-up cards and envelopes
• and a “special features” section where you can access photos of the materials used in each section, and standard envelope measurements.

The tools required for the projects in “Cardmaking” are basic. Most people, except the very beginner, will not have to purchase anything new. Tools that are recommended are scissors, metal ruler, exacto knife, paper trimmer, cutting matte, bone folder, tweezers, and assorted punches. You could absolutely create these cards without some of these tools, they would just take a little longer. If you find you like making cards, you can always invest in your missing tools at a later time. I like the back to basics approach “Cardmaking” takes. It is a refreshing change from cutting edge techniques with the hottest new (expensive) tool on the market that most tutorials advocate.

Sharyn Pak is your host. She has a very professional, straight-forward approach to cardmaking. Her on-air personality is warm and her techniques are well presented in an organized approach that starts simple and builds in complexity. While none of the techniques taught in this DVD are very complicated, well chosen paper and embellishments create sensational cards from the simplest party invitations to the most elegant Wedding announcements. When I say that the none of the projects are very complicated, I don’t meant that they are boring. There is enough information for beginners to feel competent, and for advanced cardmakers to modify and add their own style to their projects.

I found “Cardmaking” interesting, easy to watch and understand. Sharyn is an excellent teacher and the video is edited so that you see enough of each step to know what to do, but don’t have to sit through the rounding of 16 corners with a corner punch.

For my first project, I created some single panel note cards. These are excellent for gift enclosures or quick notes. I used 1/4 of an 8.5 x 11” sheet of cardstock for each card. For embellishment, I punched fancy corners and matted with patterned paper. To create my writing space, I added a sheet of plain cardstock over the matt.

Title:Note Cards
Products used:Inspired by Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites and Announcements by On Air Video Inc.)
Cardstock (Prism)
Patterned Paper (Heidi Grace, My Minds Eye)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

My next project is a multi-fold greeting card and envelope set. The card is made by starting with two single fold cards. Place them in front of you and orient them so that the folded edge of both cards face away from each other (one to the right and one to the left, loose edges towards each other in the center). Fold the front side of each card in half again, (the free edge towards the folded side). Join the two cards by adhering one back panel over the other so that a gate is created by the double folded fronts of the cards.

The envelope was created using the instructions in the envelope section. It is really only a tri-fold card with a few cuts to facilitate sealing the sides up. I have made envelopes in the past, but these were the easiest envelopes I have ever made!

I like that Sharyn gives you measurements for each project. On the DVD she creates large cards--about 8.5 x 5.5” which I feel are too big for my purposes, however just use the same instructions to create smaller cards half the size. If you are a beginner and like smaller cards, I would recommend creating a few of the large sized cards first, then experiment with going smaller. You’ll find the instructions easily adaptable.

Title: Gatefold Heart Card
Products used:Inspired by Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites and Announcements by On Air Video Inc.)
Cardstock (Prism)
Patterned Paper (Heidi Grace, My Minds Eye)
Stamps (Studio G)
Ink (Color Box)
Brads (Joann Craft Essentials)
Other (Sequins)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner, Joann Tacky Glue)

My last project came from the specialty card section of “Cardmaking”. I followed Sharyn’s instructions to create these wonderful window cards in a very short period of time. Sharyn advocates using Elmer's glue and glue stick, this is how basic her tool box is. I usually don’t have good luck with glue sticks, but I decided to give it a try for the window card where it is hard to place the tape runner around the widow area before cutting. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the glue stick worked. I still prefer to use tape runner for general edge adhesion.

Title: Window Cards
Products used: Inspired by Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites and Announcements by On Air Video Inc.)
Cardstock (Prism)
Patterned Paper (Heidi Grace)
Stickers (Heidi Grace)
Brads (Joann Craft Essentials)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech Permanent Bond Glue Runner, Scotch Glue Stick)

I thoroughly enjoyed On Air Video’s Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites & Announcements DVD with Sharyn Pak. I found the information to very useful and the projects endearing. I think that this video would be useful to people with beginning to intermediate card making skill levels, and beginning to advanced scrapbookers who would like to make the plunge into cardmaking. Advanced cardmakers may still find refreshingly new ideas as well. If you have no experience in paper crafting, but want to learn how to create beautiful cards, this is the video for you. No fear, even with no experience in paper crafting at all, you will be creating like a pro in a short time!

I will continue to use the ideas gleaned from this video in the future. For a very reasonable price $14.95, you can have a convenient workshop-like resource that you can go back to many times to assist you in your card creations. I think that Cardmaking: Greetings, Invites & Announcements is a great value for your hard earned money.

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Review by Donna

”Store bought cards are fine, but a handmade card is a gift in itself”. So says Sharon Pak, the creative hostess of the instructional cardmaking DVD, "Cardmaking, Greetings, Invites & Announcements", released in November, 2008 by On Air Video .

The concept of an instructional DVD is certainly nothing new to me, but I had never viewed one before, so this one was my first. And as soon as I saw it, I smiled - Ms. Pack’s broad grin on the plastic DVD jacket cover within which the disk snaps in is infectious – she is standing with bright colored greeting cards floating around her. On the jacket back, you’ll find a mini materials list as well as a brief synopsis of what is contained on the disk. For me, class was in session almost immediately!

With the use of some basic supplies such as cardstock, patterned paper, a ruler, trimmer, craft knife, punches and a glue stick, on this DVD, Ms. Pack shares some fun ideas for creating and embellishing notes, invitations and greeting cards for birthdays, graduations and more. The program is presented in sections, broken down according to level of difficulty and each section builds upon the other. There are nine Chapters, including "Materials" (this includes materials and embellishments), "Single Panel Cards", "Single Fold Cards", "Multi Fold Cards", "Window Cards" and "Specialty", or pop-up and swing out cards. Within these chapters too, there are also instructions for creating envelopes , lining cards with parchment paper and creating money-holder cards as well as ideas for imaginative ways to embellish your cards using lace, rhinestones, ribbons, stamps, stickers and more. The DVD runs about 2 hours (including all beginning and end production credits), retails for $14.95 and also includes a Special Features section that includes a tools and materials list that you can download in PDF format.

Shortly after I began viewing this presentation, I was immediately struck by its quality and I was equally impressed after having watched it in its entirety. The clarity of the picture was wonderful – it did not blur, tile or fade in and out. The lighting was great – there were never shadows, nor did it get too bright or too dark. The sound was clean and crisp - there were never any background noises The camera always seemed to be where it needed to, both when Ms. Pack was speaking directly to her audience as well as when she was actually creating. And, the one click command features allowing you to jump forward, back to a previous chapter or pause worked every time without a hitch – at no time did this disk freeze.

Ms. Pack is a wonderful instructor and is obviously comfortable in that capacity. She is articulate and is clear and concise with her instructions. The speed with which she moved through creating each card and embellishment (and she creates quite a few) never seemed too fast and it certainly may be possible to create right along with her, just like in the classroom.

I especially enjoyed the mutli-fold card section of this DVD and I also love sending surprise notes to friends so, for my first project, I created two 4-1/2” x 4-1/2” gatefold note cards. The gatefold cards that Ms. Pak creates in the presentation are much larger in size, but, it was very easy to adapt the card to a reduced size. After cutting and folding the cardstock to create the card bases, I simply covered them with patterned papers, stickers and trim.

Title: project 1
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Making Memories)
Stickers (Making Memories)
Trim & Ribbon (Making Memories)
Rubons (Melissa Frances)
Chipboard (Basic Grey)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

For my second project, I chose another mutli-fold, or “s” fold card. Again, I went with a much smaller version (5” x 5”) than the 8-1/2” x 11” version which was explained in the presentation. It too though, was quite easy to adapt. Here, as was with the first two cards, after cutting and folding the cardstock to create the base, I simply covered the base with patterned papers, stickers and trim. I love how this one “pulls” open to the left!

Title: project 2
Products used: Cardstock (Prism Prismatics)
Patterned Paper (Making Memories)
Stickers (Making Memories)
Ribbon (Making Memories)
Trim (Making Memories)
Adhesive (Adhesive Tech, Permanent Bond Glue Runner)

I did thoroughly enjoy viewing this instructional DVD, but, as an experienced card maker, a good portion of the information reviewed was not new to me so at times, it did move a little slowly. I did pick up some fun, new folding tips and I was struck by some of the imaginative ways that Ms. Pak created her own embellishments by incorporating the use of paper punches (look for the most adorable graduation cap!).

I do think that overall, this DVD seems best suited for the beginning card maker, but there are certainly tips for those who are more advanced. It’s a terrific presentation, a high quality DVD and delivers exactly what it claims it will and much more.

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