Some things come easily to me: basic Copic colouring for example. And some things don’t: I love patterned papers but never really know what to do with them. So, rather than just relying on random inspiration found on blogs, Pinterest and Youtube, I thought I’d be a bit more focused in my efforts to improve my skills and sign up for some classes.

Online Card Classes is run by Kristina Werner and Jennifer McGuire who have found yet another outlet for sharing their talent and that of other crafters. There are currently thirty-one classes available.

The first class I am working through is Copic markers for card makers. My basic colouring is fine, but I know that there is a lot more I could be doing. I am also horrifically bad at practising things — I just want to be able to create a finished piece and not have to do it over and over — and this course makes me stop and take the time to try a technique.

Clear and Sheer is the first interactive class I’ve taken. While I’ve used both vellum and acetate on my cards in the past, the techniques I’ve used have been fairly basic — shaker windows and sentiment banners — it’s always handy to have some extra tricks to hand.

I took advantage of a sale a while ago to queue up a few more classes for myself, so these should keep me busy for a while.

Of course, Online Card Classes isn’t the only place for crafty classes. One other class that I am considering taking is the Better Lettering Course — I’ve seen some really nice hand-lettered pieces go past on Instagram from people working their way through it and my lettering is truly in need of improvement.

I’ve also heard good things about the classes from Kit and Clowder and will definitely be taking a look at the Perfecting Pencils class and some of the alcohol marker technique classes.