• Get artsy and creative!
• Find out more here.

It might be irritating that there seem to be more celebration occasions than ever before – but not if you’re making the cards.

Hand-made cards are always nicer than store-bought, and it's easy to tell the difference. They are unique and thoughtful, and easy to make. You can even do it while sitting in front of the TV.

You will need a unique selling point so use your talent, your sense of humour or whatever you have. Be as artistic as you like.

This is a money maker for the creative minded, so if it reminds you of being back at school try to remember that anything worthy of a classroom wall is unlikely to sell. Making cards is also a relaxing and fulfilling way to spend a few hours here and there, you can do it as a hobby business or a real money maker.

Customers who like your designs are likely to come back for something different to give on other occasions.

Look at magazines or books from the library, such as Crafts Beautiful’ magazine, which often has inspiring ideas for cards and other crafts along with adverts from crafts suppliers. Go down to the local gift shops and see what cards they offer. Check out Making Greeting Cards for free online help, or Amazon's great range of cardmaking books. .

Wherever you decide to sell your cards, have a look at the competition if there is any. Do something different.

No matter what you want to do, or make, there are some essential items you'll need:

A space to work on (make sure you cover it with newspaper to prevent messy spills); glue, scissors, a stanley knife, a ruler, pens, pencils, paints. Places like Rebel-Rebel and Staples cover the basics and Free delivery on orders over £30 (ex. VAT)

For basic designs, you won’t need much more than card and envelopes. Other materials can be as elaborate as you want – as long as you think it’ll attract the buyer.

• Birthdays
• Christmas
• Easter
• New baby
• Farewell

Think outside the square, you can buy new bits and bobs from craft stores and supplement them with bits from around the house and garden:

• Get down to nature and use pressed flowers;
• Go to the local thrift shop where they often have boxes of old buttons and bits;
• Try party stores where you can get cheap glitter;
• Get your old wrapping paper out of the store box;
• Make chocolates or lollies to stick on the front;
• Use stickers that you can find at Pound shops;
• Use scissors with funky edges;
• Cross stitch small designs and glue them on;
• Or stitch onto the card itself;
• Use a calligraphy pen to write messages;
• Make designs using the art of quilling - paper rolling. (This is lots of fun for those with good able hands and you can make sure gorgeous patterns and pictures.)
• Use felt, or stamps, candle wax, stencils, fimo, punches......the list quite literally goes as far as your imagination!