I like to think I’m a fairly creative person, I’m always keen to add my own spin on everything from clothes to wrapping paper. But what if you don’t have the time or energy to start cutting out, gluing or stamping, does that always have to mean defeat? If you’re very computer savvy then perhaps not. If you’re like me however you create something beautiful in an image program and then for the life of you can’t get it to print the right size. Enter CraftArtist Platinum!

When I first installed this program I was both impressed and daunted. This is by no means a basic piece of kit. If you’ve ever played with Photoshop then you will probably find your way around this with ease, but for anyone else there are so many features and options that it can seem like a bit of a maze. Thankfully the designers are more than aware of this and have created many online video tutorials here guiding you through whole projects and the different program features. CraftArtist Platinum comes on 5 discs which gives you an idea of how many different projects this software can handle, an example of the range is:

• Scrapbooks
• Cards
• Invitations
• Favors
• Gift Bags and boxes
• Photobooks
• Posters
• Cake Toppers
• Cupcake wrappers
• Confetti cones
• Confetti stands
• Popup cards
• Bunting
• Gifts
• and many many more.

After watching a few of the tutorials I could have opted to have a go with one of the program templates. But instead I jumped straight in with a blank project to make a Father’s Day card. I had so much fun making this and I’m really pleased with the end result. I loved how easy it was to add and edit photos, to layer objects to give a 3d effect. It really is like scrapbooking without the associated mess.

This is definitely one useful piece of software, I don’t think there’s any danger of getting bored either. But if you want to add more features, all you have to do is download and install them from the website www.daisytrail.com. I think I’ll make a photobook next, I’ve always loved compiling photgraphs in this way and the fact that this software will help me make my very own customised design is a huge plus to me.

Would I recommend this?

Without a doubt, I’ve only scratched the surface on what CraftArtist Platinum can achieve. It’s very user friendly and you’ll quickly find yourself hooked and looking for reasons to send everyone a card/gift. It’s just a huge bundle of creative fun!

I also think this software is quite an economical option. With an RRP of £39.99 that’s the most you’ll need to spend to create everything for a party or wedding. Just imagine, you can create your own invitations, seating plans, menus, thank you cards etc and decorations!

Could it be improved in anyway?

No, it does everything you can think of and more. Sure it might take you a little while to get to grips with all the features, but you’ll never run out of options either. It’s worth spending the time and effort to get to know this software, it will be your best friend in no time.

I will post again later today with step by step instructions of how I created my card 🙂

Details

CraftArtist Platinum is compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP.

It can be purchased direct from the publisher Serif at www.craftartist.com and most major retailers including Amazon, PC World, Argos.