Card Making Video Podcasts

About Video Podcasts

Podcasts are programs that are delivered online through an XML protocol known as RSS. When you become a podcast subscriber, new episodes are automatically downloaded to your computer. There is typically no charge for this service and it allows you to listen during the time that best fits your busy schedule.

Although most podcasts are simply audio files, an increasing number of people are taking advantage of new technology to produce podcasts with instructional videos. Think of these programs as homemade versions of the shows on your local public television station.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need an iPod or mp3 player to listen to card making video podcasts. It’s easy to use your desktop or laptop computer to enjoy podcasts. The only advantage of an iPod or mp3 player is that you will be able to view the programs of your choice even when you’re not at your desk.

Unfortunately, the frequency of podcast programs varies. Dedicated producers make new shows on a daily, biweekly, or weekly basis, but many podcasts are only published two or three times per month. The smallest podcast producers may only release new programs when they have something interesting to share.

For additional information about podcasting and how you can produce your own programs, please visit the following links:

• What is Podcasting?
• How to Podcast
• Podcasting News
• Podcasting in Education

Using iTunes to Find Card Making Video Podcasts

If you’ve been thinking of iTunes as simply a resource for finding music, you’re missing out on a wonderful opportunity to enhance your crafting skills. In addition to selling music, movies, and iPod games, iTunes also offers a number of free podcast programs. Although the quality of these programs can be questionable, it’s easy to read visitor reviews and obtain podcast samples before becoming a subscriber.

To locate podcast programs, follow these simple steps:

1. If it’s not already installed on your computer, download and install the free iTunes software from the Apple Web site.
2. Open iTunes and click on the link that says “iTunes Store.”
3. Type “paper craft” into the search box. (Unfortunately, iTunes doesn’t appear to have a category designated exclusively for card making programs.)
4. Click on the price icon to sort by price and place the free podcasts at the top of the list.
5. When you see a program that looks interesting, click on arrow icon next to the name of the podcast to view a description, read subscriber comments, and download sample episodes. Remember that the television screen icon is used to indicate the program is a video podcast.
6. Click on the “Subscribe” button to become a regular listener. This step is needed to ensure that new episodes are automatically delivered to your computer.
7. Click on the relevant link in the podcast section of your iTunes library to view the card making video podcast of your choice.

Card making and paper craft podcast programs from iTunes include:

• More than Memories Video Webcast: This bi-monthly program is relatively new, but promises to be a great resource for card making and paper crafting enthusiasts. Each program is about 15 minutes in length, with topics aimed at beginning and intermediate level crafters.
• The Scrapbook Lounge: Although this program focuses primarily on scrapbooking, many of the techniques covered relate to card making as well. Unfortunately, each podcast has a different presenter and the production schedule appears to be somewhat erratic.
• Scrap Time: This podcast features projects with an artsy feel, including many collage-inspired styles.
• Scrapbookingpodcast.com: This program is devoted to an eclectic mix of scrapbooking, card making, rubber stamping, and paper crafting topics. Each episode is between five and 15 minutes in length.

Additional Resources for Podcasting Enthusiasts

Although iTunes is the leader in the field of podcasting, there are several other directories that you may find useful as you search for new card making video podcasts. For example:

• Learn Out Loud
• Video Podcasts
• Podcast Directory
• Podcast Pickle
• Podcast Alley
• Podcast.net