Constructive Criticism - need a little help with your card?

[sadiejane929]

Quote:

Originally Posted by klh54

Thanks but those comments weren't for my card, they were for another gal's.

:oops:

Sorry, I did not look closely enough at the poster's name I like your card, it picks up the colors in your dp quite nicely. I really like the crystal as the handle to the dome.

[frenziedstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cramos

Since I am relatively knew to the PC world I would like to know what the veterans would do to jazz this card up. To me he is a little plain, but I have not gotten into the embellishment swing yet.

Congrats by cramos - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

Thanks for looking,
Crystal

Hi there Crystal. I was just reading thru this forum. I love your card, the bright colors are so cheerful. One thing I often do on my cards is paper pricking...for example you could paper prick around your scallops. Here's a couple of examples:
Anniversary Love Bunnies by frenziedstamper - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers
Baby ConQUACKulations by frenziedstamper - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers
Another technique I love is Faux Stitching, ie: around the scallops, this would also draw the eye in...example here
Love my Teddy Bear by frenziedstamper - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers
Hope these ideas help in the future! :p

[frenziedstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by klh54

I liked the idea I came up with but there's just something not right...anyone?? It's a birthday card for a friend and I sure don't want to give it to her looking all wrong! :confused:

[IMG][/IMG]


thanks for your help!

Hello, I know this post is late, just looking thru this forum, but here's what I'd do...
Add a white pearl to each of the dots on the bottom scallops.
Re-stamp the cherry on scrap paper, trim and mount with foam mounting tape...that will really make it pop!
...though this advice is likely all too late now, you have probably sent it!

[Leona2025]

Not quite right by Leona2025 - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

Ugh I made this card for a friends 5 year old bday. I felt rushed. Unfortunately I'm a slow card maker. It takes me days to think on what I want to do and use, but I didn't have that time with this card.
What can I do to make it more....

[Cook22]

I can't tell from the photo - is it a twisted easel card?
I think one thing I would have done would be to add texture to the yellow layer, and maybe the yellow centre of the scalloped circle, too.
If it was for a girl I'd have suggested adding bling in each of the tiny banners, but not for a boy. The letters of his name, maybe?
But I bet he'll love it just as it is...

[Leona2025]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cook22

I can't tell from the photo - is it a twisted easel card?
I think one thing I would have done would be to add texture to the yellow layer, and maybe the yellow centre of the scalloped circle, too.
If it was for a girl I'd have suggested adding bling in each of the tiny banners, but not for a boy. The letters of his name, maybe?
But I bet he'll love it just as it is...

I left the yellow center black so she can add a picture of him to the circle and just have a bit of the yellow peeking out. What type of texture would you have added? And yes it's an easel card.

I wanted to add flowers, but it's a little boy, lol. I did have a set of letters for his name, but they were black and really stuck out. What color would you have suggested?

[frenziedstamper]

Sorry Leona, I answered this query in the wrong forum! I didnt realise it was a twisted easel card, until Sabrina bought that to our attention. So now I see the greeting on the bottom part. Truly I think the little fella will love it.
Decorating the banner further would bring it all together a little more, especially if you use the colors in the turtle bandanas. Or use gel pens for a quick pattern on the banner.
Love the idea of a photo on the flower. Sure the little guy will love it.
Hugs.

[Leona2025]

Thanks! He hasn't recieved it yet and I will work on it more tonight. I think I will just start over. It's not as polished as I would like.

[Cook22]

Ah - a photo on the scallop makes sense.
A stronger deeper green for stamping letters on banners? Or even little brads would work.
Any all-over pattern was what I was thinking of for the yellow layer, but obviously probably not one of the floral ones. Something like the Provocraft Mesh, or Diamonds in The Rough. Even Bubbles might work quite well with the turtles.

[Leona2025]

Here is the reworked card. I took the advice offered and added a designed banner and even added his name. I'm not sure if too much is going on now, but I'm mostly happy with this version.
TMNT BDAY

[frenziedstamper]

Love the banner, think it really pops!

[Karen.T]

I think its a great card....except I wouldn't use that font for your Happy Birthday message. Too ornate for the ambience of the "Happy, crazy card".

[Karen.T]

oooops...this comment wasn't meant for your card...I'm new at this too. sorry
Love the reworked card!

[Karen.T]

to Sewflake...I love this card, but I wouldn't use such an ornate font for the Happy Birthday. The card is so fun, try a funky font.

[mprasad]

I have posted several cards, a few recently, but haven't received ANY comments at all, and not even any "likes". I see people are viewing it (according the the "views" anyway). Should I be doing something different? Are my cards too cutesy or not to people's tastes? Do I need to add more to the description? I'm getting very depressed. Here's one of my recent card posts: Lili of the Valley Birthday Card by mprasad - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

[Karen.T]

After receiving this message, I went to your gallery...your cards are so cute....the only comment I would have is "less is more". You might try to pick a theme and just go with it. Try to stick to one style.. ie if you go cute, don't add more contemporary items...maybe stamped flowers with little happy faces instead of silks. Just a thought.

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mprasad

I have posted several cards, a few recently, but haven't received ANY comments at all, and not even any "likes". I see people are viewing it (according the the "views" anyway). Should I be doing something different? Are my cards too cutesy or not to people's tastes? Do I need to add more to the description? I'm getting very depressed. Here's one of my recent card posts: Lili of the Valley Birthday Card by mprasad - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

It's nothing personal or anything "wrong" with your cards - it's sheer numbers! There are somewhere between 400-500 images loaded to the gallery every day. I just glanced at the first six pages of recent uploads - almost all of them have no comments. So don't get depressed, it really isn't a reflection on what you make or how you make it.

From your post count (23 posts since 2011) I'm guessing you are not an active commenter in the gallery yourself since I believe comments count towards that total. That's not a finger pointing exercise, it's just an indication that people (you included) have different priorities and pressures on their time and many don't spend the time leaving comments.

Many of the challenges here have a culture of mutual commenting so you could try joining in with some of those to help build a community if that appeals to you.

[mprasad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelnorth

It's nothing personal or anything "wrong" with your cards - it's sheer numbers! There are somewhere between 400-500 images loaded to the gallery every day. I just glanced at the first six pages of recent uploads - almost all of them have no comments. So don't get depressed, it really isn't a reflection on what you make or how you make it.

From your post count (23 posts since 2011) I'm guessing you are not an active commenter in the gallery yourself since I believe comments count towards that total. That's not a finger pointing exercise, it's just an indication that people (you included) have different priorities and pressures on their time and many don't spend the time leaving comments.

Many of the challenges here have a culture of mutual commenting so you could try joining in with some of those to help build a community if that appeals to you.

Yeah, I guess that makes sense! By the way, do you know how to embed a YouTube video in one of these forum posts? I see a few embedded but there is not button on the message post for it and I can't seem to figure out what tags to use (tried YOUTUBE various ways, tried pasting the html, tried CODE...).

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mprasad

By the way, do you know how to embed a YouTube video in one of these forum posts?

I guess you answered your own question as I just saw your post in the tutorials section - I'll pop back and take a look in a moment!

[mprasad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelnorth

I guess you answered your own question as I just saw your post in the tutorials section - I'll pop back and take a look in a moment!

I tried a bunch of things but none were showing up in the preview so I just put in what I thought it should be then put in a hard link as well. The video showed up for me after it posted... I hope it shows for everyone!

[RiverIsis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mprasad

I have posted several cards, a few recently, but haven't received ANY comments at all, and not even any "likes". I see people are viewing it (according the the "views" anyway). Should I be doing something different? Are my cards too cutesy or not to people's tastes? Do I need to add more to the description? I'm getting very depressed. Here's one of my recent card posts: Lili of the Valley Birthday Card by mprasad - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

I think your card is adorable as it is. I just don't get to the galleries that often. I totally agree with if you want feedback challenges are the way to go but you have to spend time commenting as well.

[UnderstandBlue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mprasad

Yeah, I guess that makes sense! By the way, do you know how to embed a YouTube video in one of these forum posts? I see a few embedded but there is not button on the message post for it and I can't seem to figure out what tags to use (tried YOUTUBE various ways, tried pasting the html, tried CODE...).

All you have to do is paste the embed code. I fix them whenever I find them with just links, but I'm glad you asked, because I would love it everyone did that

[UnderstandBlue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mprasad

I have posted several cards, a few recently, but haven't received ANY comments at all, and not even any "likes". I see people are viewing it (according the the "views" anyway). Should I be doing something different? Are my cards too cutesy or not to people's tastes? Do I need to add more to the description? I'm getting very depressed. Here's one of my recent card posts: Lili of the Valley Birthday Card by mprasad - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

Holy freaking cow - just went through your gallery - you are amazing!

[mprasad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnderstandBlue

Holy freaking cow - just went through your gallery - you are amazing!

I need more like buttons for your post! Thanks!!

[frenziedstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mprasad

I have posted several cards, a few recently, but haven't received ANY comments at all, and not even any "likes". I see people are viewing it (according the the "views" anyway). Should I be doing something different? Are my cards too cutesy or not to people's tastes? Do I need to add more to the description? I'm getting very depressed. Here's one of my recent card posts: Lili of the Valley Birthday Card by mprasad - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

Hi, I read your comments and visited your lovely gallery. Here's what I've found helpful:
1...less IS more, 1 great feature to focus attention works best.
2...join in the challenges ie one challenge this week is to use something RED...too easy!
3...comment. To have friends, you must be a friend
Hope this helps!

[mprasad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frenziedstamper

Hi, I read your comments and visited your lovely gallery. Here's what I've found helpful:
1...less IS more, 1 great feature to focus attention works best.
2...join in the challenges ie one challenge this week is to use something RED...too easy!
3...comment. To have friends, you must be a friend
Hope this helps!

Thanks frenziedstamper! I'll try to seek out some challenges. I visited your gallery - nice cards! I know what you are saying in number 1 but I think it's also one of those subjective things. I like more on my cards - my sister likes less. I do simpler cards once in a while (here's one that's pretty simple: Awash with Color: Stamps of Life Christmas Tree Card). I like a lot of the Magnolia Ink designs, although some of them can become quite busy even for me; check out some of the cards on this blog: Camilla's Magnolia blog (Norway): Cozy Christmas Tilda ?

[UnderstandBlue]

Quote:

Originally Posted by frenziedstamper

3...comment. To have friends, you must be a friend

Love that

[Leona2025]

I just uploaded a few snaps of my most recent card. I was able to pick out the colors all by myself and to try to pull it together I just painted the flowers matching colors. I would like any imput on the cards. It's actually the first one I am satisfied with.

[RiverIsis]

This card is sent but as I will be making more for the future I would appreciate any input.

4 Star General Graduation! by RiverIsis - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

[Cook22]

I thought someone else who knows more about graduation cards than I do might have responded! I looked at on the day you posted, and couldn't think of much, and still can't. You say it's the stamped panel you're not happy with - but I think about the only thing I would do differently is to pop the stars up! I think that the image panel works very well with the pennant banner format, which isn't (in real life) going to be fussy or elaborate.

[frenziedstamper]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverIsis

This card is sent but as I will be making more for the future I would appreciate any input.

4 Star General Graduation! by RiverIsis - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers

I agree with Sabrina, above, who said there's not much to improve. It's a great card. I might add stickles (or wink of Stella) to the stars to make them pop a bit more and introduce a more casual, fun aspect.

[RiverIsis]

Thanks for the input. Maybe I will play when I find time... I think it is that there is two images (not 3) but the space is too big for just one etc...

I have several more family members attending this school so I will keep tweaking it I'm sure.

[SilverSnow]

RiverIsis: Are the school colors blue and gray? I like that the colors are so classic. Could you add a set of ribbon tails down on the left side under the banner? Also, it might look tighter if you try overlapping the cap and diploma. Over all, though, it's a very attractive card!

[RiverIsis]

Yes, this is pretty much an exact replica of their school crest except for the final panel. The crest itself has an angular "G" for Generals that fills the white space and that is where I stamped the cap/diploma.

Thank you.

[Kgeans]

Hello!

The "flow" of the lines/arrow is down and in the middle--AWAY from your images and your text. This puts the way your eye flows through the artwork drawn down and AWAY from what you would want to be your focal point.

[NicholeC]

I just noticed this thread and could really use some advice on my Christmas cards! My husband has a great eye for layouts, so I usually run my cards by him for suggestions. Personally, I am a very �symmetrical� person � I like things lined up and centered. He, on the other hand, is constantly trying to get me to move things off-center and group images differently. Drives me crazy, but he�s usually right and my cards look better �his way.�

With that background, my favorite card design that I came up with is this one: Card #3. He liked it, but thought something with the trees grouped differently (not in a line) would look better � like this one: Card #2.

The one thing we both agree on is that we prefer an odd numbers of images, so it will either be 3 or 5 trees. Any suggestions?

[RiverIsis]

I like them both and TBH would tend toward your design with those stamps rather than the grouping.

I have seen both layouts on DT blogs so that doesn't help either!

[Breila_Cards]

I agree, I definitely feel that card 3 is more appealing, to me anyway, than card two, though they are both absolutely beautiful.

[Cook22]

I like #3 better too - especially the contrast between the two different trees.
I looked at #2 first, and my initial thought was that it needed a sentiment to balance things out. I know you''d have to stamp that before embossing. It's also possible that it might look better in landscape orientation (like #3), in which case I'd use the scalloped border along the bottom . Just my thoughts...

[Breila_Cards]

OK, so I'm new to Spectrum Noir pencils, but created this today. I was wondering what advice people could give me, I'm struggling with possible layouts. I was thinking of adding gems to one corner, or maybe using a template I own to cut the girl into a fancy shape, I am just really not sure how to proceed now.

Christmas Tune Time! by Breila_Cards - Cards and Paper Crafts at Splitcoaststampers