I would love some design help
 

I made this card and it is okay. I feel like it needs something more, but I can't tell what. Do you know what could help my card? Please leave me some feedback. I would love love love to know what you think. (And if willing, I would love feedback on more than just this card in how to improve my card making skills.)

http:////www.splitcoaststampers.com/...1467?nocache=1

Thank you!

It's pending approval right now.. I'll check back later ~ can't wait to see!

Pam

Opps, still pending. I was ready to critique away! You are brave! I am a preschooler compare to most here and I would probably cry if I got critiques!

Will check back later.

It should be showing now.

it's still showing pending or me.. off to get some things sorted for donations.. I'll peek back later.. I checked out your blog ~ fun stuff!
Pam

Still pending, but I will keep watch so I can help you out if I can.
Mary

Still pending, but I did post a comment.

From what I can see in the thumbnail, lol, maybe put an image on the "envelope" flap? Something small?

I have received the email that it should be showing an hour ago. Is it showing yet?

It's finally showing!! I agree with both calgramma and chickers089. It does seem to need something on the flap, but I can't decide whether it should be 'Just a Note', or just something small like another flower or something. It looks really good as is, but something on the flap would improve it.
Hope that helps!
Mary

Definately needs something on that flap. An image or flower or something to fill up the empty space.

How bout using part of your stamp with the letter J - maybe just the trailing tendril bit - on the flap? Or punch out a small shape from the paper you used across the bottom.

I agree. Something should be added to the flap. I was thinking maybe a Prima or other 3D flower in the center (or stamp one and pop it up on dimensionals), or maybe some rhinestones or Dew Drops along the edges?

It is showing now! I had a look, and this is what came to mind... the top part is sweet, simple, and clean. The lower part is elegant and ornate.

Maybe try to unify them a bit? Stamping "Just a Note" on the envelope flap like the others suggested would add some ornate-ness to the top part. Also, maybe if you have a little dot stamp (or a hole puncher), you could mimic the dots in the top part and add little dots in different colours on the blue space underneath "Just a Note".

But it is a pretty card as is, if you'd just rather leave it be. :)

Sometimes it is hard to critique someone elses work. Since you asked I guess I will try.

First I see two different styles clashing. Elegant and Cute. I would go with a one or the other. I like the envelope concept but maybe leave off the rose paper and use a cute font for the wording on the envelope flap. Just bring down the envelope to fill out the bottom of the card. Hope that makes sense.

If you wanted elegant I would make a close to cocoa card and put a subtle background on it and then layer the rose paper and put it two thirds of the way down on the card and the sentement down below and put the ribbon running through the rose paper. Maybe emboss the sentiment too.

I agree with the pps about competing elements on your card. As well as styles (elegant vs. cute), I am finding that my eye is not finding a focal point to rest on. The ribbon, sentiment, pink flap and dps are all strong elements on their own, therefore my eye bounces from one to the other and back again. Maybe try to pick a main focal point and allow the other elements to complement, not compete with it...Hope this makes sense and helps you a bit ;)

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will play with it this afternoon and hopefully I will figure something out.

Thank you again, I really appreciated the comments!

I would agree too about it being two styles - it's almost like two separate cards. I think I would have done the flap in the same spotty paper, maybe sponged the edges with brown to help it stand out even more, as well as being popped up like you have. And some sort of Prima or something that would look like a seal. Or, if you have more of the paper from the bottom, one of the roses from that cut out, and that would tie the two halves together? I'd love to see what you do come up with. It's so frustrating when you've put effort into something and it just doesn't feel right. I know!!

Alright, so I changed it with the help of everyone's suggestions.
Here was the first take on it: http:////www.splitcoaststampers.com/...&ppuser=158156

Then after I took the picture and uploaded it I had an idea. So here is the second improved take: http:////www.splitcoaststampers.com/...&ppuser=158156

Suggestions are still welcomed. If you think this could still use help, I am totally open. You could be completely ruthless and I would be fine with it. Please let me know.

Ok- I like them both, but I love the second one with the flower.
With all the great suggestions and critiques here for this one card, I'm going to have to start doing that for cards that I think are almost there but need some help.
What a great resource and you took all suggestions and made it work better!!
Mary

I really like the added flower on the second one. I was wondering if maybe instead of using the swirly embossing folder if you could use the swiss dot or one with circles to match your DP? Just a thought! I like the colors you used on this card. Very nice!

I agree. I don't know how to bring the two together though.

That's a neat card... I would layer another piece of cardstock on that flap.. mabye something scalloped on the bottom two edges.. or some piercing along the edges.

Pam

LOVE the second one!! :)

I totally agree with using the swiss dot folder, but I don't have it. I have tiny bubbles, but I didn't think that would work as well.

The second is perfect! LOOOVELY!!

I really like the card with the flower you added....much better now :) Great job!

Just looked at your blog and saw version 3 of the card. I really like that. TFS

The last card is so much better - way to go! One thing to consider when making a card is - what is your focal point? What do you want the viewer to see first? Once you decide that, all the other elements need to lead your eye to the key element. I find that once I make that decision, the rest of the card will fall into place.

yes!!! The new and improved is wayyyy fabooo!!
I agree, but didn't know how to say, that you had two styles going in your original card. I am guessing if you pulled them apart, you could still make a wonderful card with that rose dp and the fancy embossed just a note. So the suggestions have given you two cards for the work of one.

as far as how to get better....
first, If I knew I wouldn't be on the computer,I would be actually making stuff!

Second, practice,practice,practice and don't be afraid to make really hideous things.. (It helps to stamp with a friend so you can have a hideous art making contest. and then it helps if she has children who will help judge the "winner")
But if you look at the blogs of the stars, they stamp every single day. They make it a commitment like brushing their teeth or brushing their hair (who ever sees the back of your head anyway?)
So keep at it!
You are already brave and posting rock star gallery offerings!!

Betsy