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Do you have any "rules" for making attractive cards?
I'm still fairly new to stamping/card making and I'm finding myself rather frustrated. When I case someone else's card with a few minor changes, it usually comes out great (of course). But when I try to come up with something of my own, it rarely seems to work. What I'm wondering is if you have any self-imposed "rules" to help you get a result you like. For example, do you limit yourself to a certain number of colors or layers? Do you have "rules" about using background stamps or designer papers? I hope this makes sense...
I just go with it. I start by picking a stamp set, then the papers and then inks. From there, I figure out a layout and decide on embellishments. There really isn't a secret for me, I just start and see what I come up with. I have often removed layers and changed layouts mid-card because what I thought would work, didn't. It takes practice, patience, and time. Welcome to the stamping addiction. You'll love it more and more.
I just go with it. I start by picking a stamp set, then the papers and then inks. From there, I figure out a layout and decide on embellishments. There really isn't a secret for me, I just start and see what I come up with. I have often removed layers and changed layouts mid-card because what I thought would work, didn't. It takes practice, patience, and time. Welcome to the stamping addiction. You'll love it more and more.
Well put. It's hard to describe one's creative processes. Keep playing with things before you adhere anything.
And it really is an addiction!
One thing I might suggest is to think about what you like about certain cards (of recent additions here, for instance) and notice what they have done to make it appeal to you. You might see yourself drawn to a certain style or use of embellishments. See if you can narrow down those details for yourself.
It's all a matter of personal taste. Some like lots of stuff on their cards....ribbons, tags, eyelets, brads, etc. Others like things more simple.
Decide what kinds of things you like, mostly based on the craft items you currently have. Try some of the techniques found on this entire site to see what you like. You never know till you try.
I really try to customize my cards to the person who will receive it and also based on the purpose of the card. I tend to go for more conservative things with a little bit of sparkle usually by heat embossing. I don't like things too busy.
It's what ever you like. There's really no right or wrong.
I've been starting with a sketch lately, just drawing out ideas for the layout before even touching the stamps/inks/paper. I find that I can get more creative that way, when I start with the stamps/inks/paper I find myself wanting to repeat something I've already done with that set/color/pattern. Drawing first frees me from that temptation to repeat myself.
For me, a really pretty card needs backgrounds. I don't use much pre-printed paper. I enjoy creating my own backgrounds with VersaMark or tone-on-tone. I use BG stamps, wheels or just pick a design stamp and use it over and over to create the background I want. Sometimes, if I don't have a stamp that I like, I'll wad up some tissue and use it to stamp the colors I want over the background or around the edges to soften the total look.
__________________ Pegg Thomas Socialism is trickle up poverty.
Location: in a quiet library with plenty of books, a pot of tea, dark chocolate, and a purring cat
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some ideas
For me, anything can inspire a card: colors, images/graphics, the occasion, the recipient, or materials on hand.
So for me, rules are usually the following:
-I work in threes: three colors (main color, contrast, accent), three components (image/graphic, texture or pattern, embellishment), three sections (top, middle, bottom or left, middle, right)
-I avoid symmetry, mostly because I don't like to measure and get things 'just so'. Plus I think the human eye likes to 'bounce' a bit and not have everything laid out
Mostly just try to enjoy YOUR creativity!
Rachel V.
1. MY CARDS MUST BE SUITABLE FOR MAILING. I have this in caps because it is probably the single, most important rule for me. I know that many folks love to create multi-layer and -embellishment "works of art," but I am of a practical nature and always need cards for various occasions which can be mailed to far-off family and friends. Hence, I stick to flatter cards about 90% of the time.
2. I lurves the DP (designer paper)! I have piles of it! Most of my card projects incorporate DP in some way, and often in multiples of coordinating patterns/colors.
3. I usually limit myself to one stamped design and one sentiment per card when using DP (as I do most of the time, see 2.). I tend to let the DP dominate the card, so the stamps and embellies must complement it.
4. Color choice of CS (card stock) is limited by DP. If I can work in a bunch of colors of CS that work with my chosen DP, I go for it!
5. Feel free to break all the rules! Mix it up, try something different, look at lots of examples (on SCS and other places), and practice, practice, practice - it's the only way to get better. And, sometimes trying something different will produce fantastic results - don't be afraid to change if you're in a rut and have exhausted the possibilities of your current style.
__________________ Hi, my name is Molly, and I am a Designer Paper addict. My avatar is my virtual representation in Second Life.
I'm still fairly new to stamping/card making and I'm finding myself rather frustrated. When I case someone else's card with a few minor changes, it usually comes out great (of course). But when I try to come up with something of my own, it rarely seems to work. What I'm wondering is if you have any self-imposed "rules" to help you get a result you like. For example, do you limit yourself to a certain number of colors or layers? Do you have "rules" about using background stamps or designer papers? I hope this makes sense...
Thanks.
Yes, I actually do!
I'm teaching an online class this Spring on the topic, called Simply Great Card Design, and am busily preparing for that!
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
Cool Beans!!! Garnet's Rule = You ARE going to let us all know when that is happening!!!
Hey, Garnet! {{{{{Garnet}}}}}
I'll be teaching online through www.mycreativeclassroom.com in 2008 and I must confess that I'm pretty stoked! MCC is a creative institute that embraces interactive e-learning. They have an international faculty, and, offer courses in a wide range of creative arts, from creative writing to beading/jewelry making, altered arts and sewing, etc.
I've been in training all fall/winter, trying to learn all the technology involved, software, etc. I had almost given up several times, because I have such a hard time grasping technology/computer stuff, and it's been very time consuming--there is so much more to teaching online and I really had no idea when I was accepted, what I was getting into--I *sorely* underestimated the time, commitment, and technological skill it takes to teach online, beyond the typical downloadable type courses. :shock:
But, our own Colleen Schaan, is also an MCC faculty member, and she has persevered, and bless her heart, she has been the cheerleader that has kept me from throwing in the towel a number of times, with encouragement, and taking time out of her own busy schedule to help me understand more.
She has literally been my hero throughout all of the training. I hope I don't embarrass her by saying all that, but, she's really the bee's knees, and an awesome online instructor, too! :grin:
At any rate, MCC has a newsletter you can sign up for, which will keep you updated on all the courses and happenings--there's gonna be a big kick-off event in celebration of its official grand opening, with free classes, too, and I'll announce, and have my own course offerings listed on my blog, too, of course.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
I was just about to type this myself! I send the majority of my cards thru the lovely USPS, and to avoid paying tons to send them, I try to make them as smooth and flat as possible. My nieces and nephews usually don't mind if there's not a lot of fancy brads, knotted ribbons, eyelets, and such....they just love getting the mail!
There are some basic graphic design rules which will make your cards most appealing to the eye. I've picked up on some of these rules by reading scrapbook mags, i.e. Simple Scrapbooks, and the poster below who works in 3's touches on some of those rules. Also I have a BF who is a graphic designer so that helps when I ask. Usually I don't ask, LOL!!!
Once you decide upon your style, as another poster said she keeps it simple, others put a ton of stuff on the card. When working in 3's watch the size/shape/dimension of the elements, small, medium. large. The eye should work in a triangle. Also notice the geometric shapes of the elements on the card, the card will look busy w/circles, triangles and squares.
My pet peeve....NOTHING irritates me more than to see some weird color brought in that doesn't match the other colors on the card. For example, the entire card is blue, yellow and white, and a bright neon orange ribbon is used, like it MATCHES????
__________________ McFadden/MacHappy Ho /Kash So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.1 Cor 10:31
I know exactly what you mean. So I am currently reading a new book on design basics and I'm going to be sharing what I learn over the next few months on Tuesdays by posting a "right way" and "wrong way" card. So far I've learned a ton!! It starts on Jan 8th.
Thank you for asking the question - I don't have anything new to add to the already fantastic responses you received. I am going to use some of the links and suggestions to help me with my card making, so thanks again for asking.
Hope this information helps you.
Kristina
__________________ Kristina G
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I'm a rank amateur but one thing I strive for is neatness. If my card had a smudge or fingerprint, I have to trash it and start all over.
It has been said that "perfect" is the enemy of the good, and I must confess I get bogged down in striving for perfection, and many times end up with nothing at all cuz it's not "perfect". Probably more of a personality problem than a design concept, though LOL! FWIW!
But I must say, for me, at least, neatness counts!
debjc,
Good question! Most answers are as different as we all are. Find what works best for you and use temporary adhesive as you are "playing"! I found that out the hard way! For me, I let decorative papers inspire me. I use a lot of it. I have made my own Christmas cards for 3 years now and in 2007 made all occasion cards for my family and friends. Needless to say, my supplies keep growing!
I hope you find your groove and what works for you. Oh yeah, my stamping buddy needs ideas/inspiration from other cards. She is just getting to do her own creations after 1 year of stamping. So give yourself some time and just enjoy your creative time!!
Do you have any "rules" for making attractive cards?
some ideas
