TAKE TWO- remade card added: Critique my card, please
 

I've used this layout a few times for different cards- and I really love it. (Actually- I need to start experimenting with different layouts before all my cards turn into this one)

This card is for an anniversary celebration. I am pleased with it- but it is really missing something to make it pop. How would you change it?



There are others in my gallery similiar to this card- one set is more simple, the other has more layering. You can use them to compare to if you want.

BTW- If the attachment doesn't work the picture is located
http:////www.splitcoaststampers.com/...0&ppuser=69416

Have you thought about using a background stamp? Something to tie it together more. I really like the colors you used.

I agree with a background stamp... and maybe use an individual piece of ribbon on each tag? Maybe add a gingham ribbon that matches one of your cardstocks?

It is very cute though :)

What background do you think would work best and in which color? Would you use the same brilliant blue as the tags, or a lighter/darker color?

versamark: fine lace

versamark: floral

versamark: canvas

I think all of those would look good! :) You could sub bordering blue for the versamark!

OOH! Great suggestion- I never think to stamp versamark as the background- but I use it all the time for embossing and poppin' pastels.

I'll have to make up another one when I get home from work tonight and see how the background and individual ribbons changes it. (Of course, I don't have gingham, but I'll need to put that into my next order)

Thanks all for the help!

(Is it five yet? I want to go home and make a card!)

Okay- I redid the card with the changes suggested both here and in the gallery comments. Overall, I like the card better but I think I prefer the long ribbon to the short individual ribbons.

The changes made:
-Versamark background (The only background stamp I have. I HAVE got to get more)
-Tied with individual ribbons
-Changed Celebrate the White Ink instead of embossed
-Matted the Celebrate to add depth.

I did not get a richer color ribbon as suggested (limited supplies) or match the Celebrate mat to the ribbon (again- supplies- I did, match the celebrate mat to the always)


Comments?

bump back to top... I'd love some feedback. I'm new to card making and really hope to get better.

Loving the revamp with the background stamp added. When resources are limited I have often used my stamp pad and applied the ink to white paper with a brayer to get the colors I want.

Amazing what a background stamp can do- I'm a believer.

I need to get some more stuff- but it's going to be awhile before I can justify purchasing more. (I've only placed one order with SU- and let's just say I got 3 SAB sets) Unfortunatley because I'm a beginner it's not just papers and ribbons I'm lacking- I only have 3 colors of ink!

Take #2 is great (although the first one wasn't so bad, either!). The background stamp and the matting on the Celebrate piece make a subtle difference, and does make it pop more. I like the ribbon both ways, so either would work for me there. I'd say you're off to a great start, and having limited supplies will make you a more creative stamper, and makes it a fun challenge!

Anyway-beautiful card, and keep it up!

like the re-do---the background stamp really ties it together...also think the original ribbon being one piece threaded thru the 3 tags unifies the piece & fits the theme of togetherness!!!

I like your card with the bg done, the ribbon I like both ways, so feel it could go either way. One suggestion I have is to add another layer to each tag...something to help the 'Always' Pop out...like maybe a white border on top of the black and then the final layer...I think I have your colors correct but if not, you can still get the idea...the colors don't always show up that well on my pc:???:. Just a suggestion.

I love the background stamp addition and the layering of celebration, but I really liked the way you did the ribbon originally........just goes to show you we all have different tastes!!!

I live the card! i think i would add a wrap ribbon straight across where the celebrate is to match the ribbon at the top. kind of like this...

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...s/tagcard1.jpg

Really cute! I love Lindsay's suggestion too! The background did a LOT for it! :)

OOH Lindsay that's a great idea- the card has already been sent, but I use this layout a lot, so I will have to add that ribbon next time. Thanks so much for the help!

Both cards look great. The matte on 'celebrate' really adds to the card...and I love the bg. Another way to do a background if you don't have many bg stamps is to use one of your stamps and stamp randomly on cardstock - for example a heart (or different hearts) or flowers...whatever. I've done that many times and it looks great. Another technique I've used to add a little zip to a card is to sponge or do the stamp-direct-to-paper around the edge of the card - on this one I would have used the dark navy. Just a thought.
You are definitely off to a great start.