Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
I don't know if it's cool to post this question here in a thread I started - if not, feel free to move it! I have participated in 2 VSNs now and one thing that I have wondered is what everyone does to prepare in advance. I know they post a shopping list but what I mean is do you prepare in other ways, such as:
Do you pick out a few sketches that you like and want to try
Do you pre cut any cardstock?
Do you layout out dp that you've been wanting to use and that might go with the theme?
Just curious. I don't think any of these things would be considered "cheating" would they? I struggle sometimes with coming up with a layout quickly and then I have to think of the idea for the challenge. I thought maybe some folks with experience might do some advance preparation to make the challenges go more smoothly. Thanks!
Kim
It's perfectly fine to post questions!!! I'm glad you asked :grin:
I keep the sketch challenges in a notebook, and the color combos too. I have it handy for VSN - and my favs are highlighted. So that helps me. I usually have card bases precut anyway, so to me it isn't cheating becuae I don't do it "just" for VSN, kwim?
Also, I usually try and think about any sets I have that may work well with the theme - although that can backfire because sometimes a challenge is NOT to use a traditional set!!
I always precut card stock, although I always seem to be out of the color I want and end up cutting anyway. I usually try to use favorite sets that are 'easy' for me. I try to have a plan in my head before I start to stamp each challenge. I use a kitchen timer -- if I get interrupted, I stop it until I get back to stamping and then start it again.
If possible, try to have your family out of your hair.
Don't answer the phone - let the machine get it.
Clean off your stamping space. This makes it so much easier to stamp in a hurry.
Empty your garbage.
If you use a camera, make sure the batteries are charged.
Ink & paper in your printer if you print out the challenges.
I find it easier to upload each card as I do it rather than waiting till the end. And put my tools (punches, ribbon, etc.) away before beginning the next challenge. I end up getting behind, but I just don't stress about it. If I'm really not comfortable with a challenge or can't come up with an idea, I may skip it and come back to it if I have time. I don't feel that I have to complete every one. It's not supposed to be stressful - it's all about having fun!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Splitcoast Gallery Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 24,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Prepare? You are supposed to prepare? I'm just not that organized, lol. Besides I much prefer to wing it! That way if I want to use a color I don't have already cut, then I don't feel guilty about it. But I must say that I am pretty lucky and have must of my stuff right at my finger tips anyway, so it doesn't take any longer to pull out what I want.
For the May VSN ( which was my first) I got out my DP and laid it out on a separate table in my bedroom (next to my craft room). I tried to have it in piles by colors or subject (like flowers) or by company - I usually have most of my DP in a pile so I have to go through it all to find something - so this saved a little bit of time for me during the challenges. Other than that - I just made sure I had all the items from the suggested supplies list out and ready.
__________________ Julia Aston Proud member of SCS Fan Club and Dirty Dozen Alumni, former DT member on Color Challenge My Blog
my awesomest VSN Joni (jstarbright) got me pre-cutting my cardstock in advance! Love her! It saves soooo much time! I also clean up my area, have lots of caffiene handy and print out some sketches I want to case!
I also print out the sketch challenge layouts and the color combos. I don't pre-cut c/s, just use what I have, esp the scraps. My DP is already together in a drawer. Have lots of snacks - especially chocolate and coke - on hand
All good tips, thanks everyone! I do have a stack of precut cs for card bases. Whenever I cut a piece of paper for a project, I try to save 1/2 the sheet to make a card base out of. I think I will pull out some dp that might work for Fall and have that ready. I also have a book of the sketch challenges, but not the color ones. I should make a notebook for those too.
I am soooo looking forward to the VSN, it will be hard to wait until September!
i work best under pressure, so i never pre-do anything. lol!! my stamping space is pretty compact, so everything is right at my fingertips anyways. just focus on having fun, and let your creative juices flow!!
I am hoping to participate in my first VSN in September and I have also wondered about preparation. Thank you all for your tips. I am just unsure of what DP means and also what is meant by sketches. Are sketches pictures from the gallery of others cards?
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Splitcoast Gallery Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 24,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by tracymum
I am hoping to participate in my first VSN in September and I have also wondered about preparation. Thank you all for your tips. I am just unsure of what DP means and also what is meant by sketches. Are sketches pictures from the gallery of others cards?
Welcome to VSN (and SCS). DP = designer paper (which is a fancy word for pattern paper ). There are sketch challenges held here at SCS (and many other places, hollar if you like that kinda thing and I'll give you some links) - many people collect sketches and keep them in a binder for quick-use.
Welcome to VSN (and SCS). DP = designer paper (which is a fancy word for pattern paper ). There are sketch challenges held here at SCS (and many other places, hollar if you like that kinda thing and I'll give you some links) - many people collect sketches and keep them in a binder for quick-use.
HTH!
Thanks.:p I had a look at at the sketch challenges on scs. How awesome! What great tools for getting the creativity flowing. I would love some links to continue to explore and prepare.
I'm one of the newbies that can't hardly stand it either! *LOL* I'm going to be placing an order in the next few weeks and planning ahead as far as what I need for the VSN. YAY!!!!!!!!
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Splitcoast Gallery Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 24,169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You're welcome. I *love* sketches...the layout of a card always has me stumped. SO even if I don't end up with a sketch card, mine almost always start with their inspiration!
And ya know, we'll be having pre-challenges up until VSN time, so keep a look out for announcements
I will certainly be keeping an eye out for future pre-challenges. I hope to get the first challenge done today. It has taken me this long to explore all the new tools and to ferment my idea. I'll have to work on getting quicker!!
Well from reading this, I have a lot to do before tomorrow night
I never thought about the SCS sketches and color combos before for reference, that is genius!
Looks like I better take the day off tomorrow to clean my stamping room up. That is usually the 1st thing I do but I kinda forgot:rolleyes:
Great ideas here!
Ha ha ha! clean your stamp room- you crack me up, Jimmi! I've got some sketches printed out- and you've got the color combo wheel. Between the two of us we should be ok. :rolleyes:
I am so excited to finally participate in my first VSN. I get off work at 5 on Friday and can't play all day Saturday but I think I will be able to do most of the challenges.
-I am starting tomorrow nights dinner today (crock pot) BBQ pulled pork Sandwhiches
-Yesterday my kids only saw grown up TV, today it's the radio all day so tomorrow when I turn on Blues Clues they will be glued to it!
-No morning nap tomorrow so they take a longer afternoon nap. That may mean a morning walk to keep them up.
-Need to go get chocolate (how can I be out?) and RedVines at the store.
Am I a bad mommy? Maybe, but I love VSN!
Dang that DH for being out of town AGAIN for VSN. I swear he plans it.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni VSN Go to Girl Pretty, Pretty Princess
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Suffolk, VA
Posts: 23,957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by SherryLC05
Ha ha ha! clean your stamp room- you crack me up, Jimmi! I've got some sketches printed out- and you've got the color combo wheel. Between the two of us we should be ok. :rolleyes:
Hey I cleaned the table off at least, granted I just moved it all to a box under the table but there is room for you now
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni VSN Go to Girl Pretty, Pretty Princess
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Suffolk, VA
Posts: 23,957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by MelenaPrincess
Here is my prep work.
-I am starting tomorrow nights dinner today (crock pot) BBQ pulled pork Sandwhiches
-Yesterday my kids only saw grown up TV, today it's the radio all day so tomorrow when I turn on Blues Clues they will be glued to it!
-No morning nap tomorrow so they take a longer afternoon nap. That may mean a morning walk to keep them up.
-Need to go get chocolate (how can I be out?) and RedVines at the store.
Am I a bad mommy? Maybe, but I love VSN!
Dang that DH for being out of town AGAIN for VSN. I swear he plans it.
-I am starting tomorrow nights dinner today (crock pot) BBQ pulled pork Sandwhiches
-Yesterday my kids only saw grown up TV, today it's the radio all day so tomorrow when I turn on Blues Clues they will be glued to it!
-No morning nap tomorrow so they take a longer afternoon nap. That may mean a morning walk to keep them up.
-Need to go get chocolate (how can I be out?) and RedVines at the store.
Am I a bad mommy? Maybe, but I love VSN!
Dang that DH for being out of town AGAIN for VSN. I swear he plans it.
No way, you could never be a bad mommy. Now me, I got mac & cheese for the kids for dinner, and they have to make it themselves. :rolleyes: Isn't it good to teach them to be self sufficient?
Preparation for VSN
