Simple Tricks to Get You Started

Do you struggle getting started with a new project?
Do you feel that your handmade cards lack something?
Do you want to create more interesting cards like this gorgeous floral card?  

Well today I have a few tricks to share with you.

When starting a project, begin by deciding on a theme.  I don't mean a theme like birthday, get well or anniversary.  No, I mean do you want to make a floral card, a scenic nature card or perhaps a car themed card?  You will also want to think about whom the card might be for.  Let's say that you are going to be making a card for your brother's birthday, you will want to personalize it, so choose a theme that interests him, like golf perhaps.  Right away I bet you have a vision in your head about what should be included on a golf themed card, don't you?  Write those ideas down and sketch out your design if it helps, that way you will have a road map so to speak, to work from.

Next think about a color palette.  When choosing your color scheme try to think of ways to incorporate unusual color combinations like the peonies in the card above.  Teal and purple flowers are not the normal color palette you would think of but look at how dramatic the colors make this card.  Test your color combinations out on scrap paper.  Don't be afraid to be bold and experiment, if you don't like them it is just scrap paper you wasted.  A stamped image can be colored in with pens or pencils or you can "paper piece" an image using patterned papers.  Increasingly popular are layering stamps like the peony flowers above.  These stamps are designed so that you stamp each layer in a different shade of ink building upon the image with each stamp to create realistic images.  

Well, that is if you use realistic colors.  😇😇  

You can also add even more interest to your cards by creating focal elements by stamping or printing them onto a separate piece of paper and cutting them out to arrange in varying heights using pop dots or dimensional foam when adhering them onto the card front.  

Another great addition to a card is texture.  Embossing folders are great for creating texture in the background.  They don't cost a lot of money to buy and they can be used again and again and again.  To enhance the texture, highlight the raised parts of the embossing with inks or waxes.  This simple trick will really make your background stand out and give depth to your design.  

Finally be sure to incorporate just a few more techniques to make your cards look more polished and professional such as mat-and-layering the card front and sentiment; running a black marker (or a coordinating color) along the edges of your cut out images so the white paper core of your elements won't show and be sure to tie the theme and color scheme of your card front to the inside of your card.  These little touches really make a difference.

For extra credit, add some embellishments such as crystals, glitter, buttons and bows.  The sky is the limit when it comes to special touches but be mindful of postage if your card will be mailed.  Also consider adding a piece of cardstock on top of your card in the envelope to protect it from the postal machines that your card will undoubtedly pass through.  

Remember all of these tips and tricks can also be used on scrapbook layouts.

I hope these simple design tips have helped you get started on your next project.

If you've enjoyed this blog post or have any questions, please leave a comment below.

Thanks for stopping by.
Dawn

Disclosure:

     All products used in my blog posts and videos are my own and purchased by me.  My blog posts, videos and opinions are not sponsored, and I am not paid by the product companies to create these posts and videos. The information provided in this video is my own personal endorsement and choice.