Sunday, July 1, 2012

From the Archives: Card Process

Hi, everyone! I'm continuing to re-post older blog posts with useful information. I've chosen posts that answer some of my most frequently asked questions. This one is on how I store my scraps. This blog post was originally posted on June 13, 2009. This is the third in a three part series where I examine my creative process. This entry will focus on my process for creating cards. See the two previous blog posts for my process for creating layouts and mini albums.

Hi, everyone! This entry is going to be quite a bit shorter than the others, as my card making process is pretty simple.

My card-making process essentially starts when I pull apart a page kit. If I have any cardstock scraps are big enough to make a card base {either 4.25"x11" or 5.5"x8.5"}, I cut them down into a card base right away and store them separately from my other cardstock scraps. This ensures that I always have a good stack of card bases in a variety of colors.

When I am making cards, I try to make two the same, if I can. I think it is just as easy to make two cards as it is to make one, since the difficult part is coming up with the design. Making two each time gives me a good supply of "emergency cards" for when I need one in a hurry.

Next, I go to my stamps. I like to have one big stamped image to go with my sentiment. Then I choose my patterned paper and embellishments from there. I usually just grab scraps that coordinate with my theme and my sentiment and go from there.

Since most of my cards are mailed, I try to keep the design very simple ~ usually just some patterned paper strips, one large stamp and maybe some ribbon.

{2012 update: I was not much into making cards when I originally wrote this blog post, although much of the information is still accurate. Typically now I will also make a card directly from an existing kit, rather than using only scraps as I did before. And not all my cards are simple these days.}

What's your card-making creative process?

~Kathryn :D
 Life's a beach. Scrapbook it.

3 comments:

  1. I am primarily a card maker. I generally am inspired by the paper itself. I gather together elements that I think will work well with the paper, and then I look "weed out" the things that don't work as well as I thought they would. Then, I decide on the type of card, card shape/fold, and size. I build my card front before attaching it to the card base, and I tend not to secure elements until I'm happy with the layout. I almost never use card sketches...they are uncomfortable to me, like too tight shoes. I always bring the outside of the card to the inside of the card in some way. And, I like to line my envelopes with coordinating paper.

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  2. I'm not really a card maker~I just can't get into it? I think they're are some gorgeous card designs out there and I love some that you did last year. I think it's mainly because most people do not realize the time that goes into them and just throw them out? When I do make a card it is usually for a scrapper.
    Hugz, Z

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  3. I love making Cards, but I usually reserve the handmade cards for friends and family that know how much time and energy went into the card and will appreciate it. For those family members that I know will throw them out, I buy the mass produce store one's. I also make cards out of left over scraps from larger projects. Hugs

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