Last week on Tuesday I sent out an email to those of you that are on the Sunny Stampin’ email newsletter list with a photo of a card I had created, and asked the following question “What do you do with an ugly card?” I mentioned that I would share the transformation today, but in the meantime asked people to give me their suggestions on how I transformed it.
So, here is the “before” card:
Here is the after card:
Although I did film a video tutorial for you on how I created this card, I wanted to talk to you a bit about the design process and my thought process in transforming this card from “before” to “after”
Creating a Background Using Sentiment Stamps
I LOVE sentiment stamps. In fact sentiment-based stamp sets make up the largest part of my stash because of their incredible versatility. I especially like a variety of different fonts because different fonts convey different “moods” to a card – i.e. a simple change in font can take a card from fun and whimsical to elegant. That is why as soon as I saw the Bravo stamp set, I knew I had to have it – it has such a HUGE range of font styles centred around a specific theme.
A super fun technique with sentiment stamps is to create your own background image or “patterned paper”. Which is what I had been excited to create from the moment I purchased that stamp set.
In my “before” card – although I loved how the sentiments all came together – the overall effect on the finished card was busy and overwhelming. And it wasn’t just because of the brightness of the yellow. I had tried a whole bunch of different color combinations – and none of them felt “right”.
By creating a tone on tone effect of stamping and embossing the sentiments I was able to create an eye-catching effect, that was all the more striking because of it’s subtlety. Now I happen to love cards with a lot of white space – that’s just my personal style – so that is why I chose to emboss with white embossing powder on white card stock.
If white is not your thing – there are other ways you can get a similar effect. Choose a coloured card stock (perhaps in one of your your child’s school colors) and then do one of the following (choose based on your time and technique comfort level):
- If you want something a little quicker and less involved – stamp your sentiments in a coordinating color (i.e., if your card stock is red, stamp in red, etc.)
- Stamp your sentiments in VersaMark and heat emboss in a coordinating color of embossing powder OR stamp your sentiments in VersaMark and heat emboss with clear embossing powder.
- Die cut sentiments – if you only have one sentiment then die cut it multiple times – and then stick the sentiments in a repeating pattern onto your card stock.
- If you really don’t want to take the time to stamp or die cut all those individual sentiments (because let’s face it, it’s a time consuming technique) then simply add texture to your card stock by using an embossing folder. Stampin’ Up! has tons of fun embossing folders that would look great!
Your Focal Point Image
The strength of your focal point image can make all the difference between a good and great card design. In the first card – the “before” card – I tried to draw attention to the focal point sentiment by stamping it in a bold contrasting color (black) and then matting it with black to help it stand out. While your eye is drawn to that first, because the background is so busy AND loud, it competes for your attention. By creating a more subtle background in the “after” card, it allowed the focal point image to really stand out.
Now as a matter of design – I could have kept the focal point image the exact same as in the “before” card because it would have stood out, but you would have lost the effect of the background because it was so big.
Also, because I wanted this to be a graduation card for my son who is graduating Grade 8, I wanted a focal point that was more relevant to the occasion. Which is why I chose to create a punch art graduation cap instead.
Layout
Now because I changed the size/shape of my focal point (the grad cap paired with the sentiment flag) – I wasn’t able to keep it in the same location as the original, as the design then became unbalanced.
Instead I used last week’s “Let’s Make it Over” card as my Creative Jumpstart. How? By following along with the overall layout or “sketch” of the card but rotating it 90 degrees – so instead of being in a landscape format, I oriented it into a portrait format. If you hop on over and take a look at last week’s card then you’ll see that the focal point on that one consisted of two elements as well – an “image” and a sentiment flag. I kept both elements, except that I arranged them slightly differently.
Video Tutorial
Okay – so here’s the video tutorial on how I actually made the card. Now I have to warn you – it’s long. Although the card looks simple – it is actually an “advanced” level card because it incorporates SO many different techniques.
It would make a great class card – of course you’d have to include the purchase of the Bravo stamp set so no one would be left waiting too long.
So in this video:
- You’ll learn how I built my background using the sentiments – including a little trick I use for knowing where to place the sentiments.
- You’ll learn how I created a punch art graduation cap and the trick to creating dimension with an object that is black.
- You’ll learn how I selectively mask and then piece together elements of a sentiment to create a whole new sentiment.
So now that you’ve read through this blog post and watched the video tutorial….
Do you want me to let you in on a little secret?
Last week’s email was an experiment, and after I sent it out, I couldn’t wait to read your responses!
Some of your responses were so funny, many were very insightful – but as a whole – they were eye-opening!
They revealed a profound insight, which if you could soak it into the very depths of your being, would be a big step in helping you break through your creative barriers.
Want to know what that insight is?
I’ll be sharing it very soon on my brand new Sunny Stampin’ Facebook Page.
Here’s the catch though. I am going to need your help to make this possible.
How?
- Leave me a comment on this post – take a wild guess as to what you think what my creative insight is.
- Share this post with your Facebook friends using the social share buttons on the left.
- Hop on over to my new Sunny Stampin’ Facebook Page and “like” it. When it hits 250 “likes” – I’ll share my insight with you. Here’s the caveat though – ONLY “like” that page if you like seeing ideas using Stampin’ Up! products, because that is ALL I will be sharing on that FB page. For ideas using products from other manufacturers, check out my Paper Crafter’s Library FB page.
- Don’t forget to download the PDF handout I created for the Congrats! project – I have it posted on my new FB page.
Oh, and just so you know, I’ll be sharing a whole lot more on that FB page too – things that will help you break through your creative barriers and make the most of your stamping supplies.
I had no idea it took so long to create videos! Thank you so much for all your hard work. Hope you feel better soon!
Creative Insight number 1 – it’s okay to mess up
Creative insight number 2 – it’s okay to start over
Creative insight number 3 – one stamper’s trash is another stamper’s art!
Thanks for sharing your ideas! 🙂
#3 of what Pam said!
I don’t know what the secret is, unless it’s that everyone has different tastes in cards, because I thought your “ugly” card was great and I intend to CASE it! 🙂
Hmm- possible creative insight – it’s okay to try something and fail/not like it; as long as you keep trying!
Take care of yourself Andrea – get well soon!
I appreciate your creativity and the time that you invest in sharing techniques as well as philosophy. You are an inspiration on a professional and personal level.
Creative insight guess: Never give up ? I love hearing what you have to say 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to share your passion with others!
Every creative person questions their work. Sometimes you just have to put it aside and then go back to it later. Andrea, I thought your original card was very well done!
Sometimes you just need to take a break and look at things with new eyes.
Thanks for all your hard work, I appreciate all your hints, I would not have the patients now to try to improve on something like the “before” card you did. I thought it was nice!
I was surprised that you changed so many elements of the card. Thanks for your creative efforts and get well soon.
Great video – very clear explanations with good pacing for those of us who already know the basics. BTW, I seem to have signed up on the email list twice.
Wow! Thank you for all of your time! This transformation is pretty enlightening. Creative insight: tweak, tweak, tweak until you get what you want. Try new things, too. (P.S.–Take care of yourself; I want you to get better and not have a setback. We’ll still be here.)
Creative insight: Don’t be afraid to make and use templates. The time it initially takes to make them will actually save you time later on when you’re using them on future cards.
Andrea, I’m always impressed with your genuineness, professionalism and good old normal-ness. Your creative incite? The ability to step back, wait (sleep on it), and approach it fresh. And the ability to know what YOU aren’t happy with and make it happier for you, the ‘owner’ of the project. ~Blythe
Don’t throw it away until you’ve tried something else. Also, children see beauty in creativity.
Thank you for your dedication.
I think your “before” card looks wonderful! They both do! Videos are very time-consuming, had no idea. Please take care of yourself!
Creative Insight…..sometimes you have to walk away and come back to it to get a fresh and new perspective.
thank you for showing all these tips on improving a card and love the grad card. very sweet to take the time during your recuperating to keep us happy, hope you feel better soon. Your insight ?? maybe no such thing as a bad card just look at it another way and go for it…don’t give up…
I love the makeover- the original card seemed a bit busy to me but the new one is very classy. Insight: don’t be afraid to start over if you aren’t happy with an idea.
Reading all of these replies before trying to write something original is quite difficult. Andrea, you are so blessed! So many friends who admire your creativity, your professionalism, your dedication to all of us, along with your ability to disobey your husband’s suggestions*wink*. Please take care of yourself. We will not abandon you. I’m like most – I did’t think the ugly was that bad, but I will be the first to tell you that the good one WAS much nicer. Sorry to be so lengthy and take up more of your time. Get some rest!
Bobbie Tate
I agree with your husband that you should take it easy and take care of yourself. That said, I love your card makeover. I had a similar idea about the background but I really like your focus item. Great idea. The best way to stimulate your creative juices is to not be afraid to make mistakes and to experiment with new ideas. Sometimes your “mistakes” lead to fantastic new ideas.
Hi, Andrea,
I liked your first attempt, but loved the second one! The creative insight for me is to stay with your original vision, but if you’re not happy with it, look for another way to achieve the same basic idea using a different technique. Using the tone-on-tone approach instead of using contrasting ink changed the whole mood of the card, but still achieved the vision that you had for using the sentiment stamps for the background. Thanks for all your wonderful ideas that you so generously share with all of us, and get well soon!
The so called ugly card was nice but had no pazazz. The reworked card is a WOW card. Insight…you can always do something to make a card better. You just have to step back and rethink it. I do that all the time, but didn’t realize that I was doing it.
Great transformation, shows nothing is beyond fixing.
Hope you are back to good health soon.u
No idea what insight is but am reminded of my primary school motto – if at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again!
Thanks so much for sharing this excellent video. At first I wasn’t going to watch it because of the length of it but after getting started it didn’t seem like that long at all. It was very interesting. I appreciate your showing exactly how to make the cap as well as your inciteful directions on embossing. Thank you!
Love how you transformed the card you didn’t like into a very beautiful elegant card. Thanks so much Andrea for you inspiration.
Thank you for sharing your talent and I hope you get well soon, love the way the card turned out
I really liked both cards, the second one my favorite. I agree with… if at first,etc
I sure hope your feeling better. I have been there.
Like the old saying “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder”, I thing the opposite, “ugly is in the eyes of the beholder”, is also true. I loved both of your cards and so did many others. We all have our preferences and sometimes I think we are our own worst critics, but that is also what pushes us to try something else, to experiment, to grow. There are no “mistakes”! Thank you Andrea for so generously sharing your créations, but do take care of your health. Your husband is right! My membership to PCL is one of my favorite things and I eagerly look forward to your newletters and every new post.
Absolutely genious!!
Tjough I didn’t find the first card that ugly, I adored the second. So many tips!!! Tfs
I must admit that I was curious after your first email. I thought that card was actually pretty cool especially for a younger child. Your second card, though, is outstanding in its elegance and simplicity. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, ideas and techniques (not to mention your video) in producing that design.
As for me, I so often get ‘stuck’ into a layout/design that it sometimes feels my creativity has left the building. Sharing your dogged determination to improve on what you’ve already created gives me inspiration, and for that I am indeed grateful.
Hope you feel much better with each passing day.
I think that my first comment went in to cyber space! Anyway, as I was saying, I really like the makeover card but I think a middle school child would love the original card as it is so exciting, just like them! That being said, I am going to try the makeover card after I watch the video.
Inspiration? Sometimes we just “fall” in to it. Keeping the same card but transforming/covering up a mistake sometimes makes the card better than it was when you started. “Most inventions were made due to “necessity” and inspiration”.
Thank you for all you are doing and promoting for us.
Best wishes for a great recovery!
Kathy
Loved them both – just right for different situations. Appreciate that you share your talents!
I love this wonderful process of re thinking and converting an “ugly” card to one you love. I am an avid Stampin Up fan and I am glad the new facebook page is going to be one dedicated to Stampin Up.
My thought on the insight is very simplistic. I have made a personal breakthrough over the past couple weeks which has freed my personal creativity greatly. I know this is really simplistic, but this is it..
It’s ONLY a piece of paper.
That’s it! It’s only a piece of paper. Play with it, embellish it, try to add your love and emotion, make it pretty. But with all that, if your result is subpar, that’s it! It’s only paper. Cut it up and use pieces for something else, alter it to your liking or worse case, put it in the recycle bin. The sun continues to shine, you get to try again and no matter what, you learned something. Have fun and try again.
By putting this whole love of papercrafting in perspective it just frees you to try anything and enjoy the process.
I love all your posts. I am a Stampin Up stamper and I have way too much other papers and embellishments I need to use as well. The Papers Crafters Library is a favorite resource for me. Keep doing what you do!
God Bless!
Now rest and continue to heal! You’re in my prayers!!
Great cards! Fantastic video!
i actually prefer your “before” card over the 2nd card!?!
Andrea, that’s not an ugly card!! Both are great cards!! Thanks for what you do to support SU demos!
Less is more in most cases.
See now I liked the first one better. Maybe if I had seen them separately and not as a recreation of the “ugly” one I would have loved both. It is a great technique with the background. Maybe it is the white on white for me that is jarring. I thinkmaybe your insight is one that I found a while ago. One persons “meh” card is someone elses “wow” card.
Going to love this…I’m always up for learning new ideas…thanks
Andrea, I too enjoyed both cards. Insight? There are no mistakes in stamping, just keep on stamping!
Prayers for your healing! Take time for yourself so we can all enjoy your creativeness when you’re healed.
Thanks for taking the time to put together your video. Both cards are fabulous, but I have to admit that the original is the one I prefer. Sometimes, knowing the recipient makes all the difference in knowing what’s best. Thanks for sharing your talent and multiple ideas!!
Get well soon! May each passing day bring a new level of restoration for your body and soul.
Andrea, the transformation was amazing! I love what you did with the background.
My Creative Insight would be we learn from our mistakes; it’s always fun to learn something new; sharing is one way; That’s called creation.
insight = we have different tastes and opinions ??
I guess we see things very differently. I don’t see what you did as “transforming” the old card. I just see it as using the same theme and some of the same products and some different ones and making a totally new card. I guess you’ll say I have bad taste, but just looking at the photographs alone (cards ALWAYS look better in person IMO) I like the first one better than the second. I’ll admit that I don’t see color all that well on my computer monitor and you did say you didn’t like the brightness of the first one, but just looking at the photographs the way they appears on my monitor, I like the first one the best. 😉 The second one is a great card and I might like it better in person where I could see the details better but from the photographs alone, the first one is the one that grabs my attention.
I love the first card. I think your second card is so creative and my creativity doesn’t even go there, but I very much appreciate seeing it in others. I appreciate the time and effort you take to help my us better crafters. It is very much appreciated.