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How much do you fight when a card just isn't working?
I have moments where a card comes together and is exactly what I wanted.
Then I have the fighters. They battle me from start to finish. Sometimes I like the eventual end result, sometimes I don't really like the end result but I go with it anyway, and sometimes I throw the entire idea out because I just can't make it work.
I've got one of these going right now. I'm getting closer to something I like, but it has been a battle. My first idea was so awful I threw it right out. My second idea almost worked, and I may go with it if I can't get something better. My third idea was better than the first but still terrible. My fourth idea has promise, but is not quite a finished concept yet.
Does this happen to everyone else, too? If so, how do you handle the fighters?
__________________ aka Sue. Or Sue-odd.
No blog for me. My gallery chronicles my card-making successes and mishaps.
I put it aside, sometimes for a day or two, other times for longer and work on other ideas. I keep my notes, card stock, papers, etc. for an idea in sheet protectors and yesterday I pulled out one that's been sitting there for over a year and that I've tried several times to finish but couldn't. But yesterday it all came together and I now have a card that I'm happy with. I used my original idea and printed paper but changed the background colors and stamp.
I will do battle for a limited time (it varies depending on mood and what else is going on at the time), but eventually I will walk away and revisit it later - sometimes a few hours later, sometimes a few days. Last night I did battle for four hours with a card, gave up and went to bed, got up this morning and re-vamped the card size and it worked! All of the same "stuff" except the card base and the sentiment panel...
When things just aren't working, I don't fight it too much because when I do, I just get frustrated & cheesed off. I usually put the card aside and look at it with fresh eyes a day or so later. How much I fight really depends on what aspect I am struggling with - whether it is the colouring of the image, the layout or how to "finish" the card eg: embellishments, ribbon etc. If it is the layout, I will grab my pencil and try sketching a few layouts on paper before getting back into my card. If it is the colouring, sometimes I will save my card by paper piecing. If it is the "finishing" of the card, I can sometimes take a week to finally be happy - putting bits and pieces on the card, then walking away and coming back later to see if I am happy with it & I will repeat the same process till I am happy.
But there are some cards that just DON'T come together - nothing I try seems to work despite my plan of what it was meant to look like - and I just put them aside in my card basket quite early on to come back to one day and probably only 50% of the time, I re-visit them - I think it is just a gut feeling that I realise it just isn't working! I guess through experience, I realise that I could have made 2 new cards instead of wasting all that time fiddling around and that that particular card just wasn't meant to be. I have experienced this same scenario in EVERY craft that I have done - from teddy bear making, dried flower arranging to tole painting and have partially finished items that have never seen the light of day again.
I just finished making a "fighter". It was for today's colour challenge, and I don't have ANY of those colours in markers, papers, or ink pads. Why? Because I detest these colours. But I enjoy challenging myself, so I kept at it, and now I've got a so-so card that will go to my sister-in-law who will accept all my card rejects.
If the card in my head and the card in reality do not match, out it goes. It's always tempting to try to save elements or rework the layout or add some more embellishments but, for me,
it's better to toss it and move on to the next idea.
Mary Beth
I work with it awhile, trying other ways to do it. Then after awhile I put it aside. I just found yesterday some 'fighters' I had set aside because I couldn't come up with what I wanted. I forgot my original idea so will start from where I left off.
If the card in my head and the card in reality do not match, out it goes. It's always tempting to try to save elements or rework the layout or add some more embellishments but, for me,
it's better to toss it and move on to the next idea.
Mary Beth
I almost always design "on the fly." All the cards that I see in my head are fighters because I can NEVER get the reality to match the vision. It's just so much less stressful to let the design develop on its own. Also helps keep my trash can from filling up so fast. LoL
Dea
I struggle with design in my head from jump b/c I am still new. That alone could take me weeks. Then...as said, I can have a lot of trouble getting it from my brain into reality. I say all the time I going to CASE a card but havent yet.
Depends on what's happening. If it is a technique problem I check on YT or I run crying to my Yoda and she tells me what to do. If it is a design problem I just dump it and start again. I do prototypes first on postcards usually that I then will pop in a binder as a record of what I have made so tossing isnt hard.
B/c I am new I could be fighting about the most basic stuff...for a long time it was getting straight cuts. I cant tell you how many rotary cutting tools I went through. When Spellbinders came out with the card layer dies I almost fell off my chair in total bliss!! (I also now have a guillotine cutter)
If I have a difficult card I set it aside and go on to something else. Sometimes it will be two or three days before I pick it up again. Usually it finally comes together...eventually! A clear head and fresh eyes usually works...usually!!!!
Right after I posted a comment, I went to m ake a card. Guess what? I ran into a blank. It just wouldn't come together. I quit and didn't get back to it. Then to top it off, I dreamed about it. Maybe I am trying too hard.
If I like the general direction but it's not what I originally intended then I'll keep working on it...if it's a hot mess...it goes in the trash with no remorse! Squash that thing before it squashes me
B/c I am new I could be fighting about the most basic stuff...for a long time it was getting straight cuts. I cant tell you how many rotary cutting tools I went through. When Spellbinders came out with the card layer dies I almost fell off my chair in total bliss!! (I also now have a guillotine cutter)
If the revisit doesn't reveal a good direction, out it goes. This is a change of direction for me. I used to try and try and try to make it work and all that got me was frustration and it took the joy out of my beloved art/card hobby.
I am MUCH happier now with this new approach. Very freeing !
__________________ "May your mind whirl joyful cartwheels of creativity." - Jonathan Lockwood Huie.
YES, we all have this problem from time to time. I usually put it down and get away from it for a day or two, and when I get back to it (most of the time) it comes together and its neat to see the final outcome. The ideas that don't work I'll put away and rediscover it much later. By then I've usually seen, and made more cards so I have a bevy of new ideas to use.
With Love
Last edited by SANDRA-44; 01-21-2015 at 09:53 AM..
I usually bail quickly. I have so many ideas in my head that when one doesn't work, I move on. I may give it a 4 or 5 attempts, but I don't set it aside and come back to it later if those attempts aren't working. I've learned to use scrap paper on future attempts if my first try comes out poorly. Once I get a design I like (IF I get a design I like), I got back to real cardstock.
However, sometimes I'm just too determined or stubborn, or something, and refuse to give up.
__________________ aka Sue. Or Sue-odd.
No blog for me. My gallery chronicles my card-making successes and mishaps.
I have been fighting with a card since yesterday. I gave it 3 shots, third time was a charm!
If it did not work the third time I would have scrapped it, and started a new design.
I never set a card aside and come back to it latter. If it does not work after the third try, trust me, It will never work!!
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
Sophie:
They originally came out in A2, A6, and A7. There are two sets per size-"A" and "B" with several dies per set. Each set is 1/4" difference within itself, but if you mix them they are 1/8" difference for layering. I can live with some things not being perfect but crooked layers is my neurosis and makes me nuts.
They are not cheap but the peace of mind they give me is worth it to me. I dont even think of them as dies but more like tools. I make liners all the time in advance.
I got them when I got coupons or sales. Unfortunately, the A6 disappeared quickly before I got those but I was able to the get the others.
Spellbinders call them card creators/matting basics-and then expanded for shapes and borders, so search under "card creators" or matting basics.
Sophie:
They originally came out in A2, A6, and A7. There are two sets per size-"A" and "B" with several dies per set. Each set is 1/4" difference within itself, but if you mix them they are 1/8" difference for layering. I can live with some things not being perfect but crooked layers is my neurosis and makes me nuts.
They are not cheap but the peace of mind they give me is worth it to me. I dont even think of them as dies but more like tools. I make liners all the time in advance.
I got them when I got coupons or sales. Unfortunately, the A6 disappeared quickly before I got those but I was able to the get the others.
Spellbinders call them card creators/matting basics-and then expanded for shapes and borders, so search under "card creators" or matting basics.
Oh my, I don't think I've ever known about these! I will have to get a set...definitely tools in my book!!
Thanks for sharing your tip!!!
Thanks Wavejumper! They are in my cart at Amazon!! The A and B sets, and one rounded-corner set (I think it is an A set). The A2 sizes. That's the only size I use anyway!
Glad I was able to be of help A quick search tells me the A2 are 15/set over at Scrap Mart right now (search on Matting basics) for both A and B. (20.00 and 25.00 at Spellbinders direct) But if you wait for sales/coupons you might do even better. I cant see shipping at Spellbinders, but Scrap Mart looks free over 50 and if you are getting all three at once that might qualify you plus one little extra thing like an ink pad....
(just for the record-I have no relationship with any companies)
I just bought the matting basics A at Michaels last week with 50% off. I don't think they had the B set but Walmart online did last time I checked. I also bought MFT pierced rectangles and they are so fun for layering.
Sophie:
They originally came out in A2, A6, and A7. There are two sets per size-"A" and "B" with several dies per set. Each set is 1/4" difference within itself, but if you mix them they are 1/8" difference for layering. I can live with some things not being perfect but crooked layers is my neurosis and makes me nuts.
They are not cheap but the peace of mind they give me is worth it to me. I dont even think of them as dies but more like tools. I make liners all the time in advance.
I got them when I got coupons or sales. Unfortunately, the A6 disappeared quickly before I got those but I was able to the get the others.
Spellbinders call them card creators/matting basics-and then expanded for shapes and borders, so search under "card creators" or matting basics.
I can never decide when I'm more sad or relieved (for the sake of my wallet) that they do not work with standard card sizes other than American - so they don't work with European or Australian sizes.
Glad I was able to be of help A quick search tells me the A2 are 15/set over at Scrap Mart right now (search on Matting basics) for both A and B. (20.00 and 25.00 at Spellbinders direct) But if you wait for sales/coupons you might do even better. I cant see shipping at Spellbinders, but Scrap Mart looks free over 50 and if you are getting all three at once that might qualify you plus one little extra thing like an ink pad....
(just for the record-I have no relationship with any companies)
Do you have a link to the specific sets? I was just over at Scrapmart but couldn't find them. I only found stuff for A7 sizes. Scrap-mart - Spellbinders Card Creator
Do you have a link to the specific sets? I was just over at Scrapmart but couldn't find them. I only found stuff for A7 sizes. Scrap-mart - Spellbinders Card Creator
Okay, I bought them! It was free shipping, even my order only came to $44.97. I think if it says "free shipping" under the item, those items get shipped for free even if the order totals less than $50. Anyway, Scrapmart didn't charge me for shipping, and their prices were cheaper than Amazon! Yay!
I fight for days with the card, to the point where I'm asking myself, "WHY do I do this?! I suck at it, and I do NOT "enjoy" this AT ALL!" Then I rant to DH that I am going to get rid of everything. (This has been going on for 10 years now. lol)
I fight for days with the card, to the point where I'm asking myself, "WHY do I do this?! I suck at it, and I do NOT "enjoy" this AT ALL!" Then I rant to DH that I am going to get rid of everything. (This has been going on for 10 years now. lol)
Been there done that! LOL
I glad you clearly didnt run into the night screaming and have hung in there!
I am sorry I was not back sooner. Yay Sophie and Muscrat! I hope you have a lot of fun with them! I look forward to see what you come up with!
So since I've spent money on organizational things, I don't have the funds at the moment for those lovely Spellbinders dies...but I do have a Cameo and made my own mats! They have set in the design store that are 1/4" spacing so I just added to the set with 1/8 spacing.
I realize cutting with the Cameo makes for a few more steps but after all my mistake cuts, it's a small price to pay
So since I've spent money on organizational things, I don't have the funds at the moment for those lovely Spellbinders dies...but I do have a Cameo and made my own mats! They have set in the design store that are 1/4" spacing so I just added to the set with 1/8 spacing.
I realize cutting with the Cameo makes for a few more steps but after all my mistake cuts, it's a small price to pay
I'm the same. I don't let myself buy any more Big Shot dies. I purchased a ton of nestibility shapes from the Sil. store when they had a huge sale. 50 cents each. And I create nestie shapes by copying and resizing. Using the Cameo can pay for itself over time - If I don't buy the dies (which is so hard sometimes...);)
It really depends on the problem I'm having if I'll fight the battle. I generally fight for few hours and then give up. Sometimes all I need to do is step away and when I come back I can see what I need to do.
I have a project box labeled "Finish This" for the ones I think I can salvage. I go through it a couple of times a year and will finish off things or remove what I can salvage and toss the rest.
I can never decide when I'm more sad or relieved (for the sake of my wallet) that they do not work with standard card sizes other than American - so they don't work with European or Australian sizes.
I feel exactly the same! And the cover-a-card dies too.
How much do you fight when a card just isn't working?
