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Concerning cardmaking, what have you learned in the past year?
My biggest and best discovery was that I actually COULD watercolor to my satisfaction, and I have Gansai Tambis to thank for that.
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I've learned to watercolor and use alcohol markers a little better. I've also learned not to buy things on a whim. I have things I may never use so I'm being more particular with my purchases. The only things I buy now without giving it a second thought is adhesives and supplies I use a lot.
Then I'll have to hustle to keep up with you, Joan!
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I've learned about the power of placement and dimension, whether that be color, shading, texture, height, the rule of thirds, or any and all of the above. My cards used to look flat and the different elements didn't relate to each other but I've gotten so much better at that from watching hundreds of YouTube videos. Shout out to all the crafters who take the time to post tutorials!
I returned to crafting in July, after a three year hiatus. But even before I pulled out inks, glue and paper again, I browsed the Internet and contemplated my crafting future. Like Kathy (muscrat) I have learned to be more selective in my purchases. Passing up the clearance bins and many of the trends allows me to shop for a few items that I truly love--and to buy them without guilt.
I learned about Junk Journals, and how much fun they can be! Just this month I learned how to use liquid matte medium and will soon be giving gel medium a go. And just this week I learned that good cardstock really does make a difference.
Finally, and perhaps most important, I'm learning that imitating others is not cheating--it's learning. Copying the cards and techniques others use will, hopefully, give me the foundation needed to find my own style.
I learned to love my Big Shot and have embraced dies, especially backgrounds and words. I have always been and stamps/ink/paper only girl so this is a big step for me.
Mary Beth
I've learned that "use it or lose it" is a true principle, and that I require periods of solitude or my mojo goes away completely...
Joan - I had to laugh about the "slow down" comment. It took me an entire day yesterday to make ONE card! I still haven't photographed or uploaded it yet, either...
I have learned about folded cards and how much fun they are than Elizabeth Crafts flip die type of cards. I have learned that each person had their own style and although mine is different it is still as pretty as the others.
I've discovered, in spite of having periods of lulls in my creativity, that this hobby really fills that artistic need in me and I will never be able to let go of it!
I just got back from being on the best vacation, in a dream location, with great friends, laughing and having the best time! I found myself looking at the landscape picking out the various shades of greens for future coloring/watercoloring. All colors were so vivid! I could hardly wait to color again!!!
I've learned how to use masking fluid to mask objects that will be watercolored around it. Who knew it would be so easy?
I have never heard of masking fluid. Is it something that can be used with other types of media? (I don't own watercolors)
BTW ... I am loving this thread! It's kind of like sitting around the table with friends, sipping tea and chatting about art ... except I can do it in my jammies.
I have been on hiatus for the past year. What I learned while I was gone is that you can't SHOP your way into being a good paper-crafter. Just because someone makes a great card with a stamp/ink/embellishment/supply you don't have, that doesn't mean you must immediately get that stamp/ink/embellishment/supply – you can usually apply what's great about the card using something you already own. (By "you" I, of course, mean "me".)
I've also learned that if it isn't feeling like fun, walk away from it and don't come back until can stop being so absurdly serious about it! (Again, that's me talking to myself.)
All very obvious, I know. But I'm a slow learner. ;)
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
Last edited by Rachelrose; 09-27-2015 at 11:06 AM..
I have never heard of masking fluid. Is it something that can be used with other types of media? (I don't own watercolors)
BTW ... I am loving this thread! It's kind of like sitting around the table with friends, sipping tea and chatting about art ... except I can do it in my jammies.
yes, masking fluid is a liquid. It comes in a bottle or a marker. You apply it to anything on your paper that you do not want to be covered in ink. Wait for the fluid to completely dry. Do your coloring and then remove the dried masking fluid. You can remove it by rubbing with your fingers or an eraser.
The masking fluid should come off completely without leaving a mark on your paper. I suggest trying it out on a scrap to make sure and to test how long it takes to dry.
Good luck!
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I learned that I like pencils and crayons much much more than markers for coloring stamped images.
I learned (more accurately remembered) that I am lazy so things that need time and/or many steps are not the best choices for me ... except for the rare times I have a large-ish chunk of time.
I'm learning how to convince myself I do not need everything but doubt I will ever stop wanting (almost) everything
I've learned that I can be a very happy creative artist with less.
I learned it before but now I practice it - don't fall into the trap of being enabled. The latest fad may not be the greatest thing in the long run.
I'm learning that I'm an artist - not a paper crafter.
I LOVE THAT!
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
I have learned that I still have a lot to learn. There are so many different techniques to learn with tons of products out there, that is why I love SCS. Every Wed I look forward to the post to learn something new. Thanks to everyone.
Carol
I learned two things this past year. The first was to allow myself to just work in the mediums I enjoy the most, which for me would be color pencils, comics and water color pencils. I don't need to art journal, collage, etc. So be who you are is my first lesson. My second lesson is that I have to have desk space and proper light or I'll never make anything. I am not a portable crafter, I need a designated area that's always available.
I have learned to make many things with my Silhouette Cameo. It amazes me. The new software made it run even better. So far I have no desire to get their two new machines. I also have been learning to use the amazing Misti! I was a terrible stamper before I bought the Misti. Now I feel much more confident and have invested in stamps that have cut files so I can use the Cameo to cut out stamped images. I have watched so many great tutorials on how to use both things! Paper crafters are very generous in sharing their knowledge!
I learned to read recommendations on ScS, and then bought a MISTI. So useful! Now I have spread the word to chums who are also making their stamping easier.
I've also learned to water color cards, to get rid of stamping materials that do not bring me joy (Marie Kondo, anyone?), and to just have fun with this creative yet practical art form.
The first was to allow myself to just work in the mediums I enjoy the most, which for me would be color pencils, comics and water color pencils. I don't need to art journal, collage, etc. So be who you are is my first lesson.
It is wonderful that you found your most-enjoyed mediums and artistic form. I am still looking for my favorites. For years, I thought I could not color. I especially hated markers. Then a friend let me play with her Copic markers and I fell in love.
I tend to shy away from anything that takes more than a spritz of water and a wipe to clean up. But lately, I've developed an itch to branch out more, to try different techniques and art mediums. Cost and ease of access will probably dictate what I try first.
This past year I learned that the mixed media challenge is too hard to wrap my brain around. I think I do some of that without even realizing it, but I just can't follow the challenge each week and I am much happier with myself.
__________________ Susie
Stampin' Up! demonstrator
Growing through challenges
I've learned to not stress about how long it takes me to make a card, or, for that matter, how long between my creative bursts that result in a card. I also enjoy quilting, so I go back and forth between that and stamping. Also to use the mediums I enjoy to color my images, which in my case starts with my Prisms and Gamsol and watercolors and watercolor pencils. Wish I'd learned that before I invested hundreds of dollars in Copics because "everybody" loved them. They just sit there and make me feel guilty, lol. I may give them to a family member who is an artist.
Great topic! I've learned so much about my creative muse this year. I resigned from SU two years ago (after being a demonstrator for 13 years) and stamped very little after that. A friend who moved to Texas called me in July and asked me to join her for convention in SLC. I did, and I'm loving creating cards again!
During my two year sabbatical, I toyed with mixed media on canvas using gessos, gel medium, stencils, pastes, various inks and paints and embellishments. I found it was too messy and I avoided pulling all these supplies out and completing UFO's (unfinished projects). I also delved into some steampunk on canvas (Finnabar) and was unable to achieve the beautiful results she has attained. I now know these art forms aren't for me although I'm glad I tried them. I've also worked with various watercolor techniques and collage which I enjoy.
I've learned that paper crafting is my true love and not to spread myself across so many different art disciplines (tried quilting, beading, etc.). I've greatly reduced the number of stamp sets to just those I really LOVE. Now I need to do the same with papers!!!
I also learned that not having a dedicated stamp space should not prevent me from my craft. As mentioned earlier, I hate a mess, so having to haul out everything (which is considerable) and then clean up after the end of the day was a real PAIN! Now I will fill the dining roon table and let it go for 1-2 weeks at a time. At the end of the day or while not working on a project, I cover up the mess with a decorative tablecloth. I can live with a lumpy tablecloth over the mess that lies underneath!
Finally, I've learned how valuable this site is for information on almost any topic one might be interested in as it pertains to stamping. What a treasure it has been for me over the years.
Looking back, I guess I've learned a lot this year!
I have learned how much JOY this hobby of mine can spread. I started out scrapbooking just for myself and have branched out over the years to card making and paper crafting in general. This past year I have earnestly and frequently sent cards and given creations away freely and it has returned to me in spades. People are actually joyful at getting what I have made - that blows my mind and gives me warm fuzzies!
BTW ... I am loving this thread! It's kind of like sitting around the table with friends, sipping tea and chatting about art ... except I can do it in my jammies.
An earlier thread, about Stamp Nation, said you could live chat there but not here. If this isn't live chat, it sure is close. I too love this thread, and SCS in general. Chatting about art, especially in my jammies, makes me so happy.
I am so grateful for all the tricks of the trade I've learned here. I've never once logged off without having learned something new.
What have you learned...
