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When you decide to make a card do you Choose the stamp or stamps first? Or the colors first? What is your first step in making your cards. Especially if your doing one for a card sketch, Where you have the layout done for you?
It all depends. Sometimes I have a specific goal in mind, like using a new stamp set or embellishment. But if I truly have nothing in mind, then I usually start with colors. I think that motivates me more than a particular stamp set.
Right now I buy SU paper only in packs of the color groups, and since I've used up all my favorite colors, my goal is to use up the colors I have left before I replace the pack.
I always have a purpose in mind when I make a card, like someone's birthday or a thank you. Then, I usually pick a stamp and color that fits the person or sentiment. Like, if it's a male, I'll use masculine colors and neutral stamps, but opposite if it's female.
For me it's usually, "hon, are you ready to go yet? Did you pick up a card? I forgot..." and so I scramble to put something together. But when it's NOT that kind of card, I usually at least know what type of card it will be. Then the stamp set and usually the color last. But everyone is different! I would have a very difficult time with these color challenges!
Great question -- I need to have a purpose in mind -- although sometimes I make "all purpose" cards! So, an exception to the rule right off the bat. After I figure out the purpose, I think of a layout. Then a stamp set. Then the colors.
Now, the exception to that is that sometimes I know I just need to watercolor, and knowing that changes everything -- I know I'll need a line stamp and watercolor paper so that is where I start.
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
If the card is for a specific occasion (birthday, wedding, etc.), I start by gathering all my suitable stamps. I store my sets the way they come but I mix them up when I am creating.
Color choices are usually ones the intended recipient will like. But sometimes I want to play with a specific color and I'll get out my Color Coach and all my scraps and play until I have 2-4 colors that I like with the main color.
If the card's layout is predetermined (like for a card sketch) then I might challenge myself to use a stamp set I haven't played with in awhile. Or the layout may be perfect for a larger stamp so I'll grab all my big stamps.
The most important part is to play and have fun. If you are enjoying yourself it will show in your creation.
I am fairly new so I am pretty much going with stamps first, then card stock and colors then embellishments. I have been making stamps with a purpose, birthday, Valentine's, retirement etc. It also depends on who it is going to. I am making two of each, one to send and one to put away in case I need something in a pinch. My DH keeps coming up with cards "he" needs as well.
Where do you start?
