Thursday, October 16, 2008

Everyone has room to grow...

I've been cleaning files off my computer lately, and came across a doozie of a file. These are some of the very FIRST cards I ever made when I became a CTMH consultant close to 4 years ago.

I wanted to share them with you all for a few reasons - the most important one being that we all improve with practice and time. If you feel that your stamping/card making skills aren't the best, don't give up! We all have to start somewhere.

Another reason to share? They are really funny/sad and it's good to laugh at oneself every now and then. So go ahead... point and laugh. I sure did when I stumbled upon them! =)





The last reason I shared these cards is because I'm often told that I have a "gift" for paper crafting. I'd like to correct that and say instead that I had a PASSION for it, and that passion fueled the desire to improve my skills.

In evaluating how my artwork differed from artists I wanted to emulate, I discovered three key areas that needed change. Hopefully these tips will help you in your card making as well.

1. Balance - there must be a clear focal point. All elements of the card need to be in balance with each other (note that balance does not necessarily mean symmetry).

2. Layering - the difference between a plain card and a masterpiece can be a few simple mats.

3. Embellishment - Adding small details like brads, ribbon, handmade elements, or even paper piercing can jazz up your artwork. Just be careful not to over do it.

4 comments:

Laurel said...

Cute cards Nona! It is great to look back hey, unfortunately (or fortunately) I never used to take pics of my stuff so I don't have any beginning stuff to show.

BTW I have some blog candy, check out my blog

Anonymous said...

Ah, wow, how things have changed. :) They are cute though, and fun to look back on!!

Katie said...

It is fun to look back and see how you improve. When I looked at these pictues, the first thing that I noticed were the stamping techniques that you used. They were great even back then! TFS

Katie

Anonymous said...

Gosh, thank you so much for sharing that! I've recently been feeling like I'd "never" be as good as someone like you. I have a friend (Amy Sheffer at Pickled Paper Designs) who tells me the same thing you said in this blog post but the cards you show here are much more like what I've done in the past. I'm glad to know there is hope for me. Thanks and you've come a long way babe!