Prototyping

Sometimes when an idea pops into my head it's not finished. That's why I have to practice "prototyping". I use scrap papers to get the basic design together. AND then I cut up the paper I actually want to use. It's especially true when other people are going to be making a card I've designed.

Here's a recent evolution! This is the prototype, not too bad but ...

The basic paper background seemed ok, so I went ahead and made it with the paper I want to use ... Chantilly. Hmmmmmmmm ... without the floral background stamping there was too much whiteness. BUT I know a few people who won't like the background stamping.  NEXT? 

I need to cover more of the card base so I pulled out an old WOTG the instruction sheet. I remember that the pattern was similar to what I was attempting.  CTMH always has the BEST designs. Why do I even bother to try my own?

 ... now we're getting somewhere. I'm a fan. 

I made a second version for those who don't like to tie bows OR want to make a Mother's Day card. The bird is back!!! I just love this little guy with the Chantilly paper pack.  You should be able to see that the last two cards are essentially the same thing with a little rotation.  It's easy to make one OR the other with the exact same paper pieces AND the same stamp set. WOO HOO ... simplified.

For those who are wondering ... YES ... this is one of the cards that will be featured in the Chantilly card kit that will be introduced in just a few days. I can't wait to show you everything. I hope you'll love it all as much as I do.

Color Dare #18

It's difficult to talk about but ... my creativity seems to have left the building. If it was only for a few days I wouldn't mention it. BUT it's been weeks ... pressing on toward months. It's a bit unsettling. 

Thank you to two of my favorite challenge blogs. I've used Color My Heart  (www.colormyheartcolordare.blogspot.com) combined with the sketch from Operation Write Home (http://operationwritehome.org). Thank you to both. These blogs are like creative therapy. My creative muscle gets a little workout every time I do these. 

Eventually I plan to be back to full strength. In the meantime thank you for your patience!

Here's another bit of copying. I got this adorable birthday card from my dear friend Bonnie Seeman. (She gave me permission to show her card)

I used the color dare colors and Bonnie's design to put this card together. 

MIFYH Friday

Tomorrow a new event starts at my house ... Make It From Your Heart Friday.  I know, it's a long name, not too catchy. That's ok, because the patterns in this new great book are more than catchy. 

Right now your looking at Pattern #5 using the Avonlea paper pack. We're going to make this pattern and #1because both use cuts of a similar size. BUT the layouts look nothing alike. That's one of my favorite parts. I'm not ready to show off the other layout yet so you'll have to trust me. 

Here are few close up looks at the embellishments 

... rub ons, bling, ribbon and a few pieces from my slate mini - medleys pack.