My process? Well, I am a VERY visual person. So, along those lines I thought I would share some pictures. I don't create in the abstract, I need a plan. So I ALWAYS start out with a sketch, I am completely lost without one. I don't have the ability to sketch my own, and fortunately it's not a problem as there are MORE than enough sketches out there to chose from. I start the week by printing out a page of some of my favorite sketches. I work throughout the week using these. For this card, I chose Julee's Mojo Monday sketch -see it? It's in the bottom row in the pink.
Once my sketch is chosen, I find a stamp that works with the layout. I chose to go with one of my favorite sentiments from the set Forever in Our Hearts. Next, I find some pattern paper I want to work with. I knew it was a sympathy card and I wanted to use some of my new Zva Sweet Blossoms peach flowers. So I pulled out some papers from Basic Grey's Mellow and Sultry pack that I thought would work.
Once I get things stamped and cut out, it's time to start embellishing! The sketch called for a "bow", so using my Bow Easy, I tied bows in some ribbons to help me with a visual and make a decision. Sometimes this process can take forever. I love to play around and find the perfect ribbon for my cards. I have been known to have a pile of over 15 ribbons before making my choice!
Once I am done with the basics of the card, I do the final touches. I love to add BLING to my cards. I have a little trick that helps me visualize the rhinestones on the card. I keep them on the clear acetate sheet and arrange them, then lay it down on the card. In this pic, I arranged both pink and clear rhinestones in a corner shape and moved them around until I found a place I liked. Using this technique, I don't damage my DP moving around the adhesive backed jewels AND don't ruin the sticky on their backs. I should also mention that another "go-to" finishing touch for me is to pierce my scallops and highlight with a white gel pen. I think it adds the extra little something and isn't hard to do last minute.
So here is a close up of the floral embellishment. You can see I decided on using my Martha Stewart Branch punch, some Zva flowers, and pearl stamens colored lavendar with a copic marker. You should have seen all the other colors I tried before settling on lavendar, thank heavens these come with ALOT of stamens in a package! LOL! And now, here is the finished card...
So, that was a small peek into my cardmaking process, I hope you enjoyed it! LOL!! Hey, we'd love to have you join us this month. To play along, just make a project or card that shows us YOUR Divine Details. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em why not use 'em? Then link to your creation to Mr. Linky in this post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, August 1st. Two lucky participants will win a stamp set of their choice from the Verve Store. AND, we've hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So if you like what you see, be sure and give a little shout out in the comments of each post!Have fun, good luck and thanks for stopping by!
