A beautiful card is lurking here somewhere... (and AFTER)

This card (at least the pieces of it) has been sitting on my worktable for a few days. I used scraps of some Colorbok paper that were laying around my work area. I really like the 3 squares concept but I think my layout is off. I tried it with 1 square each in the 2 left corners being centered by the 3rd square but I didn't really like that either.

Does the circle work? I thought it highlighted the greeting a bit but I'm open to ideas.

FYI The actual card is a white base, the peach layer behind it is a manilla folder I put the card on to take the photo. Don't worry- even I wouldn't use peach with those colors!

All comments appreciated. I learn so much reading your critiques.



Here is the final card. It didn't turn out exactly as I had envisioned it but I like the 4 large squares. I'll need to experiment again with that type of layout.

How to finish this card

I like this background and I like the chocolate cupcake. What should I do for the birthday sentiment?
Vertical?
Large Circle?
Any ideas appreciated- this has been sitting on my stamp table for a week.

Help Baby My Card Layout! (updated 9-19)

Updated 9-19-08
I actually finished the card last week and my husband sent the gift today. No big rush... the baby was born 8-30.

I ended up getting rid of the scallop but I lightened up the carriage, brightened it up by adding more DP and while this is by far my favorite card of all time... I'm ok with it ;)











I really like the scallop with the carriage. I have tried this layout 2 different ways but I really don't like either. Is it that the large panel is too overpowering? I just don't know what is wrong so I'm asking the experts (or people who think they are experts!)

Is this layout too busy? (updated 1/13/08)

I am playing with the layout of my card before I stamp images (in the white circle and maybe a sentiment layered in the bottom section). I am horrible at mixing patterns- is this too busy? All of the papers are from the same collection so they are coordinated but I'm just not sure if I am going in the right direction... help













Update: 1/12/08
I listened and you were right- the bandanna panel had to go! Although I loved using a circle for the focal point, a square worked better in the final layout. I'm not sure if the traditional Gibson Girl was the best image choice for such bold design elements but it is done now. If we don't take chances we don't grow as artists.

What's wrong with the monogram?

I love the idea of a monogram on this notepad holder but I just can't get it to work. I tried a solid olive too but it seemed blah.

So what kind of a monogram do I need- smaller? and should it be plain or patterned? And should it be somewhere other than the center?










12/21/2007
Here is the after! Thanks for the help

Rescue me! (Rescue was a success!)

Help me! I am an unattached card looking for a new image. My owner (a very beautiful and talented artist in her own right) has tried a large bold rose, a smaller bold rose, a daisy and my current image. We just aren't sure what style or type of flower would work best with me (we own LOTS flower images). We really like the rest of me but we are willing to make changes for the same of art!
PS I also like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, I'm not into health food but I'm into champagne!
12/08/07- Completed card on the right for a tutorial on my blog

Following the Holiday Trend Before... and After

I really, really like the "forest of trees made with DP" style holiday cards that have been posted all over the place. This is my attempt.

I think I have the right idea and I like how the moon reflects on the dusting of snow on the ground but I'm wondering if the DP on my trees is too boring?

Go ahead- do your thing with my card!

Update: 12/05/07 12:30pm
Here is the new and improved version. I made my snow brighter, chose some bolder patterned paper, skinnier tree trunks, a smaller moon and some bling for the treetops! Thanks for the help!

Am I on the right track?

I only have 1 of this much coveted chipboard bracket. So before I start painting/ altering it, I need to know if I am on the right track as far as my layout. I am happy with the background and the focal image, but I am just not sure what to do with the empty space so I tried the bracket. I am open to any and all changes because nothing is nailed down (or glued down!)

I have tossed 14 cards in the last 2 days because they either had a critical error (smudging, mis-cut, etc.) or they were just so bad and so ugly that I put them out of their misery. Please help me get my mojo back!

UPDATE 12-02-2007
I took this in a different direction. Definitely improvement! Thanks for your help.

Here we go!

This is not a finished card (or even close). I am trying to develop a prototype sketch for some holiday cards. I like the 3 ornaments and thought the card needed something in the upper left corner... So as far as the layout goes- would this be better without the snowflakes in the corner? PS I know my ornaments are missing hangers... they will be added in the next version. I'm trying to figure out if my center ornament is too heavy and just not working.

Here is an improved version, incorporating some of the great suggestions I received (thanks), but I have made an observation about myself: I simply HATE to make Christmas cards. While you would never know it at it- I spent 2 hours on that revised card- and I still don't like it much. but I learned something from the process-- I am going to stop kidding myself- I simply HATE the holidays.