handmade cards

DESIGN DISSECTION #1

In the past, I’ve posted pics of my card designs on my Instagram that included some notations and folks seemed to appreciate seeing why I did what I did, or why it works—I don’t know why I’ve never thought to share something like that here, so today, I am!

Design Dissection #1

In addition to the above notations, I’m hoping you can also see the “visual flow” of this design, highlighted with the soft pink arrows. This is a triangular path that leads the eye around the design. Even if there’s technically nothing in that upper right corner, the direction of the flower naturally draws the eye towards that area. The eye then flows down towards the left where the twine is tied into a bow. The line of that twine running across the bottom then leads the eye to the right, and “into” the card.

Side note: I usually make side-folding cards because I had so many folks who have taken my live classes tell me they preferred them over top-folding cards—side-folding cards easily remain upright when displayed. I honestly hadn’t thought much about that until they pointed it out to me! LOL!

So, what do you think? Is this helpful to you?

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TODAY IS THE BIG DAY!

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It’s finally here—Day 1! So many fab companies sponsoring!

My class airs at 2:00 EST; for those that registered with a free ticket, each presentation will last for 24 hours, after it goes LIVE.

If you prefer:

  • Immediate/no waiting + ongoing access to all the sessions (a.k.a. “lifetime” yes, that means you can watch whenever it suits your schedule, as often or as many times as you want!)

  • Plus all the cool bonus materials, in addition to the exclusive virtual crop events

you’re going to want the VIP All Access Pass.

After my class airs, I’ll also be LIVE in the Card Maker Success Hangout Group at 2:30 EST —hope to see you there!

Disclosure: This post includes my affiliate link(s). If you use my links to make a purchase, thank you so, so much for your support!

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ECLIPSE DIE CUTTING EFFECT

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I have seen a number of questions regarding how I achieved the effect on the “Oh What Fun!” card; at the time, I was literally outta’ steam and just couldn’t pull off a video prior to sharing it for the Holiday Release.

Eclipse cards are among my most favorite to make—the technique is simple, not messy, and the end result is one that always seems to fascinate folks. While that’s the focus of my video, I also threw in 2 other techniques that I just happened to combine on these cards, so you’re actually getting a trifecta, LOL! Oooh, go me!

The other two are Ombré Inking, and Faux Embossing Folder (I have no idea if it’s actually called that; it’s what I call it because that’s what it reminds me of), neither of which have to be used in conjunction with the Eclipse Die Cutting, but at the time, that’s the direction the mojo went so I rolled with it. I ended up loving the end result so much I think it was worth the extra time and effort. I wouldn’t necessarily mass produce this type of card, but if I wanted to make an extra special card for someone’s birthday, it is an absolute stunner!

So, would you make a one-off card like this for special occasion? I think something like this would be suitable for a birthday, anniversary, wedding or new baby. If I were making a stack of these, I’d most likely skip the ombré inking and the faux embossing folder effect and just go for the Eclipse.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Also, I wanted to give you a heads’ up that I am going to be transitioning to a new email platform; currently my blog’s RSS feed goes out via MailChimp to those of you that signed up. But, how those emails look has always bugged me (like really, really bugged me!), so I’m moving over to FloDesk.

If you’d like to continue receiving updates/news, other yadda yadda via my email list, please sign up! There’s a new form along the bottom right of my site’s home page you can fill out.

If you’re not interested, no worries; I just didn’t want those who are accustomed to receiving that RSS feed via email to miss out when I finish the transition.

Thanks muchly!

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ELLEN HUTSON CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

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I’m so proud of my long-time friend Ellen—to have been in business for 15 (FIFTEEN!!!) years is such an accomplishment and I could not be more thrilled for her! Man, how the years have flown and her company has grown into an amazing small business that all started from basically a closet, if you can believe it!

Now through the 17th, 11:59 PT, you can save 20% PLUS all qualifying orders of $100+ will receive a gift with purchase, in the form of this delightful stamp set, HB2U! Click HERE to go to straight to the “You are Special” Category at ellenhutson.com

I added some notations to my shaker design for this set, as a number of folks have told me they find them helpful. My favorite tip, is snipping that little triangle on the edge of the circle window to create a balloon, heh, heh, heh!

I do think I overfilled the shaker with a bit too much confetti stars, tho; forgot to repeat my mantra, “Less is more. Less is more. Less is more.” . . . Learn from my mistake, LOL!

I just got my COVID booster and was feeling kinda puny this morning, but it’s subsiding and I should be in tip top shape by this evening once again.

Have a wondermous week!

SENDING HOLIDAY CHEER & HOLIDAY SPRIGS

I’m always torn on color schemes for the holidays—not just for cards, but for holiday home decor, too; traditional vs. non-traditional . . . I do love red and white—especially a warm white—it just speaks cozy to me for the holidays. I have to laugh, tho, because at least on my cards I don’t have to “commit” with any permanency, LOL!

feat. Holiday Sprigs / Sending Holiday Cheer / “Wishing you a Merry Christmas…” from Holly Jolly Christmas

feat. Holiday Sprigs / Sending Holiday Cheer / “Wishing you a Merry Christmas…” from Holly Jolly Christmas

Sharing some samples today from the new 2021 Holiday Release that feature Sending Holiday Cheer and Holiday Sprigs. Now, I don’t show them on these particular examples, but there are some humorous quips in Sending Holiday Cheer that would totally bust me up if I opened a holiday card to find them inside. If that resonates with you, definitely take a close look at that set!!!

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I love this ombré inking effect and couldn’t resist repeating that throughout a number of the samples I made for the release page. Holiday Sprigs has solid imagery to coordinate with outline counterparts so if you are not a colorist (like me!), you’ll be happy to have that kind of flexibility.

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The outlines even look so pretty stamped simply in a rich red color against that natural white hue of watercolor paper. I added some fine spatters of black acrylic paint for just a tiny bit of texture and used one of the dies to cut sprigs from glitter paper to create a wreath effect—IRL the sparkle really sets off the whole design.

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I was somewhat hesitant to try this on a darker card stock, but I think the white embossing looks stunning against this grey card stock, especially with the pops of red from the NUVO Drops—such a sophisticated, upscale look! I’m glad I tried it!

I’m so curious to know what other folks lean towards for their holiday colors!

Sidebar: Ellen Hutson is giving away prizes over on our Instagram Hop—if you’re so inclined to toss your name into the hat, go comment along the hop to enter! You can start at my Instagram or the Ellen Hutson Instagram account—just look for the hop graphic so you know you’re commenting on hop related pics!