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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THE ESSENTIALS BY ELLEN MAR 2022 RELEASE IS NOW LIVE!

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Click on any photo above to enbiggan.

Are you ready for Spring to arrive? I’m so SO happy—literally over the moon happy—about all the fresh fun of this release! The EH Design Ambassadors have been sharing the most KILLER samples and we’re having a hop over on Instagram—click HERE to check it out and leave some comment love for a chance to win some prizes!

And, by all means, please take a moment, if you haven’t already, to go see the uber cool samples Guest Designer Joan Bardee has been sharing on her Instagram —they will DELIGHT you and inspire you to drop everything and get busy makin’!

Also, I would like to send one of you all of the handmade sample cards pictured above! If you will kindly leave a comment on this post by Wednesday Mar. 9th, I will draw a name and announce by Friday, Mar. 11th! Side note: I promise not to write inside the cards so you can send them to family or friends, if you want.

****Comments are now closed****

Have a great weekend, and thanks for poppin’ in!

FEATURED:

ESSENTIALS BY ELLEN MARCH 2022 RELEASE

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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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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PARTIAL DIE CUT VALENTINE CARD

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ANNOUNCEMENT

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I’m always looking for alternative ways to use my tools and supplies and this idea has been rolling around in my head for quite some time:

Less is More . . .

This is one of those “looks-more-complex-than-it-actually-is” kind of cards—the partial die cutting on the card front gives the appearance of more layers because of the colorful, stamped pattern . . . Always a winner in my book!

Full video tutorial below:

HOW TO:

  1. Score a 4.25 x 11” piece of card stock at 5.5” from the short end to make a horizontal side-folding card.

  2. Fold the card and place into the MISTI (the original sized MISTI works best for this because you get more platform area and can move the paper for repeat stamping.

  3. Stamp the longest paint stroke image in a series of stripes, some overlapping, some 2nd generation impressions and some reinked and stamped again to intensify the color.

  4. Use the partial die-cutting method to cut the cityscape through the card front only; trim away the negative piece with scissors or a craft knife (if you’re unsure, just watch the video above).

  5. Gold emboss images from Love Notes onto watercolor paper and watercolor using Zig Clean Color Real Brush markers and a waterbrush. Die cut when dry.

  6. Mount images to card as shown, taking care to position so that the card still swings open freely.

  7. Gold emboss sentiment onto scrap of red card stock; 3D mount to card front.

If you haven’t yet, this is a simple but fun die cutting method to try! Thanks for stopping by!

FREE ONLINE CARD MAKING EVENT

Last week I let you know about the Card Maker Success Summit, which kicks off next week. You’re going to hear from me on Day 1, Feb 17 2:00pm Pacific about Beginner-friendly digital die cutting for card-making.

You’ll also hear from some of my friends, including:

  • Daniel West

  • Therese Calvird

  • Laurie Willison

  • And a whole lot more!

These presentations are totally free to you for the first 24-hours, as long as you’re registered.

You can also get your hands on the VIP All-Access Pass for a reduced price right now. With it you’ll get:

  • VIP All-Access Pass to all 25+ presentations - no waiting!

  • Lifetime access to all 25+ presentations ($1,200 value)

  • 275+ page Card Project Digital Workbook with a card project planning calculator ($59 value)

  • 1 Live Virtual Crop over Zoom with fellow VIP attendees ($59 value)

  • Premium bonus content from our speakers and sponsors, including a Craft room Organization Guide Workbook, SVG Bundles, Free Card and Technique classes, exclusive discounts to your favorite craft stores, and much more! ($600+ value)

 Check out more details HERE!