Inside the Mind of a Cardmaker

A very lovely lady wanted a very special card for a 70th wedding anniversary.  I asked for some additional info, so I had something to work with.  Turns out the couple owned roller rinks, so I'm thinking "as life rolls along" type of verse.  Kind of kitschy but cute.  Then she added that they are also into ballroom dancing.

Well, that set a whole different tone.  Out went the kitsch and in went the elegance.  I went searching for a design that included a couple dancing.  Online I found a cute layout:

 

 

I instantly had a ton of ideas on how to change this to what I needed.  The heart needed some pen work, the girl changed into a couple dancing and music notes instead of clouds.  I've recently found GraphicStock, an image warehouse, and they are offering a 7 day free download of 20 images a day.  Fantastic deal!  Anyway, I found the perfect image of a couple tango-ing.  I found the music staff in the Pazzles Library - wonderful resource.

 

So, here's what I came up with!

 

 

I'm very happy with the way it turned out.  I hope the buyer and the recipients like it too!  Thanks for the order, Teri!  Anytime you need a special card, you know my number!

Print and Cut Clipart for Cards

The perfect clipart can really make a card!  Finding the perfect clipart is a bit of a bother, but it can be done.  Every time I find something really cute or clever, I create a card around it. 

 

I found this cute little frog in the Pazzles Library and had to use it in a card.  I found this layout online and created my own version in my Inspiration software.

 

I got lucky and found this darling race car when I went looking for something "speedy" for this Get Well card.  I suspect that I'll be making this card again shortly, as it will sell first to the next person needing a Get Well card!

 

And one of my co-workers is actually hoping for someone to retire soon, so she can buy this card.  She just loves it!  I have to say that the alligator was an inspired find.  The clipart having the front feet in that position made the placement of the sentiment a breeze.

 

 

I just love adding print and cut butterflies to a feminine card - in person, they really pop!  Because these are actually photos of real butterflies, with a little shaping, it looks like a beautiful butterfly just stopped by to grace your card! 

 

Pazzles offers great videos on how to do Print and Cut so I won't bother to repeat any instructions.  Just know that it is easy and nearly foolproof and takes a simple and easy card over the top!

Pazzles February Challenge

This month's challenge on the Pazzles Craftroom site was truly a challenge.  It was to create a card with the bendi-card form. 

 

It took a long time for me to finally settle on a design.  Love the way the card can be displayed.  Hope I win the challenge!

Back to our regular programming...

I decided to get back to creating just regular cards this weekend.  My speed was much better working with my usual materials - got 14 cards done yesterday and today. 

 

 

Of all the wonderful Pazzles tools, I get the biggest kick out of the AutoTrace.  I just love to watch it work.  Found this rocking horse online and ended up with the perfect little picture for the card.

 

This last card is my personal favorite of the weekend.  I used the Pazzles Library file for the Dandelions. 

Last of the History

Here's the last piece of history to get up-to-date.  Sales at the card shop dropped sharply and interest waned severely, so I needed to find a new place to sell my cards.  The majority of my "fans" were my co-workers, so I asked permission to sell them at work.  Holy cow!  Best thing I've ever done - in 6 months time I've sold over 200 cards!  So my whole focus has changed from new techniques and learning new things to make more cards, cards, cards.  Sometimes, it's difficult to keep ahead of demand.  So here's a short show of some of my inventory.