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Great thread - always can learn from other SCS'ers!!!
My top "oompf" givers are (not in any particular order):
1.) Ribbon - especially grosgrain
2.) Crystal Effects and/or glitter (not so much for the manly cards)
3.) corner punch
4.) Layers - I agree this adds sooooo much to a card
5.) Versamark - love the color on color look - it's soft but adds texture
6.) Jewels (I've been on a kick recently with the little jewels - they add sparkle!)
7.) Shadowing
8.) Strategically placed eyelets or brads
9.) Tags - absolutely love these!!!
10.) Tearing
I agree that it is fun to look back at earlier cards to see how your talent develops. I've been stamping for 10+ years and my style has really changed over the years. Still not too artsy; but definitely less cutesy (and much less white) than earlier works!
__________________ Donna Love my puppies! Thor 5 years; Maddee 5 years
Probably the most versatile set you can buy (and it is probably now the oldest one in the catalog) is Itty Bitty Backgrounds. I have used it more than I care to admit. Any time you look at a card, and say, "Gee, something is missing. It just isn't quite there yet", just grab the tiny speckle stamp and go around the stamped image. You will be amazed.
Probably the most versatile set you can buy (and it is probably now the oldest one in the catalog) is Itty Bitty Backgrounds. I have used it more than I care to admit. Any time you look at a card, and say, "Gee, something is missing. It just isn't quite there yet", just grab the tiny speckle stamp and go around the stamped image. You will be amazed.
I like to do this too especially if I think a card it "too white". Instead of just going around the stamped image I like to speckle the whole card.
Definately background stamps and ribbon. Oh, and whoever said "Stickles", I totally agree! As long as it's not overdone.
The other thing I use when I'm looking at a layout and saying "gosh, it needs SOMETHING" is Dimensionals or Pop Dots! I love to add texture or dimension to a card, and Dimensionals or Pop Dots do the trick!!
Keep the ideas coming ladies!
__________________
You don't have to take on the world, just get on its good side.
One that has only been slightly mentioned here: Stunning Color Combination. My new stampers (myself included when I was a new stamper) really struggle with color. Here's my latest, best tip for colors: the catalog. Stampin Up does a great job of color coordinating the catalog. Each 2 page layout uses a combo of 4-5 colors. I've gone through my catalog and written the names of the colors on the page at the bottom. That way, when I'm stumped for color, I just flip through until I find something I like. The other night I was casing a Dartella card (a difficult and rewarding feat) and I wanted a green to go with ballet blue. Catalog helped me decide old olive and barely banana. Not a combo I would have thought up myself, but quite stunning.
__________________ Life is too short: eat chocolate and stamp up a storm. It will come out OK in the end.
I love adding ink to my ripped edges
And someitmes I need to remember that "less is more"!
__________________ Kyloe
The lesson from Charlie Brown: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
May seem like a little thing, but learning basic design theory has really helped with my cards. We tend to see things in odd numbers, particularly in 3's and 5's. So when I have a card that is "missing something" I look to see if I am even or odd. I'm always looking for 3 colors, 3 layers, 3 images, etc. One thing about designing is that odd numbers are the most commonly found number in nature (5 being the most found number followed by 3 then 9 then 7) Because it is such a common theme our brain doesn't search for it but naturally sees it. Therefore cards that have elements in the odd tend to be more soothing where as cards with even numbered elements tend to be more formal and proper.
__________________ Michelle
Docorate of De-Edumacation, Lawd, How Cum granted by Rainsong
"What's life if not doing things for other people?" Martin Gray
extras
Cord!
