When I sit down to stamp, here's how I start...

[Mona Lisa]

I have read several times in the past few months that there are some gals out there who just don't even know where to start, to create something they deem worthy for sharing.

I wanted to encourage you, that although it's not a science, there are some ways to get you going, no matter how big a creative wall you are sitting behind. :rolleyes:

Here are a few tried and true ways for me:

1. Sketch challenge - you don't even have to spend hundreds of dollars on magazines, just go to the Sketch Challenge Master List here

2. Stamp set - choose a stamp set and perhaps a sentiment. Is there a theme that lends itself to that set? Spring, shabby, etc. Could your color choices flow from those themes?

3. Choose colors - there are several options to help you with color choices. The SU! Color Wheel, for the Color Challenge Master List click here or an excellent website that Michelle Laycock links to on her blog, click here.

4. Look for inspiration around you - is there a patterned sweater you have that you love? Why do you love it? Can you replicate the colors? How about in all the advertising you see everyday? Keep your eyes peeled!

5. The gallery - obviously! I mention this one with one caveat, don't let the gallery stop you from discovering who YOU are as an artist. Each of those girls has been on a journey before you to get to where they are. The Dirty Dozen Gallery is especially a place to help you aspire to improve and learn something new. It's the best $24.95 you will ever spend, click here.


Once I have chosen my primary stamps, layout and color combos, I go around my stamp room collecting all possible embellishments and ribbon to match.

If you are feeling confident and are happy with your results, consider compiling a list of techniques that you have wanted to try as well as your favorites and stick them up where you can see them. Start to incorporate them as appropriate.

Just a few thoughts off the top of my head. There are more aspects of course, but just sit down and get started - TODAY! :mrgreen:

DDD girls, chime in here and offer your thoughts please!

[MilwaukeeMommy]

Thanks so much for your very helpful tips!! I, for one, am missing that "creative gene" & honestly never ever thought I'd be able to do this. When I first started stamping a few months ago, someone mentioned this site & I think I spent the first few days doing nothing but gazing at the gallery. I've never been so inspired!! Everyone is so talented! I've never even fully CASE'd a card, but I've certainly taken ideas for color combos, embellishments, etc from our amazing group. Even simple things like the sponging & the "doodling" (although it does take time to get it right) I never would have thought of on my own!!

So thank you!! I probably would have given up stamping shortly after I'd begun if it weren't for this site!!!

[Wheezay]

Thank you for all the information. I really like the link to Michelle Laycock's blog.
I have so much trouble matching colors.

[Mona Lisa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MilwaukeeMommy

I probably would have given up stamping shortly after I'd begun if it weren't for this site!!!

No no Michelle! Never give up, never give in! Just come to SCS and ask for help. :mrgreen:

[jailbirdstamper]

http://homepage.a5.com/~laura/colorcombo/index.php

question on this site. do all the color combos work together? or is it a random spin of the wheel and you may get colors that don't really work at all together? my non-artist eyes can't tell what works and what doesn't.