Thursday, October 27, 2011

Mr Cardmaker Has A Different Idea of Christmas "CHEERS" Than Most People...

Prototyping is harder than it looks. Oh yeah, it is.....Just sayin'.

My goal here is to make a design that I can do many multiples of, from my card stock and DP stacks, where I can use different combinations of papers to get the same general effect.  This way, I use some of what I HAVE, instead of making a big investment of cash just to make identical cards.

MEANWHILE, I want to create something that will be beautiful and memorable.  That means, no junky materials.  Inexpensive does not necessarily equal junky.  Flimsy and tacky equals junky.  But, you knew that already.

SO, I already made some prototypes, and they can be seen HERE.  I'm now adding to the choice-making madness.....

I made this one--

So, this is on an Ivory base, which I ran thru the Cuttlebug with another embossing folder.

I made an "asterisk-y" snowflake of sorts with strips of DP, pink and teal and cream glitter paper, as well as red ribbon. Then, I stamped and embossed the sentiment in white embossing powder on the teal plaid and adhered it.

Then I stamped the martini glass and its contents onto white card stock with silver and green ink, respectively, and added the red rhinestone to shine it up. I adhered it with some foam tape.

I think this needs a brighter background, (maybe inked on top of the dry embossing?) and a MUCH brighter ink for the martini. And more bling, somewhere...Otherwise, not too bad.

This one is particularly good for conserving materials, since the expensive stuff is being used only in those tiny strips. I think it's worth a second look, for sure.

Then, I made these--



The photos don't do justice to the papers, I'm afraid.  This is done on a dove grey card body, and the sentiment is stamped on it with silver ink and is embossed with clear embossing powder.

The trees are cut by hand from pink shimmer paper, and run thru the Cuttle bug with Sizzix embossing folders. 

I adhered the "verbage" paper to the card body, adhered the plaid with foam tape, and then applied the trees behind and on top of the plaid.  The tree on top is mounted with foam squares, which are twice the depth of the tape, to cover the difference in distance.  You could do it by doubling the thickness of the foam tape.

The snowflake is done from cream glitter paper, and adhered with a glue dot.  The pearls finish it off.

I did two versions, just slightly different, as you can see. 
In all honestly, while I like this, I think I need to add some ribbon somewhere; maybe on the plaid?
I have to ponder on this one.  Plus I really am not sure what will happen in a different paper background.  I think the words give a lot of action to this card.  We shall see. 

CLEARLY, I have a good bit of work ahead of me.

Anyway, that's me, so far....

Materials-
Martini card-
Papers--the Paper Company, American Crafts Patterned Papers, DCWV, GinaKDesigns
Ink-Studio G, Stampin' Up
Ribbon- The Paper Source
Bling-AC Moore
Tools-Sizzix embossing folder, Scor-pal, EK success punch, Tombo mono-dots, Scotch foam tape.

Pink Trees card-
Same as above, with the addition of pearls from AC Moore, and Martha Stewart snowflake punch.


I have to make a decision on these babies soon, because I really don't want to run out of time.  November starts next week, already!!! 

This is now your time to ofer me some feedback on these, or to tell me to chuck it all and go in a different direction completely.  Seriously, I do well with (constructive) criticism.

Hey, thanks stopping by and checking out my stuff!
All Best-
Richard


11 comments:

  1. Yikes - criticism? I think not! They are all unique and beautiful. My favorite would be the middle card - sorta lovin' the angled DP and the pink trees! I'd say to make some of each! Great job, Richard, as always! Thanks for sharing, and have a good day :)

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  2. These are both great! I REALLY love the one with the pink trees!

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  3. Wow, you are creative. I like the second one because I like the way the trees (like the embossed pattern on these, too) take your eye up to the snowflake. Oh, and the first one would be great for a New Years card. Love your ideas and style.Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Hope you don't mind me saying but your cards are fabulous and would be perfect for our embossing challenge over at Get Creative http://craftycroppersgr.blogspot.com/ Your work is original and clever , love the great design on the first and your fantastic scene of the last two.

    Marie

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  5. I like both of the pink tree cards - I had to do one of those back and forth things to figure out what was different on them! Subtle, but different. They're both great! I would go with which ever one can be mailed without additional postage!

    Hugs!

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  6. I had the exact same thought as one of your previous commentors about the first one being perfect for a New Year's card. I like the second one the best. For some reason, that middle panel that sticks out beyond the card bothers me. . .LOL Anyway, I like them! Wishing you a very Happy Halloween! Best, Curt

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  7. Well Mr. Cardmaker, I had to stop by your blog simply because a papercrafting/stamping guy is a rare find hehe ;) I am super impressed Wow! Your holiday cards are not only cool and unique, I also love your idea behind them--use that DP and mass produce! lol Great work, I'll be visiting your blog again for sure! Happy crafting!

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  8. Love these---the embossing on them is a good (classy but inexpensive) touch!----Perfect designs for Christmas (and I too love the first for New years---something about that good looking drink :)

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  9. What a wonderful collection of cards! Lovin' all the texture!

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  10. Such a fun, tasteful style. I just discovered your blog and have been enjoying a laid back morning exploring your older posts. Thanks for the inspiration. Off to organize my craft nook and make cards. -Sue

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  11. Great cards, Richard!! The ribbons give the festive look on your martini glass card, and I really like your trees cards too. They are gorgeous!! I think all of them would work great if you want to mass produce. I have a hard time deciding usually,& then I make all different ones, hoping time is on my side ;)

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