We introduced our “ask the designers” idea to you over a week ago, but I’ll just share the same info here as well, in case you missed it.
“Ask the Designers” is something new we are doing here at CPS. We thought it would be fun to let everyone ask questions about everything cardmaking! Whether it’s about stamping, design, adhesives, favorite tools, etc… if you have a question (big or small) you have been wanting to ask the team just post it here on the blog. We will compile the questions and get you an answer. We will answer all questions every Wendesday and also start a new round of questions then. Also, we know how many experts we have participating here and if you want to share an answer or suggestion please do so! So, ready, set… ask away!
All of your questions from this past week were great! We want to hear more from you so don’t be afraid to ask. Also, if you want to ask a specific designer something please do. So, here are the answers to your questions:
1.Sometimes I feel like I'm a bit too 'literal' on my sketch interpretations. Would you share a little about your process when working with a sketch?
Laura says –“Some sketches come easier to me than others - so sometimes I start with the sketch, and then find product to fit it. Other times, I start with product that I am really excited about (a stamp, a piece of cool paper, or stickers) and then figure out how I can fit it into the sketch. Sometimes what I end up creating is WAY different from the sketch. If I am really stumped, I try to decide WHICH elements from the sketch I really like, and work from that.”
Lea answered- “When I start my card, I look at the sketch from every angle to see which way works better for me. Then I decided on the theme or sentiment of the card, and gather supplies I want to use. Don't be afraid to change shapes that might be on the sketch. For example- there might be a flower shape for an accent. That might not work for what you want to do, so change it to a heart, star, cupcake...anything you need for it to be. I think it is important to remember that the sketch can just be a jumping off point for inspiration!”
Charity’s answer- “I take the basic layout of a sketch and think of "other" things that can go in each spot. For example, if a sketch has three dots along the bottom- instead of using buttons, why not spell out a word there, stamp some large flowers or even tie a bow there instead. Many times the design of the sketch is what is the most important- I use it to create balance, but sometimes I wont even use every detail on it.”
2.Can someone tell me or point me to a Shopping List full of the BASIC
tools/supplies someone starting out needs! Im winging it here with copy paper and SCOTCH TAPE! Please help! Im a digital scrapper, slowly moving into the paper world, so I need a list of real world things I need to get going.
Here is what I can't do a card without:
Paper Trimmer
Textured Cardstock
Patterned Paper
Zig Squeeze Roller (adhesive)
Glue Dots
Rhinestones
Rub-on sentiments (American Crafts makes great ones)
Chalk Ink
Corner Rounder
Other items I use often:
chipboard shapes
Ribbon
scalloped deco scissors
sandpaper (to sand the edges of white cored paper)
A beginnner card maker/scrapper needs some good cardstock, a paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive (glue dots, etc.), a few embellishments (ribbon, buttons,etc.). These are the very basic tools. As it sound like you are a digital girl, I would encourage you to maybe print out some of the things you design on your computer then simply use them to make your cards. It probably wouldn't take many embellishments to create a fabulous hybrid card. For more ideas on hybrid card see our hybrid cards and hybrid cardmaking tutorial.
3.I am organizing my scraproom and looking for a good way to sort and organize my paper and pages in progress. What do you suggest?? I have most of my patterned paper and cardstock pieces in an expandable 12x12 file box (that I got from JoAnn in the scrapbooking dept.) I have gallon ziplock bags in each compartment, for small pieces of paper, so they don't get lost. Larger pieces go behind the bag, and the whole thing is organized by color (with the first pocket being for patterned paper that has SO many colors, I just don't know WHERE to put it!) I do have additional cardstock and patterned paper tucked away in some sort of scrapbook storage bag, in my closet. But the stuff I reach for daily, and all my scraps are contained in that expandable file. (Oh, and well, I do have one drawer with some paper stuck in it too!!) I am realizing that organizing a scrap area is really an ongoing process, and my area is ALWAYS changing and being rearranged to suit me the best at any particular time.
For pages in progress, I have two ideas. First one, go to your local pizza place and ask to buy some clean pizza boxes. I haven't ever heard of them saying no, and pizza boxes are big enough to hold the layout in progress, and the product you are using on it. The second idea is to save the large ziploc baggies that paper comes in when you are buying stuff online. I have a zillion of them, and I often store layouts in progress in them. They just won't fit a lot of extra product.
I use 12x12 paper trays to organize my paper. I like to be able to just grab the paper that I want, so paper trays were the best option for me. The paper is in alphabetical order by manufacturer, with the order for each manufacturer going from newest line to oldest.
