Thursday, May 16, 2013

Inspired to Make Cards

Last weekend, Jennifer hosted a really fun blog event called "Onward and Upwards," which included many fun challenges. The challenges close soon, so I wanted to post my last entry.  This was for a "Be Inspired" challenge which asked you to be inspired by any of the posts from the blog event.  I was inspired by this post about making cards.
My cards used some random patterned paper I had on my desk and some Elle Studio journaling blocks (which were probably meant to be used for Project Life). What I love about these cards is that I started with some fairly standard products but then made the finished project completely and totally my own by using unique images from my collection. These images are not well-known or widely seen because they come from my heritage photos, my own photography, and ephemera from my travels, which I have turned into collage sheets.  I think my design sensibility in these cards tracks some of Sian's, seen in cards such as these and Julie Kirk's Pludering Pages (such as this one), but these still very much "me."  For years I collected rubber stamps and made cards based mainly on rubber stamp images. Right now, though, I'm really loving this style of cut and paste card.  It's interesting to realize that my style is evolving. What about you? Have you noticed any changes in your card-making, painting, collaging or scrapbooking styles?
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Edited to add: If you are interested in learning more about my collage sheets and how I make them, check out my post at this link.  Also, some time ago I posted a "recipe" or tutorial for using collage images in cards.  You can read that post by clicking here.

13 comments:

helena said...

Rinda, do you create sets of collage images for later use or do you print them our for a particular project?

Sian said...

These are cool! I think I go through phases of trying and loving different looks. Sometimes I think I like too many different styles and that makes it harder to settle on one of my own

Linda said...

Really cool cards Rinda! makes me want to print some of my photos and make cards. Love the idea of making your own collage items:)

Irene said...

There is something to be said for taking an idea and making it your own. These images are great and I love your use of colour.

Cheri said...

Your style is definitely unique - not cookie cutter - which is a GOOD thing in my book! And you must have quite a collection of the vintage ephemera! as for me, I think I'm much too influenced by the class du jour. I haven't quite figured out "my style".

Abi said...

Beautiful cards and I love the vintage style.

scrappyjacky said...

I'm really enjoying seeing all your cards,Rinda....it seems awhile since you made any....and they are always very 'you'.
I've lost a bit of inspiration with cardmaking at the moment....but there are some I need to make this weekend....so maybe I'll try something a bit different.

Jo Murray said...

Cards are a fun creative project, and a joy to receive. Well done you.

Irene said...

I too have collected stamps to use on cards. Lately, I have made cards using cut pictures from old magazines, books and Christmas and Birthday cards. I like your cards and have even framed one you sent for my Birthday last year.

Amy said...

I am far more confident in my simple style now due to learning more about digital scrapping which has given me the opportunity to adapt and modify templates of designers to suit me.

Making my own templates definitely keeps my pages very simple and more in a photo journalist/newspaper format. Now that I use almost no embellishments, I feel my pages are closer to me.

Great cards Rinda!

Jennifer Grace said...

These are gorgeous Rinda! I love the cut-and-paste style, and like you say, using your own images makes them so special and unique. The Elle's studio journal cards look great on here.

Thanks so much for entering my challenge! x

sky-blu-pink said...

Lovely, Rinda! My Mummie, sister Aunty and I have been making cards for a long time now, we love it!

Anonymous said...

They look great Rinda. I used to also make cards using stamps but I honestly can't remember the last time I made a card or used a stamp. With scrapbooking I've tried various looks but always seem to come back to a clean look with just the odd embellishment.