Card Sketches

Have you ever sat staring at a pile of cardstock, stickers, stamps and embellishments and wondered what now? If so, you could be suffering from a creativity block. As you have probably guessed by now, the solution for overcoming a creativity block is card sketches.

One of the biggest cause of a creativity block is overwhelm. You become overwhelmed with too many options. When you sit staring at all your supplies and all the possibilities, you become paralyzed. With a card sketch, you limit your options as far as where to start. You simply start with a card sketch. What do you need to create your card according to the sketch?

Patterned paper, what size and how many pieces?

Embellishments

Sentiments

Ribbon

By following the sketch, you can narrow down your possibilities and only start selecting the pieces you need. Stick to a theme to have all your pieces coordinate. If you find you cannot follow the sketch exactly, don't worry, it is ok. Creative interpretation can come into play. (see ideas below)

You don't have to follow a card sketch precisely. You may not have the exact "piece" used in the sketch. For example, if a sketch has a flower and you don't have any on hand or don't want to use with your chosen theme, than you can easily replace the flower with another embellishment. Below are some ideas of how to interpret a card sketch.

Layout-you can easily rotate a sketch for a completely different look. If the sketch is for a horizontal card, try rotating for a vertical layout.

Paper-patterned paper can change in size and the number of patterns. When looking at your scrap stash, see what patterns coordinate together and how you can combine for a different look.

Embellishments-Interchange circles, rectangles, squares for flowers, hearts or stars.

Ribbon-Replace ribbon with fibers, cardstock, a patterned paper strip, row of buttons or other embellishments.

Use a card sketch as a starting point. Then decide upon your theme and colors. Gather your supplies and and coordinating possibilities. Start playing around and find what pleases your eye. Remember a sketch isn't confined to the exact placement of the original, get creative. Turn a simple sketch into many creative possibilities!