Abstract Card

Growing up I loved to make collages out of construction paper and pictures from magazines.  I used to save all the wrapping paper from my Christmas and birthday presents to make collages.  It was cheap entertainment for a country girl.  This love of paper evolved through the years.  In college I took several art classes and that's where I realized my love for abstract art.  One thing I love about abstract art is there are no rules, anything goes.  This abstract card was a lot of fun to make.  So, get the scissors and adhesive out and go abstract!    

Abstract Card Directions:

1. Make card from cardstock, or use ready made card.  Finished size: 4.75" x 6.5".
2. Trim white cardstock slightly smaller than card.
3. Cut desired shapes and adhere to white cardstock.
4. Stamp sentiment, punch holes, attach and wrap twine around cardstock, adhere brads, and use dimensionals.
5. Adhere abstract image to card. 

Complementary Color Card

Complementary color cards can be very beautiful.  For the card featured I went with a purple and green color scheme.  If you don't know what colors complement each other check out the color scheme designer website, http://colorschemedesigner.com/.  This card has a less is more approach.  I wanted the focal point to be the stamped and colored image. The final look is a simple, savvy handmade card.

Supplies used:  Recollections white card 4" x 5.5", purple, green, and white cardstock, Core-dinations Gemstone cardstock in jade (GX-GEM270), Fiskars floral edge punch, Inkadinkado rubber stamp (Wishing you Sunny Days ahead, 60-00117), ColorBox chalk ink in blackbird and lavender from the Cat's Eye stack, eksuccess thin-tipped markers, and The Paper Studio Sticky-Doos or foam tape.

Complementary Color Card Directions:

1. Trim purple cardstock and edge punch.  Trim green cardstock; adhere to card.
2. Stamp image and color.
3. Distress edges of gemstone cardstock with scissors, ink edges, layer with image, and adhere to card with sticky-doos or foam tape.

Color Scheme Makes a Difference

Color scheme makes a difference in your card designs.  With this example I took a simple design and used two different color schemes.  The black and white has a bold look and the blue tones are more subtle.  This card design can be used with many different sentiments and patterned papers for a completely different look and feel.  When I'm picking the color scheme for a card I try to think about the recipient and their likes and interests.  It was raining when I made the blue tone card and I think that had an affect on my color scheme selection.  The black and white card is one of the first cards I made when I started card making.  Looking at the two together it's easy to see how details and color scheme makes a difference.  Just remember to have fun and don't be afraid to experiment with color.  If you need a place to start check out the color scheme designer by clicking this link:
http://colorschemedesigner.com/

Supplies for Blue Floral Thinking of You Card: