Kim Kesti
Since you’ll be hearing from all the new Go-to Gals in the coming months, I though it would be fun to share a little bit about my creative process, a bit about “me”. I’ll be asking you about your process later, so keep that in mind.
Almost invariably, I reach for embellishments first when I start my card making process. Sometimes I am inspired by a fancy sticker, sometimes a great piece of chipboard, and other times by a pretty flower. Today, it was a “to die for” pack of felt Woolies from BasicGrey.
I chose several colors cardstock that matched the Woolies and grabbed a few buttons, too.
I don’t always use patterned paper, but in this case I had a great piece of matching paper that also had a small scale print (which is great for cards), so I added that to the pile.
Step three is the easiest. I decided to make four coordinating cards, so I cut all the card bases the same and creased them to size with a bone folder. Done.
Next came the fun part. I was intrigued by the scallops on the Woolies, so I pulled out a few of my newer dies that feature scallops, outlines and journaling blocks. I cut a bunch to experiment with.
Now, I begin to assemble my cards. I’m having a blast at this point, merrily matching up colors and shapes. Then the dreaded happens…I realize that I forgot to plan out my sentiments. Sentiments are my biggest challenge. At this point I can cop out and pretend these are supposed to be blank note cards, or I can dig into my drawers and see what I can find.
I don’t have any decent rubs, but I do have a pretty good supply of rubber stamps. I should rename them “lifesavers”. So, I grab my brown ink pad and a brown journaling pen and finish up my cards.
Here are the four cards, stamped and outlined.
That pretty sums up my creative process. What about yours? Where do you start? What challenges do you face? Leave me a comment answering any of these questions and I’ll put you in a drawing to win these cards! Let’s spread the creativity around, gals.
I’ll choose a winner by midnight (MST) on Thursday, August 13th, so post a comment before then.
Happy Crafting!
Kim, Paper Crafts Pro
I too face similar conflicts but mostly it’s pairing the embellishment process down…I get to a point in my card making/scrapbooking and I have to take away instead of add. I don’t like my cards too busy…you need to have just the right amount. It’s definitely a “fun” problem to have! There are so many amazing products out there. BTW, I love the Hero Arts sentiment stamps you used….those are my favorites!
I always start with just one thing that I really want to use, and then I take it from there. A particular piece of patterned paper is what usually starts my creative card making process!
I hit enter too early!! Your cards are adorable!!
I pretty much always start with a color combo- I choose that completely based on the mood I’m in at that time…and then I go from there!
I usually start with what kind of card I have to make and then chose the colors and stamps or embellies from there. I do the same thing with the color matching. One piece I really want to use will drive the rest of the process. Great cards, thanks for the examples!
Loved seeing your creative process. I usually start with a stamp set that I want to use, and then pick out a color combo/paper that I want to use. Then I just “wing it” from there.
I usually have that one “something” I really want to use. It’s paper, a new stamp, a forgotten stamp, a neat embellishment or an awesome sentiment.
Your cards are sooo adorable. They make me want to go home and create something…right now!
Usually I am making my cards at the last minute for a special person. So, I tend to try to thing of something they like and build my card around that.
I’m with you, Kim, on the sentiments. That’s my challenge as well. I start with “who the card is for” and then colors. I hadn’t thought of starting with the embelly first…great idea! I’m going to try that next. Thanks!!!!
Thank you for showing us your creative process! These cards are SO ADORABLE!! Usually I begin my “process” with pattern papers but I’ve also been known to design a card completely around a ribbon that I love!!
I start with a color combo THEN to a card that I want to make….it’s fun to mix it up sometimes….LOVE your cards!
Cute cards. I start with the sentiment when I make cards, or if it isn’t for a specific occasion I start with a fun pattern paper.
Since I’m still trying to find my style, I start with a sketch or card I love and then go through my patterned papers. I almost always use a stamp so that comes next, trying to match the style with the paper, etc. I then end up with the embellishments which I keep to a small item. I loved reading about your process. I’m going to shake mine up and see what new creativity I tap into!
my biggest challenge is when I get to the end… deciding if it actually turned out like I hoped it would or if I want to keep the card for parts
Great cards! I really should try to work on sets of cards when I create. My biggest challenge is deciding how I want to layout my card…that always takes me the longest.
My biggest challenge is figuring out where to begin. I don’t feel that I am a very crafty person, even though I love it. My daughters have to help me a lot. I like to keep things simple.
I LOVE your cards, Kim! I too, love collecting all of my supplies before hand. I dig through my paper and find coordinating sheets (I rarely stick to the same line of product) and once I get everything collected, I begin throwing them together!
I love your PP that you used with your woolies, and the green buttons you used on the tree! Great job!
I usually reach for the papers first then I pair up embellishments. My biggest challenge is usually layout design.
Thanks for sharing – I love seeing how you work! I Need to find a process, because I always flounder about!
I usually start with picking ONE thing to work on. I’m terrible about starting 3 things at once and never finishing anyth
I always like using my older product first before I dig into a new batch, then I base my card off of the older products and see what matches.
I like looking in magazines for inspiration, then I put my own spin on it. Limitations? Probably my lack confidence in putting things together.
I don’t have a good process yet. I tend to sit there & try things out. And then get frustrated & start over. I have limited supplies so it’s very hard to be so creative & color coordinated. But I am still trying.
I usually start with choosing what colours I want to use and go from there. Your cards are so nice!
Thanks
my creative process starts with a ‘theme’ or occasion in mind. i have ‘zero’ rub-ons, so my choice of rubber stamp always leads me in a certain direction. i also have a wonderful collection of sketches–choosing one always helps me ‘see’ how many papers i need. then i look through my dp’s and work up a palette [or, if i choose a pattern, the palette is already chosen.] it’s all downhill from there!
it’s good to see that even a ‘go-to girl’ isn’t perfect! thanks, kim, for sharing your creativity with us today–have a good one! ~k
I always start with my pictures, then pick out papers and embellishments. When I’m done with a scrapbook page I’ll use the leftovers for some cards.
If I’m only doing card making then I usually start with a stamp (I’ve recently become obsessed with the darn things!) Then I’ll grab scraps out of my stash and go to work.
Thanks for the glimpse into your process– love the cards!
I have a huge problem getting started ! Lack of creativity !
And then ..sentiments..I have no sentiment stamps and dont’ like having to print something off the computer! Craft area is downstairs, pc is upstairs! LOL
Love all of your cards!! I’ve never seen the woolies before! Love them!
I usually start with a new embellishment or stamp set I want to use……then go from there with color combo, embellishments, sentiment and ribbon. Finding the perfect ribbon is sometimes hard for me. I sometimes dig and dig before I find the “perfect” ribbon!
Cute cards Kim! They’re so fresh and fun!!
My biggest challenge is selecting a sentiment to go with my cards. Although I do love a challenge, I most often get my inspiration from a pretty paper or embellishment.
funny, I start with the sentiment and work the card around it! But I too love using all the fun embellishments I can get my hands on
Your artwork is gorgeous and always inspiring!
My challenge for scrapbooking is always not having the product that I want to really use such as the new papers or embellies. I almost always have to settle for the things that I have….I’m in a serious use it up mode and I’m not fond of a lot of things I have
I almost always am making the card for a specific person and that is where I start my process. I think about that person and the card just flows. I have tried to make generic cards just to have on hand or for a craft show and I am rarely pleased with them.
for me i start with a sketch almost always, then i pick out the images i want to work with weahter it a card so that would be the sentiment or stamps or if its a layout that would be the pictures. Then i pick my theme. Is it a chrimstas one, school etch. Then papers and then the process of assembling.
I usually start with the stamp and build a card with the patterned papers and embellishments around the occassion / stamp I am using. Sometimes I love the results….sometimes not! Love your cute cards!
Your site has been a great inspiration and the knowledge gained has gotten me past the obstacle blocking my way.
I usually start with the object of the card, birthday anni, etc. Then who it’s for and what they like, interests or colors. I gather what I have and put together things that go with that. Sometimes there’s a spark, sometimes a block, lol. My biggest challenge can be the insides, but I’ve gotten so much inspiration lately form others, that’s getting easier. Thanks to everyone out there!
I usually start with the receiver’s taste, then I’ll either go to a really cool patterned paper or fabulous embellies… depends on what I’m excited about. Sketches are a fun way to start, too.
My biggest challenge is always coming up with the idea and matching everything together.
The cards are great but sigh…. loving those woolies!
I’ll use photos for both cards and layouts and derive my color scheme from the subject matter or from the photo theme. I also love to start with coordinated paper and embellies and mix and match to come up with a card. Of course, theme cards are easier as one can always use orange and black for Halloween etc. But then if I see a gorgeous idea on a website, I save it forever and try to use it. I’m convinced that most people are more daring and creative than I am. I do love the new tools out there…like the embossing plates and die cutters..so fun! Thanks for sharing with us and thinking of us!
I’m inspired by the recipient/occasion first.
I use stamps on most of my cards, so I’d say I grab them first then add from there.
I love the owl and tree card and the circle with butterfly!
i tend to pick the sentiment first and then the colors next. seems to work for me!
Your cards are super cute and fun! The ice cream one is my fav, though!
I usually start with that one “something” I want to use-a piece of patterned paper, a stamp, a punch, a die, or some type of embellie. Or sometimes that one “something” is a particular card sketch. My next step is to hit my scraps pile. I like using them for cards rather than cutting into a full piece of paper, if I can, and you can do alot more than you think with those small pieces of paper!! LOL! My biggest struggle is what to do with the inside of the card? Do you decorate it? Put another sentiment inside? Leave the inside blank and just hand write your message? What?????
What pretty and colorful cards. My creative process for cards is first I try and look in my scrap paper bin to find my background. It depends what kind of card I am making, usually birthday, I find my stamps that are appropriate for card. Then look for embellishments. Thanks for a chance to win these cards.
My creative process starts with whatever the purpose is – and choosing paper to match the mood – for instance I had three Sympathy cards to make. From there I choose layout and embellishments. My challenges are SELF imposed – rarely feeling like my cards measure up to others that I see.
~Shari R.
I just love your cards!! It’s always different with me…..sometimes I’ll be looking through one of my magazines and see a gorgeous room or bedding and it’ll give me an idea and sometimes it’ll be a project for someone and I’ll always make it to match their personality (their favourite colours, etc.). Sentiments are my problem too…..I never know where to put them!!!
I face these same issues..too many choices and then get overwhelmed. I like being able to mix and match from different companies. I’ve started organizing my supplies more by color and less by mfg…this seems to be helping me now a lot.
Gorgeous cards Kim. My creative process starts with patterned paper, even if I do not use much of it. Next is co-ordinating cardstock then I select my embellies. One I have all my goodies assembled I make a quick sketch. and then get to work.
Love your cards and would love to have them. I usually start with my paper and go from there…….whimical, shabby, etc. Lots of times my granddaughter throws in her opinion and then it happens.