Apr 27 2009
Making the Layouts First
Well, here we are at Monday again already. Good heavens, those weekends do fly by, don’t they? I’m always so happy for Friday night, and then I blink and…it’s Monday. What happened?
I never seem to have enough time, and that’s partly what brings about today’s post — finding time, or making time. Since this is primarily a stamping blog, naturally I’m focusing on the issue of stamping, but time saved in any one area allows more time to be used however I desire, or wherever necessary. Now, why would I be trying to save time stamping? Shouldn’t I be trying to save time somewhere else so I’d be free to sit down with my favorite craft? Am I inferring that stamping is infringing upon time I’d rather devote to other activities? Well, let’s see…how shall I put this…?
I’m a slow stamper. I’m okay with that. It’s never mattered much unless I need a card in a hurry. I savor the time I spend stamping, and it’s never been something I wanted to hurry. If stamping meant flying into my room with ten minutes to spare, flinging a card together, then dashing off to another activity with barely a moment to consider my handiwork, I probably wouldn’t be a stamper. Would any of us? Surely this is not how it’s done!
I want to do my design team work, I want to sell cards from my little basket at work, I want to fulfill special requests, make cards for my personal use, keep my best friend supplied, make gift sets. I’m also utterly devoted to my blog these past two plus years, and you’ve probably noticed I’m not very good at writing short posts. However, I do feel I need to streamline these processes, but do it in such a way that does not compromise my enjoyment of stamping and stamping-related activities. I had to examine where I could make improvements.
I’ve begun by exploring the art of “clean and simple” (see this post). Perhaps I’ll write shorter blog posts once in a while. Today, it’s all about making the layouts first. I’ve long since acknowledged this as my downfall when it comes to the amount of time spent on a card. I can color images on my coffee breaks at work, but I spend triple (or more) that time creating the card which will feature the image. I know! It’s embarrassing! So, the other day when I had some time at home, I just sat and made layouts:
These are a few of them, in addition to today’s card. They’re mostly made by piecing together scraps. I went so far as to cut the image panels, too, because it’s easy to find an image to fit from among my thousands of stamps. The card bases are cut, but I left the layouts free for tucking ribbon ends, etc. They all went together very quickly since I wasn’t trying to coordinate them with an image. Truly, this is the most liberating thing I’ve ever done for myself in regard to stamping. In fact, cards started happening immediately — I’d no sooner cut the image panels than I’d chosen images to stamp on them. These particular papers are old but, gosh, I need to use them up rather than let them go to waste.
About today’s card: I chose this very pretty image from Stampin’ Up!’s retired Garden Silhouettes to fit the panel for this layout. I don’t use silhouette stamps very often because I love to color. I will probably be using them more in the future for those clean and simple cards, but today I added color to the image as follows:
- I stamped it in Certainly Celery on a Vanilla panel.
- Colored over the flowers with a deep pink Sakura glaze pen, which gave them a shiny, embossed appearance.
- Dotted the flower centers with Cinammon Stickles (sparkle!).
- Shaded the lower edges of the leaves with a Stampin’ Up! Old Olive marker.
I stamped the word in Close to Cocoa. I added Stardust Stickles to the Martha Stewart punched borders, inserted pearlized brads, added ribbon trim and a bow. Papers are Chocolate, Pale Plum, Certainly Celery, and a retired SU! designer paper, the name of which I simply cannot remember (sorry!).
I’m so glad we could have this visit today and I hope you know how much I appreciate your time. It’s all so precious, isn’t it? Have a wonderful Monday!
Your card is beautiful! And what a great idea about doing some layouts ahead of time.
Your post today just resonates with me! I hear you and am where you are…I spend so much time coloring an image, and then it sits there along with other color images for days/weeks until I can get inspired to do something with it and finish it! What a great idea! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us…I so love your work, and I look forward to more help…thanks!!! Totally beautiful card!
I love this post … and your card, of course … but today’s post really struck a nerve with me. I know exactly what you mean about time and the shortness (and *preciousness!), of it.
I must say, though, that I really love your “layout first” concept and am eager to give it a try. I think I’ll save tons of precious time doing this and I thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.
*Umm, is that a word?!?
Wow! What an idea! This is TOTALLY backwards to how I design - I start with the image first and design my layout around the image/image colors - but I might give this a try. For sure it would be a good way to try-out all those card sketches that I save to my computer.
Wow, Leslie, you stated exactly how I feel. Your card is beautiful, your idea is fabulous, and I’m sure most of us would echo what you expressed about time and stamping. Add to that “commenting on blogs” because that is something I desire to do to be an encourager, but that in itself takes time. I’m truly amazed and blessed by seeing all the fun and gorgeous cards and I’m sure I’ve seen just the tip of the iceberg of fellow stamper’s blogs. I wish I could get to all of them to comment, but alas, I can’t do that without neglecting other things. Since I tend to emulate so many of your cards anyway, I’ll see if I can put together this simple concept and link to you. I’m sure it would be an encouragement to lots of stampers. Thanks for sharing a way that we can enrich all of what we do.
That card is beautiful! I know what you mean about taking so long to make one card - I do the same thing and I don’t know any other way to do it. I’ve tried starting with the image first then choosing the papers and vice versa, but neither method saves me time. Maybe that’s why when I find something that works I make several of them at one time.
No matter the method, you are an AMAZING stamper! I ALWAYS enjoy your creations, and you are SO talented! I’m glad you are “slow”, as that is the way I do it too…I just can’t do anything like that in a hurry! It would be a disaster!
Thanks for your fabulous blog. I love getting the new posts in my email. I’m always happy to see what you have posted!
Have a great week! And thank you for your inspiration to me! =)
So beautiful! I’m with you on spending triple the time on the card layout! I can’t make a decision if my life depends on it. This is a great idea, and a great way to use up extra scraps, which I can’t see past when I start with the image first!
Pretty card-like the stickles. Neat idea of having some layouts ready to go. Enjoy your blog although I don’t always comment-guess I subscribe to too many- because it takes a lot of time just reading them all. Seems like I have turned into more of a reader than a stamper! ;<)
Wow! I just love your cards and your novels…I say novels because I am just like you - I can never just create a short blog post or sentiment in a card - LOL! I love reading your posts, your thoughts and details that went into making your cards.
This particular post is near and dear to my heart. I can totally relate to the time issue. I take great pride when I make my cards and make them custom to the recipients…therefore I spend lots of time on a card (maybe too much time) because I want it to look perfect and just right. I love the “layout first” concept because that is pretty much what I start with when I make my cards. I have been trying to participate in sketch challenges when I can because it creates the basis for my cards. Then I pick out my image. I am such a paper scrap hoarder that I should take the time to sit down one day and just do layouts. I guess it’s just about “making the time” - just like with everything else! *wink*
See what I mean about novels??? LOL…thanks again for all of your wonderful thoughts and cards!!!
Hugs, Alma =)
Leslie, it is the layouts and choice of embellishments that
takes up all of my time too! And, I do some elaborate
colouring. I just “guessed” that that was “normal”.
Hope your new system works for you. Me, I just love
playing with layout ideas! LOL
How great to get these card sketches together! I spend wayyyyy to much time on sketches– I fiddle around for what seems like forever! LOL!!! Marvelous to have some ready-to-go stand-bys!
Can I ever relate to this! I do the exact same thing; take forever in making an actual card. I may have to try your idea.
Your post today really rang true for so many of us stampers/cardmakers. I really appreciate you sharing personal thoughts that ring so true for many.
Your card is wonderful and I think I need to begin to plan my cards in a more time efficient manner all the while keeping it fun.
I don’t stamp silhoutte stamps often either and you’ve just created a way to make this so much more fun by adding a touch of color here and there. In fact, I like this card so much that I’m going to give this a try with some of my neglected silhouette stamps.
Cheers!
Jennifer
Funny, I was really feeling bad having bought so many supplies lately, just getting started, so I started putting papers together and coming back to stamp later. I LOVE DP. Much better. It takes me some time to get started and this helped. Great post!!!!! Beautiful card.
Your card is beautiful Leslie!!! And, your post struck a chord with me…..soooo true!!! Love your idea of doing the layouts ahead of time!
*STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
Beauitful card, Leslie!
What I like about your cards Leslie that they are so elegant and intellegant! Yes, intellegant! It is always a pleasure for me at your cards and reading your posts! You speak so beautiful!
Love the dimension you created on the flowers! Would never think that it a sakura pen!
Thank you for sharing your talent!
Boy do I relate to this post! You nailed it, Leslie (at least for me anyway). You’re so right. Time is such a precious commodity and recognizing it is why I appreciate yours, your dedication to your blog and your faithful readers (and admirers). Your card is just lovely. I adore the tiny bit of Stardust Stickles on the MS punched border, your layout, DPs, and the way you colored the rubber before stamping it onto the while. The card’s various elements flow so homogenously.
Dear Leslie,
This is such a beautiful card I just had to leave you a comment. The colors and stickled edges are just gorgeous.
I don’t often comment because of time constraints, but this card moved me to. I follow your blog and I have really enjoyed the work you have been doing.
Due to time constraints I often do not stop to read blogs. I just enjoy this first couple lines and the art. However, I just have to tell you thank you for talking about being a slow stamper. I was starting to think I am the only one. I, too, have the biggest problem with layouts. I may just have to try your new idea.
Have a wonderful week,
Terri
Brat Cards on SCS
PS: I tend to have a hard time keeping it short too….
I like your clean and simple, quite stunning. I must keep this in mind for the next time I stamp. Thank you for sharing.
LOVED this post!! I felt like to you were speaking right to me! I love the idea of doing the layouts first and I definitely want to try it. I would love to see more pics of your layout cards and how you turn them into finished cards as your card today is absolutely gorgeous and does not say “simple” at all!
Your card is so very pretty, Leslie!! You always do such a fabulous job with your layouts and pretty papers!! I love the idea of having them pre-made, and adding the stamping and details later!! Thanks for sharing this idea!!
What an absolutely liberating idea!!!!! You are my hero!!!! Thanks for the tip, Leslie. And one more tip I got (yes, you’ve mentioned it before but today was the day my brain said “Aha!!”) was taking the darker marker to the bottom of the leaves. So easy!! And so “finished”. Love it!! Peggy
Hi Leslie, I just wanted to say “thanks” for taking the time to share your beautiful cards with us. I can only imagine the amount of time that goes into getting your work onto your blog and I’m grateful that you share your creations with us. I am intrigued about your “layouts first” concept and may have to give it a go. It will be a challenge but that’s always a good thing, right?
Your cards are always gorgeous, Leslie!! I love clean and simple:)
It takes me forever to come up with a final design. For me, I’ve found the Sketch Challenges and CAS Challenges on SCS a big help - still takes forever but at least I’m producing more than in the past. In the past, I would wait until a card was needed and start planning it about 1 1/2 - 2 wks. ahead of the date and would barely make it out in time. Now, I still do some like that but on the whole I now have a stash I can choose from without stressing out and I had fun making them
I like your idea, too!
Hi Leslie! Those layouts are a great idea! We all need some time-saving prioritizing tips. I just love that you pull out some of my retired SU favorites. Love that image from the Garden Silhouettes. YOur blog time is a great sacrifice and we all appreciate your generosity in sharing with us but we also understand that you need to do what works for you or the fun of it is gone and you will move onto other things. Here’s to guilt free stamping time and the enjoyment of stamping!
This posting sure struck a chord with me! Sometimes the layout totally paralyzes me and takes the fun out of stamping. I’m going to give your idea a try. Beautiful card - definitely worked for you!
I read your blog everyday and really enjoy it, but today’s made me feel sooo good!! I too am a slow stamper! I just can’t seem to rush the process. It doesn’t take long for me to color the stamp but putting it together - now that’s another story! I have to say that if nothing comes together I have learned to walk away, do something else and come back to it and voila - it usually works out. But it is not a 10-15 minute process! I want to get ahead of myself a bit so I have some cards ready to go, so I will try your layout idea and see what happens! I’m working on your violets card and just love how the coloring turned out tonight. By the way, I do appreciate your detailed blog. So many others do not explain how and why and I for one really appreciate all the time and effort put forth!
Leslie, I don’t usually make comments (at least not very often!) but just felt the need to today. Sometimes making cards makes me feel guilty because it takes me so long. Sometimes it’s fairly quick but that’s few and far between. Hearing that someone, actually many others feel the same, well, that’s very liberating! Hopefully I can try your idea of making card layouts. What a novel idea!
Thanks for sharing your very pretty card. Love it!
Very pretty card! I love those old papers and that stamp set is one of my fave SU sets. I’m a slow stamper, too, so I can totally identify with you. When you put your layouts together, which is a great idea (!), are you adhering them together at all?
Its one of the best articles I’ve read!
Thank you for sharing!
Leslie, you just wrote everything I would have said myself!! It looks like many others feel that way, also!
I am a slooooow stamper, too, so any time saving ideas are fine by me! I love the idea of creating the layouts first and adding the stamp later — thanks for the inspiration!
BTW, your card is beautiful, as always!
so pretty, love how you colored the flowers and added shading to the stamping, it gives it so much. Wow I don’t know if I could just do a layout without an image in mind, I always start out with my image and then find paper to go with it, which I am learning is the wrong way to go about it since I have found myself not being able to find a good paper to go with my image.
Hi Leslie - This all rings true.
Great idea - I think I must change my process.
tfs
HW
Glad to hear I’m not alone when it comes to slow stamping. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas.
I believe that paper is from the “enchante” collection.
What a fantastic idea Leslie! And a great way to use up scraps. I enjoy your long posts too…always great information, so don’t stop! Unless you want to of course
Your card is really pretty too! This layout is beautiful and the flowers are so pretty! Thanks for sharing your ideas with us!
Grat post! It was like looking into a mirror. Thanks.
What an enchanting card. I love the layout and that image is fantastic. Great card.
Hugs
Heather
You are too funny Leslie. I like the sparkle along the fancy edge you cut and the dp is wonderful. Clean and simple is not hard, what is hard for me is the added little touches that you add to your cards. So I am opposite of what you have a hard time with. Isn’t that funny how each person struggles with different stamping stuff. Oh well… I guess that is how these cards all look so great and different to each person. :0)
I have never made layouts 1st only main images. Hmmmm, may have to try. You always inspire me to try new ideas. Yep, you did it again. Happy stamping and TFS
Wow. Making the layouts first… I think I just had an a-ha moment! You may have changed my crafting life!
The card you put together for this post is absolutely gorgeous. And I love everything about your blog posts, but do understand if you feel the need to streamline at times! Plus, I do know you need time in the garden now that summer is approaching. Because I like to see the fruits of your labor in the garden here on your blog as well!! 
I love reading your blog and also admire your beautiful cards! I am terribly slow at creating a card and thought it was “just me” and this makes me feel better knowing that even experienced people who make knock-out gorgeous cards have a slow time of it sometimes! Please don’t stop sharing your beautiful work, sometimes it just makes me feel better to look at them!
Beautiful card Leslie and a great idea for the layout of the cards. I find myself spending way more time on the layout than anything else!!