World Cardmaking Day

It's officially World Cardmaking Day!   I was hoping to be a part of the Charity Wings live event this weekend, but a super busy sports schedule with my boys has made that almost impossible.     Be sure to join in and check out all the amazing craft demonstrations and have your chance at winning one of the giveaways.  Log in here: http://linqto.com/rooms/creativeedventures OR through the Facebook app here: http://apps.facebook.com/creativeedventures.  You don’t need a webcam or mic to participate – simply a computer with an internet connection! Since I couldn't share there today, I thought I'd post one of my favorite techniques for creating simple cards.   

This is a simple, yet very effective technique you can use to create quick cards.  The variations are endless.  Some stampers create their grids with straight squares, some sponge color in all blocks including the center square, etc.  Try sponging the inside frame to soften the edges and bring the color closer to the focal image.  Experiment with adding a subtle background stamp to your entire finished card, sponge color in the center square and stamp that in just black also, try it on a colored sheet of cardstock, etc.  There is NO wrong way to do a grid/retiform card and they give you lots of options for unique cards for almost any occasion!

Here are lots of examples of this technique.  I hope you are inspired to give it a try - Cindi 

 

• Cut white cardstock to 5 ½” x 4 ¼”.
• Choose your center/focal stamp (should be larger than the border stamps).  Stamp using black ink at an angle in the center of the white cardstock.   Color if desired.
• To create the border frame with 8 individual sections to stamp, start with 3 strips of scrap cardstock at least as wide as the piece you are working with.
• Place 1 strip just above center image, over it leaving the space above it open, at an angle matching the angle of the stamped image.
• Sponge first color of ink into the space.
• Repeat on bottom.
• For sides, place one strip at an angle to the left of the focal image, and sponge with 2nd color ink. Repeat on right side.
• 
• Use 3 strips of scrap cardstock as a mask for each of your 8 border sections.  Ink first stamp with black ink, randomly stamp into unmasked space.  Choose 2nd stamp and repeat process in next block, continuing with assorted stamps until all 8 blocks have been stamped.
• 
• Trim as desired, place onto coordinating papers & cardstocks to create your card.