What exactly makes a card an “advanced” card compared to a “beginner” card? It’s really not about the card making techniques that you know, it’s about the supplies that you have access to! Having beautiful papers, inks, stamp sets and embellishments that coordinate really does make a difference. Having the tools to create layers, shapes and texture also makes a huge difference.
When I first became a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, I kept reading about “demonstrator level cards”. I wasn’t quite sure what made a card demonstrator level card as opposed to…I’m not sure! I was a little reluctant to participate in card shares and challenges because I wasn’t sure if my cards were up to snuff! I decided to just jump in and submit my cards…you just never know! It wasn’t long before I was invited to become a design team member for the Paper Craft Crew!!
Taking a chance led to something that is really fun! It’s also making me a better card maker. There are a ton of websites out there that offer weekly sketch or color challenges. These challenges push you to put your stamping supplies together in new ways!
Here is a card I created for a color challenge. The colors: Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry and Whisper White
What exactly makes this a more advance card? It’s all about the layers. There are 3 layers on top of the base of this card. You can see that the card base is created by Bermuda Bay cut a t 4-1/4 x 11″ and it is scored and folded at 5-1/2″. I stamped the Hello Doily image in Bermuda Bay ink on the Bermuda Bay card stock. This is the monochrome technique you know that I love this look. (I’m in a monochrome “phase”….hence, the color challenges. I’m forcing myself to use more color combinations!)
The next layer is the Delicate Details Lace Tape. This is paper lace with a sticky back. I cut a 4-1/2″ piece and then cut it in half lengthwise. On top of that I have a layer of Crushed Curry 2-1/4 x 4-1/4″. Then you see the piece of Eastern Elegance Designer Series Paper cut at 2 x 4-1/2”. The final layer is a 4-1/4″ piece of Coastal Cabana Ruffle Stretch Trim along the top of the DSP.
The card is finished off with a sentiment from Loving Thoughts stamped in Bermuda Bay on Whisper White. The final touch is the In Color Boutique Details adornment in the center of the doily.
You can get all of the Stampin’ Up! supplies to make this card online at mystampingstore.com!
You can also see that everything coordinates. That’s the beauty of Stampin’ Up! It’s a one-stop-shop for all of your supplies. I did not have to run around from one side of a store to another searching for things that might coordinate together.
Here is what a beginner card might look like…it’s more of a clean and simple design (called a CAS card in the card-making world by the “experts”.)
This card still uses the monochrome technique and the same two stamp sets, inks and card stocks that the other card uses. It just doesn’t have any layers or embellishments. I added a piece of baker’s twine to give it a bit more pizzazz because it’s an inexpensive way to add a little extra touch to a card. I could also have added a button, rhinestone or pearl to the center of the doily. Even a little spritz with shimmer mist might be nice too. All of those are inexpensive ways to add special touches that step up your card.
Once you fall in love with stamping, it takes time to build up that stash of coordinating supplies. The embellishments and tools aren’t cheap, but when you purchase quality supplies, it really makes a difference in your cards. After getting my first roll of Stampin’ Up! ribbon in my hands (it was free!), I would never purchase ribbon anywhere else. The quality of this ribbon is amazing!
Here is something important that I’ve learned about making cards: If you love the cards you are making and you are excited to give them away, that’s a card that is up to snuff! Lots of experts make beautiful CAS cards without layers and details. It actually takes practice to leave all that “white” space on a card. Look around your house. If you have lots of empty space because that’s your decorating style, that may also be your card making style!
Join the Virtual Stamp Club
Get your Stampin’ Up! supplies a little each month and earn FREE online classes from me!
- As a Virtual Stamp Club member, you agree to order $35 worth of stamping supplies from my online store at mystampingstore.com each month for 6 months.
- You get your stamping supplies delivered to your door and you get…
- Free online stamping and scrapbooking classes delivered to your inbox. Get a technique class each month, card tutorials, scrapbook tutorials or 3D gift project tutorials. You get a minimum of 3 video tutorials each month.
- You get free catalogs while you are a member of the club as well!
- After your initial 6 months, you can continue your membership on a monthly basis and continue to get free online classes!
I love being able to get all my coordinating supplies and my stamping tools delivered to my door. I never have to wait in line! I also love having video tutorials delivered to my inbox!! It really gives you something fabulous to look forward to each month!
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