Monday 9 February 2009

Variations on a Theme

I've been thinking (ok don't all fall over!)

I've been trying to find out why I often feel like I've lost my mojo or just don't have any inspiration. It's a horrid feeling and I wanted to get to the darn bottom of it!

I realised that for me it seems to be linked to being a bit daunted, feeling like I have to design something brand new and original and not having a starting point. I thought back to the days when I used to sell my cards and needed to be quite quick, I remembered that I had a favourite layout and I just made loads and loads and loved every minute! No two cards were ever the same though, I would play around with the original plan, by adding different elements or papers.

So this week I've set myself an exercise, to stick to one theme, one set of papers and one set of images. I'm actually really excited about it because I've taken the work out of it, I know I'm going to really enjoy crafting this week.
I made a card on Saturday which was inspired by a card my good friend Maddy made. I really like the end result so I've decided that that will be this week's theme.

Above is Saturday's card, my starting point for all my cards this week. I'll be using the same set of papers - Amy Butler Lotus Mat pad and my new download collection - Holly & Madison. On Friday I'll take a group shot of them all to see how this one has evolved.

So here's my first result.....

You can still see the basic style; layered papers, paper pieced image, ribbon, flower, folded corners etc but they are still quite different don't you think? I'm enjoying this process and I would urge you all to give it a try, why waste a good idea by making it a one off? Stretch it, enhance it, let it evolve! In doing so you'll find you'll learn a lot from it.
Pop back tomorrow for day 2 of my Variations on a Theme week!

6 comments:

Lesley said...

hi huni...this is fab!!! I am sooo looking 4ward to seeing more of ur cards this week!!!...take care luv n hugs Lesley xxx

Juliet said...

Fabulous card as always Lou! I find the starting point the hardest, which is why I look for sketches and challenges, then the card seems to evolve. I like your idea though and I may just try it!
Juliet xx

Karen Mortensen said...

Most cards are variation on a theme, we all have our own style; but I know what you mean about being under pressure. I don't follow any styles, I just take one major focal point and design around that. I love layering and have used that many times. One of my favourites I think is this one: http://charmedcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/11/gissa-kiss-free-sentiment.html
I think if any one card shows my true style that's it.

Anyway, I'm waffling on, LOL
Fab card as always Lou, I love it!
xx

Anonymous said...

beautiful!!! there's a little something on my blog for you xxx

Anonymous said...

Just had a look through your blog and your cards are amazing!! I love the Holly and Madison cards...gotta go and get me some of those!!

Meredith said...

This is a grreat post