I think there is a lot of truth in that saying. In order to grow and get better we have to practice. Personally, I would love to master a new technique at the first attempt, but that’s rarely how it goes. I only have to look back at some of the first cards I made to see that my style and technique has grown over the years as I have practiced.
And that little intro brings me to my card. I have long admired Crafters that dare to delve into their patterned paper stash and use them with abandon on their projects. Betsy Veldman’s amazing cards certainly comes to mind. Well, I figured that the only way I was going to learn how to use my own stash would be to try, try and try again.
The result was this card I made for my sister-in-laws 30th birthday. I am really pleased with how it turned out, but I can tell you it went through a lot of editing and I cut quite a few scraps of paper in order to reach my final result. Here’s a few things I learned:
- Use patterned paper from a collection, that way the job of matching papers/colors is already done. Here I used October Afternoon’s “Fly a Kite” series.
- Play with different layouts. Scraps that don’t get used can be saved for another project.
- It’s OK to mess up, it is after all only paper!! (I only “learned” this after repeated reminders from my sweet husband =)
I had so much fun! Cutting paper, making my own chipboard numbers and cutting felt shapes. I learned. I grew. And I will most certainly try this again.
What are some craft items you are afraid to use? I hope I inspire you to try today.
Thanks for stopping by,
Sara
