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Original poster

Please give me your opinion on my cards

85 replies

SunshineCake · 05/05/2020 16:16

I have been making cards for a few years and have over a hundred.

As I look at them I can see how I have improved as I have gained in confidence but would appreciate someone else's opinion. I will post a couple of photos of cards I have made yesterday and today and maybe, for a laugh will find one from years ago and hopefully an improvement is seen Grin.

Please give me your opinion on my cards
OP posts:
virginpinkmartini · 05/05/2020 20:14

You hand cut the little details yourself and put them together? That's impressive, I thought they were pre-make adhesive embellishments from the craft store.

Maybe what you could do is a bit of research into colour theory, and composition. You can look up colour palettes/ schemes that other people have come up with online, maybe inspired from Disney films, or famous works of art.

I feel like your pictures are a bit 'flat' and not that dynamic. I know that's not the most helpful, but if you could do some research from what other people have done, and inject your personality into it.

Cliffdonville · 05/05/2020 20:16

I think they are lovely, I'd be happy to receive one

Whitney101 · 05/05/2020 20:20

I think the one with butterflies in the first picture... the green needs to be scalloped the same as the white card.

I think you are onto something OP, I wouldn’t spend a fiver on one in Clinton’s (or however much they’re charging nowadays) but would happily buy them from someone hand making them like yourself.

AwrightDoreenTakeAFuckinDayOff · 05/05/2020 20:26

Don’t bin them flower!

My lovely aunt made me a handmade card for my 50th and I was absolutely thrilled that she’d taken the time and trouble to put love into that card.

Thought is everything. Flowers

Elouera · 05/05/2020 20:26

I've re-looked and admit that I thought the 3rd pic was someone else showing their cards!!! They look so different in style to the flower pot ones. I too prefer the ones in the 3rd pic. Certainly don't bin them though, there is obviously a lot of work gone into them.

rossKemp · 05/05/2020 20:28

They’re lovely OP Flowers

Perhaps the best wishes one could do with a little more pazzazz though

ArriettyJones · 05/05/2020 20:29

I like them. They’re cheerful, not too fussy and well-executed. I would buy them.

TheVanguardSix · 05/05/2020 20:31

I love them!!! There's love, care, and talent put into them. OP, I'd have been over the moon to have received one of those cards on my (recent) birthday. I don't find them 'old fashioned' at all.

JoesExotic · 05/05/2020 20:32

How about cutting out some mountain scene scapes in varying gradient colours and then mounting them in relief with a few little sheep in the foreground?

JoesExotic · 05/05/2020 20:34

Or some storm clouds in relief with lightening bolts coming from them?

I think the skills are there, it's just the ideas which need revising. (From a fellow creative) 💐

NotKeenOnSwede · 05/05/2020 20:36

I think they're lovely! 😍

Getitdonesharpish · 05/05/2020 20:37

They’re lovely. I would be delighted with one. I’m no crafter but I am fussy about the cards I buy.

One of the great things about having a Birthday in lockdown was the number of homemade cards I received. They bring so much more joy than a shop bought one.

tinkiiev · 05/05/2020 20:48

I think they're lovely! I like the flowerpot ones best. I think I might prefer them without the "best wishes" bc then more flexible to use for anything - but overall I think they're really nice and would happily buy them in a shop.

DianaT1969 · 05/05/2020 20:56

I would be very pleased if one of my friends sent me one.

whenwillthemadnessend · 05/05/2020 21:02

I think they are lovely to send a friend and nice to get something homemade but I would not buy one if they were for sale.

Enjoy it.

totiredtocare · 05/05/2020 21:15

OP don't you dare bin them! It a hobby you enjoy and friends/family will know and appreciate the effort you put into them.

In terms of advice, to make them look less kit like, you need to attempt something more home made and artistic than just cutting the paper into shapes. Try some paint effects or pen work.

They are lovely as they are but adding you're own artistic touch would take them to the next level. I used to smooth out the foil of chocolate coins and then draw on them with biro, so when turned over created an embossed effect. Try some new techniques on top of cutting and gluing.

Millie2013 · 05/05/2020 21:20

They’re lovely, OP, you’ve reminded me that I’ve got a flower pot die, must dig it out

I came out of cardmaking retirement today, to make a card for a shielding neighbour to send. I don’t make cards often any more (because DD insists on “helping” and it’s not terribly helpful)

FlemCandango · 05/05/2020 21:52

Don't bin them or be disheartened op. Poor you - it is harsh when you share something you have spent time and effort making and get negativity back. I home make all sorts of things cards, cakes, pies, hats, mix tapes, bunting... I even made a skirt this weekend. I am careless and slapdash, wonky, free handed and imperfect. That is just the way I do things, I wouldn't know how else to do things. So although getting complimented is really lovely I don't do the making for that.

I make cards for people because I enjoy doing it and I can make the card meaningful to them. I think if you are making cards because you love doing it that is the part that matters. Keep doing what you love op don't let the bastards grind you down!

IGottaGetOuttaThisPlace · 05/05/2020 22:04

I like them.

leolion81 · 05/05/2020 22:04

They're lovely. The cancer unit at my local hospital sells homemade crafts to raise money to run the cafe etc. If you're not interested in selling them could you put them to good use in that sort of way?

Millie2013 · 06/05/2020 07:21

@SunshineCake are you a member of any craft groups on Facebook, etc? Might be good for encouragement/inspiration. I used to be on craft forums, back in the day and found them really good

Original poster
SunshineCake · 06/05/2020 07:31

The "floating" gems were just meant to be an extra and they were copied from a magazine.

Wouldn't have a clue how to be edgy Smile.

The cards in 16:54 were made about three months ago iirc. Before I was poorly anyway.

I fully know none of the ones posted are good enough to sell and I didn't make them to sell. Probably one card in ten I think it really great and may sell for £1-1.50 but I mainly make cards for DH relatives birthdays, baby's coming, anniversary's and for writing to my three friends who live far away and are aged 60-84. I just make what I make and then when I need a card look at what I have and then adapt where necessary.

The flying pigs were stamped and then coloured in.

The flower ones were the first set I made using my die cutter and I can see where they can be improved massively. Lining up for a start but I was pleased with the base paper and border card colour as I failed GCSE art and feel very pleased when I am able to pull a card together with the right colours. BTW I moved schools and had to drop Latin for art as the new school didn't do Latin and I would never have chosen to do Art. I know I can't draw!

Again, definitely not looking to sell. I know not good enough.

I agree they look flat. I was trying to make them a bit more 3D but having made it work yet as tricky with the pieces being so small. It is much easier to make something stand out when it is a larger piece.

There is no way I could show you all the cards I have made as I have many but I make for every occasion. Some are terrible and get used for gift tags, some I am really pleased with, there is definitely luck to it as some turn out great and some are bloody awful.

I was upset with some of the comments as I never thought they were good enough to sell but I felt proud as they were tricky to make and I didn't expect such harsh comments. I didn't take them too well after a few difficult times.

Thank you all. I know I can do better but I would like to say in my defence

I made all the pieces myself with the help of a die cut machine.
Some were directly copied from a magazine and some were tweaked. Some were just my ideas. Some colour ways were suggested and some my attempts.

I don't think I have a style, though I find a bead helps, I make for new baby, new home, congrats, birthday, sympathy, etc.

Today I am going to write to my three friends who are 84 and I will use a card I have made. I have no family except for an uncle and these older ladies all looked after me when I was a little girl and they mean the world to me. I know my home made card with news on my children will brighten their day and I am happy with that.

Thanks all and apologies if this long post sent you to sleep. I had a very kind PM and I felt I should come back and answer. Thanks again Flowers

OP posts:
Tmnmpa1 · 06/05/2020 07:42

I think these are super and can see and hear all the effort that has gone into them. You should feel proud of yourself for having the confidence to try something like this and then post about it. I've started drawing during lockdown and was going to quit but you've inspired me to keep trying as I can see how you yourself improved over time.

whenwillthemadnessend · 06/05/2020 09:13

I agree the flower pots ones are super but omit the writing. Maybe a bit of glitter on the flower petal tips?

Original poster
SunshineCake · 06/05/2020 12:24

Good luck with your drawing *@Tmnmpa1. I really can't draw and if something looks good it is a total fluke. Enjoy!

*@whenwillthemadnessend I don't have any glitter but do have some glitter pens in my basket at Hobbycraft!

I may make some cards this afternoon and I will do some of the suggestions. Thanks all.

OP posts: