Today I am totally psyched to be helping Paper Crafts celebrate a brand spankin' new milestone issue that has recently been released titled the "Card Design Handbook". If you haven't seen it or heard the word on the street, this issue is for those of you who really want to improve your designing skills but who have no design background whatsoever. The issue covers topics like color, balance, and style. There are tons of examples and lots of tips to help you create great design.
Everyone who is participating in the blog hop today has been asked to create a "good" card, and then to take that card and apply one of the principles to make it a really spectacular card. I decided to tackle symmetry. This category was really difficult because some cards look really good with perfectly matched elements, and others look good with their stuff all askew. It just depends on what you are putting on your card. So, let's take a look at my good card.
If you draw a line down the middle, this card is perfectly matched on both sides. You will also notice that I evenly spaced the three background panels. It looks ok, but the sentiment and buttons look a little out of place. Let's see what it looks like when I make it all asymmetric.
All of the elements are the same, but I have pushed everything over to the left side and the panels are uneven in size in the background. I polled my family and they all agreed that this card was the "great" one!
Now for the fun part. Paper Crafts has agreed to let me give away a copy of this dazzling issue to one of you lucky commenters. Leave me a comment by midnight (EST) on August 28th and I will choose the winner from that pool.
But, don't let the fun stop here. Continue the visual stimulation and design learning by hopping to the talented Lorena Cantó Lavería's blog, or click through the list below. Be sure to make it all the way through so you can hop back to the Paper Crafts blog for one awesome prize.
1. Chan Vuong
2. Kalyn Kepner
3. Julia Stainton
4. Jocelyn Olson
5. Angeline Yong Jeet Leen
6. Jaclyn Miller <-----you are here
7. Lorena Cantó Lavería
8. Amy Wanford
9. Emily Branch
10. Vanessa Menhorn
Love both versions of the card!! The second one looks very interesting. Thanks for the chance to win. Hugs, Joan
ReplyDeleteThe second card is more visually appealing fo sure! Great card!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, so interesting seeing both the cards side by side. Love the second one, fab layout
ReplyDeleteThe more I see on this blog hop the more I'm convinced I need this book! I would have made the symmetrical card, but I definitely am more drawn to the second one.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are very nice, I like the one on the right more.
ReplyDeleteI like the second card, too. Family was right.
ReplyDeletelove the bright fun colors and embellies of these cards! :)
ReplyDeleteThe second card looks great! Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the mix of colors on this card, okay, you ladies have me thinking outside the box.
ReplyDeleteI like the colors and the sentiment. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the Card Design Handbook.
ReplyDeleteI SEE THE DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!! The second card isn't a BUSY either! :) (or so it seems!) :)LOVING THESE LESSONS! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome cards!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a great change! TOTALLY love that simple trick! Gonna have to try it for sure!
ReplyDeletehousesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com
So fun to see the change on this card design.Great colors too.
ReplyDeleteI definitely like where the sentiment is on the second card! Very pretty!!
ReplyDeleteThe second one is certainly great.
ReplyDeleteI love it! It is so amazing to see the difference on these cards!
ReplyDeleteWow it really changes the look, the card on the right sure looks great. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThis issue does look dazzling, as does your card - I love the colors and the change up you did. thanks!
ReplyDeleteLovely card. The colors are so bright and cheery! I really need to get my hands on this issue!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visual!! Your great card is really great!!!!
ReplyDeleteA delightful card - great example of the rule!
ReplyDeleteI think the tips alone in this blog hop are awesome. But the inspiration tied to the tips is even better! I love your "great " card...what a change! Thanks for the chance to win this much-needed issue!!
ReplyDeleteYes, Jaclyn, you are right. I've got to stay away from the middle in my designs. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThe asymmetry really shows off the patterned papers.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards. Love the fun bright colors. I love the difference clustering things to the side made in the second card.
ReplyDeleteAmazing what just a little movement can make to take the card over the top from cute to awesome.
ReplyDeleteYES! Everything moved to the left gives more space to showcase the patterns!
ReplyDeleteYour family is right - moving everything put the emphasis on the message. Love the card and appreciate the inspiration!
ReplyDeletePretty card & thanks for explaining the rules, I have problems with asymmmetry. I hope to practice the rules of crafting very soon.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are lovely. I need to learn to move things a bit before I stick them down permanently. These lessons have been so helpful and fun. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI like both cards but can see the impact of the improvements. I am sometimes too OCD for asymmetry but I keep trying!
ReplyDeleteLove both of these cards Jax! I love all of the elements you used. It is funny that one of the ways to improve a card is by using the "rule of thirds", which you did on the first one, but I agree that the second card is better :) I am all for asymmetry!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful transformation. Thank you for the lesson. Donna
ReplyDeleteI kindda like the first card best
ReplyDeleteI would never have thought to move it off center. I typically have everything symmetrical. I love this look - now I will try to be a little asymmetrical too and see the difference it makes. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI agree the second card is definitely the better card. I think moving it off center gave it a different look altogether and one that I tend to be afraid to use.
ReplyDeleteI love these "rules"! LOL Use them, break them... the cards still look good!
ReplyDeleteGreat example, Jaclyn! I agree with the family...the change makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards! I am just amazed what a difference symmetry makes, or rather asymmetry.
ReplyDeleteCute! Love the fun font on the sentiment!
ReplyDeleteTerrific colors and composition! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYes the second card really does have more impact. Love the tips.
ReplyDeletePretty cards! TFS =)
ReplyDeleteI agree with your family, the second card is great! It really makes a big difference in making the panels uneven in size and then moving the sentiment to the side. I thought I'd like symmetry better, but do not!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a big improvement over the first layout. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty card, I like both them!! great details!!
ReplyDeleteKristan
sierrababy08 at hotmail dot com
Cute card. Yes, the second card has more balance. Love the pretty lime paper.
ReplyDeleteclayandamy@sbcglobal.net
I really liked the first one, but when I saw the second one I was WOWED!! Definitely more balanced and interesting to the eye.
ReplyDeletejiv814@sbcglobal.net
Yep, I agree the second is better--interesting, I tend to put my embellishments mostly on the left, and also tend to tilt my head that way because I have a visual issue--never put that together before! I'm thinking that may be why I do it that way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your family too. The first one is good but the second one is my favorite. You could also apply the gallon, quart and pint rule to your second card too. Another reason why the second card appeals to me is beacause I'm a CAS kind of gal. Thanks for the great lesson and example.
ReplyDeleteI really like both cards, but I guess I can see how the second one is a better design. I think I really need a copy of this Card Design Handbook to help me learn better techniques. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are great however I like the second one better. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing to see these design principles in practice! I am surprised how different the cards are despite using the same elements. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo when my friends call me a bit unbalanced, they were referring to my cardmaking style??!! (grinning). It's absolutely AMAZING the difference placement can make. I am learning SO much on this hop! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis does make the card look better! I need this issue with all these great tips for making cards that are more pleasing to the eye!
ReplyDeleteThe second card is just so much more. Interesting. Great ideas here!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your family I like the asymmetrical look the best.
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun to see how this works! Thanks for sharing your awesome cards!
ReplyDeleteWOW! This is an awesome comparison! I do love the asymmetrical look much better! It just blows me away to see such a cute card, and then to see an AWESOME card! Very well done.
ReplyDeleteThanks for creating such a great visual demonstration of the design guidelines for symmetry. Nice cards too!
ReplyDeleteChanging the size and placement of the sentiment really makes a difference. Great card.
ReplyDeletelove the asymetric balance rule you used. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute card. I love the colors and the asymmetry really works.
ReplyDeleteMaking the design asymetrical also makes it much less busy.
ReplyDeleteThat is really what that card needed. It was initially way too symmetrical. Love how you even offset the sentiment piece.
ReplyDeleteGreat projects! I always get such fun ideas from these blog hops!
ReplyDeleteCarol B
ciaoitalia2007@gmail.com
I agree with your family- the second one is the great card! Love it
ReplyDeleteWow-I just can't believe the difference. Fantastic card!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the cards side by side like that and what a difference it makes! TFS!
ReplyDeleteok I get it. the different size paper with the main image off to the side brings your focus to the sentiment. nice.
ReplyDeleteThis is fun being able to view the same cards, constructed differently giving a totally different feel.
ReplyDeletecathyplus5.blogspot.com
Funny how the first card looks fine until you show the second one! There are some great lessons to be learned on this hop -- thank you!
ReplyDeleteDazzling issue, indeed! Well done, Jax!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the gorgeous colors! Your family is totally right. The second one is way better!
ReplyDeleteBoth are really cute. I like the limes!
ReplyDeleteNice card! I often have trouble finding these publications in my area, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the boost that offsetting things to the edges has done for the cards I've seen on this hop!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great "fix!" Love the second one!
ReplyDeleteBoth are so sweet, Jaclyn! Love those papers and the designs you used on each. I totally agree that randomness works for some cards, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, I really love the second card! thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI hate when I want to tackle a sketch but it is symertical. So hard to do well. Love your second card!
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering such a good example of the use of assymetry. I suffer from not doing this enough.... thanks for the lesson. Would love to win the book!
ReplyDeleteLove the colors, a really nice card!
ReplyDeleteI have been following this topic and in the "great" card it might be the rule of thirds that makes it more visually interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove both cards, but its strange that the 2nd card seems more completed somehow ... lol I need this book too =) Thank you for sharing and a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great example of asymmetry. :D
ReplyDeleteI like the improvement!
ReplyDeleteslrdowney at hotmail dot com
Oh I liked the first card but the second one really was an improvement. Thanks for the lesson.
ReplyDeleteLovely. I enjoyed your choice of color and I see the difference the change in symmetry made. Thanks for sharing this tip and thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI can see the difference. TFS!
ReplyDeleteAsymmetry is a look I really need to work on. I'm such a symmetrical fanatic, I hardly ever even thing to try anything else, but after seeing examples like this, I'm inspired to give it a go. (Mine will probably just end up looking lop-sided or off-kilter tho'.)
ReplyDeleteLoved the color choices on your cards. Thank you for the tip.
ReplyDeleteYour right card 1 anyone - everyone makes.. card 2 shows you have that extra talent.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I really need to learn!! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteGreat example. Thanks for sharing. Think I need to buy a copy of the handbook!
ReplyDeleteWow, the difference in your 2 card is amazing just by applying this simple rule. I'll definitely be using this more!
ReplyDeleteCute cards - good examples of the Concept explained! ;-}
ReplyDeleteLynden
http://aneleganttouch-lynden.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Elegant-Touch-/162889457132788
I definitely prefer the second one with less pattern paper. It enhances the sentiment. This rule is a tricky one, great job
ReplyDeleteWhat a great hop...with excellent examples of design principals. The visual examples really help to reinforce the lessons.Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehttp://carolescreativecritters.blogspot.com/
The second card is more balanced, and gives the eye direction. Much better!
ReplyDeleteLove the "great" one! ...
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I like the differently sized panels behind the sentiment on the "great" card. And, positioning the sentiment and buttons to the side really makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your family....the second one is the great one. I really like how it looks rearranging it like that.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great card, I love the colors...
ReplyDeleteLove the colors on this card!
ReplyDeleteWow that book has MY name on it! Love it!
ReplyDeleteCute card--placing the items to the left and using various sized background pieces really did make a difference. Thank you for sharing your info!!
ReplyDeleteThese 2 cards are great for teaching TWO lessons - one, how asymmetry works, and two, that you don't have to follow all the other rules on every card! Your second card doesn't follow the rule of thirds - and works just fine.
ReplyDeleteLove the bright colors! I need to try out some of these lessons for myself.
ReplyDeleteInteresting how little changes can really alter the feel! Adorable card!
ReplyDeleteI really want to get this book! I love the ideas!
ReplyDeleteI definitely like the second card better, I love how you arranged all the elements. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd definitely appeals to me more - need to force myself out of the symmetric box!
ReplyDeleteis it bad to say I didn't mind the second one at all, I thought it was great! maybe I need this book if I think that, hu?
ReplyDeleteI just love what a difference this makes and something I've never thought about!
ReplyDeleteJaclyn, these fun patterned papers and bright colors are so awesome together. Love the asymmetric card, but both are fabulous :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing how much difference a few adjustments can make!
ReplyDeleteGreat card. Love how a little tweaking makes a difference. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat card! Thanks for these design tips! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this with us! It was great!
ReplyDeleteGotta love a good "before and after" demo ... great tips!
ReplyDeleteI am a very symmetrical person but the non-symmetrical card is SO much better!
ReplyDeleteJaclyn, what pretty and cute cards! Thanks for the great lesson in symmetry, it's brilliant to see the difference little changes in design can make!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great lesson. Love the second card. Thank you for the info.
ReplyDeletelove both versions of your card. I prefer the second one seeing diff sizes of division
ReplyDeleteWhat fun seeing your cards side by side. Really helps me see the difference. Love the colors you selected.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great card and a great tip!!
ReplyDeleteI love how just a few changes can have a big impact! Darling card!
ReplyDeleteYes, I see. The second card is much improved. Veryk nice card. THanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat cards
ReplyDeleteI so need this handbook! I can def learn! Great cards!
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a good example. I like both, but do think the second card is best.
ReplyDeleteSure hope I remember all of these tips. Corrine Ann
Yeah, i like the second one better. Super cool! (ps. I havent been to your blog in a while but you look totally different in your profile pic. Cute of course)
ReplyDeleteyes i agree the 2nd one is the great one! great illustration!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards! The 2nd one really is beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing this design rule!! I love seeing the cards side by side!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for putting your two lovely cards side-by-side -- I find comparisons much easier that way. This is a tough design principle for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip - I probably would have made my card like your first one. I'll have to try different varieties
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that until we see the second one the first one looks fine.
ReplyDeleteI thought your first one was good, but something about putting the sentiment towards the left really makes it pop. Thanks for such a great example!
ReplyDeleteSuch AMAZING and FUN cards!! LOVE the tips and tricks!! THANKS for sharing and for the chance to win!! Have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)
ReplyDeleteI see it so clearly now. thank you for sharing your tips. great ideas!
ReplyDeleteYou guys are fantastic-I am learning so much.Your examples are making this so much fun!
ReplyDeleteWow! It does looks GREAT!
ReplyDeleteOK I kinda see the difference but just by a shade! TFS!
ReplyDeleteYup, the second one is the great one! Looks fab.
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing the cards side by side - they are both fantastic. I love how the three little buttons on at the lower left corner of the sentiment really draw your eye to the sentiment immediately. Everything is so perfectly balanced on both cards in terms of scale.
ReplyDelete