For today, I wanted to make a super-clean card using the Martha Stewart whale punch, which is just so stinkin' cute. But the experience turned into an entire Simplicity Tip on scale. So here we go with a Before and After.
BEFORE
We might title this one Where's the Whale? Good grief, he looks sooooo small on a standard 5.5" x 4.25" card, doesn't he? That sentiment is too big and further takes attention away from the whale. Plus, he's stuck in the center (because the sentiment was centered and it looked weird for him to be offset over it), which makes the whole design look fairly uninteresting.
And yes, I used old-fashioned deco scissors to make the waves. At first, I used the Fiskar's wave border punch, but the waves dwarfed the whale even more, so I switched to the scissors, which worked much better for scale but not well enough to save the whole card, LOL!
AFTER
So I adjusted the scale by using a 4.25" square card, moved the whale into the natural "sweet spot" on the top left of the card, and used a smaller sentiment in the "sweet spot" on the lower right. The scale is much more pleasing to the eye now, and the offset layout more balanced and interesting.
Well, I think so, and hope you do, too.
Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts (top card); PTI (bottom card)
ink: Palette noir
paper: cool caribbean, sahara sand, white
accessories: whale punch (Martha Stewart), dimensionals, deco scissors, small black half-pearls
So sweet! I didn't really think he looked that bad in the first one but this is a perfect lesson because I get why the second one is better.
ReplyDeleteSmaller card and a shorter sentiment is genius!
ReplyDeleteWhat's the Dr Zuess book about the fish? I can't find my daughter's book (which was actually mine all those years ago), about feeding fish too much (now my husband has gone to look for it) - Ah! A fish out of water!! that's what this reminds me of (in the best possible way)
ReplyDeletePerfect example of perfect balance. Simple, LOL x
ReplyDeleteWow, what a difference! Thanks for the tip and the most-excellent example!
ReplyDeleteAdorable!
ReplyDeleteI like 'em both but you're right ... the 2nd one's best AND you can use that stinkin' cute sentiment from the first example on the card still - on the inside! TFS!
ReplyDeleteI think both cards are excellent...but I'm drawn to the first one..maybe because the scale gives me the impression that the whale is a 'wee' baby..and that in itself is appealing. A cute little baby whale makes for a sweet card. And who can resist sweet?
ReplyDeleteNot having any design training I sooooooooooooooooo appreciate all your tips and examples. Funny how I am drawn to the "natural" sweet spot as well and didn't know why til today!!!
ReplyDeleteblessings
patti moffett
today's verification word 'denning'
Ever think about compiling all your AMAZING tips and experiences into a book and market. Top seller-hands down. Even though I am sure anyone would love to receive the first card, your second card is truly amazing.
ReplyDeleteThat's a whale of a tip! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks.
thanks for the comparison and the reasons. I learn so much (or try to) from reading your blog. And the card is too cute!
ReplyDeleteLOL - Am I "wrong" to like the first one?? Both are adorable!
ReplyDeleteWhat Joan B said.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful advice! Thank you for the lesson :)
ReplyDeleteCute little whale! Thanks for the tip and showing the two cards to see the difference between them.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are great, but I like the first one. Martha needs to make a larger "Mommy" whale punch. This little guy looks so alone in the big blue sea!! Thanks for sharing your design tips and thoughts. Always learn something helpful here.
ReplyDeletewhat a great "lesson". totally brought me back to my "10 Design Lessons" that I had posted on my blog a while back. Maybe I should "re-do" them. I agree your little whale is so darn cute!! And he looks so sweet playing in the waves!!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful lesson today. I would love to have received the first card and would never question the scale. Someone mentioned doing a book. I second the motion. Wouldn't it be wonderful to showcase your cards and then tips for making them as beautiful as yours?
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great lesson! Both cards are cute but the second is better, now that I know especially.
ReplyDeleteBoth area great but I do like the feel I get from the 2nd one and after your great tips, I understand better the WHYS!!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet! Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteI get what you're saying but I still love both cards, lol!
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit to you and my goodness I am in love! Your cards are stunning and you are funny too! I will most definately be back! x
ReplyDeleteSo appreciate your comparison of the two cards...love the tips, and knowing that even your first attempts aren't always "right" (often, my first, second, third... aren't "right"). :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I thought the first card looked pretty good (uninteresting didn't enter my mind...), but the second one is better... so, thanks for the lesson! And, you're right... that whale is stinkin' cute!
ReplyDeleteI think both cards are totally good. They are so cute. But... yes, second one is more interesting. Thank you for the great tip. I have to take notes of your tips.
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ReplyDeleteLook how teeny that whale is on the first card, and how much he grew for the second card! Magic! :) While I would have been just too proud of myself if I'd come up with your first one, your second puts it in the shade. You have _such_ great design sense.
ReplyDeleteJust like Donna said, the smaller card is indeed genius.. The whale looks bigger.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your very kind comment on my blog, Susan. I love joining this Simplicity challenge n knowing you is a blessing for me, as well.. Hugs, Dwita.
Your fix was absolutely fabulous...the second card rocks!!!
ReplyDeleteI like the first card because of the sentiment. 'Oceans' makes me think large so the small whale is ok. Both are cute cards as is the whale punch. tfs
ReplyDeleteLove this - I am a MS punch fanatic! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat lesson, Susan! And very cute cards!
ReplyDeleteYour tips are always the best! Great work.
ReplyDeleteSo perfect! You're right, the whale looks better in the deeper water! :)
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