Happy birthday, Sketch Book!

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I can't believe it's already been a year since the Sketch Book feature started running in CardMaker. Sketches have inspired so many of my card projects since then that I don't know how I managed without them! I know that I probably spent more time on each project, with less-than-stellar results.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out a recent issue of CardMaker , the CardMaker web site or pick up a copy of CardMaker's Sketch Book. Designer Tami Mayberry is the genius behind the sketches, and she offers new, weekly sketch challenges on her blog, Card Positioning Systems.

How does it work?
Basically, sketches work like this: You choose a sketch, which is just a diagram of where design elements are placed. You choose your paper, embellishments, fibers, stickers, stamps -- whatever you have on hand that looks good together -- and you arrange them according to the sketch. Add a little bit of adhesive, and you have a very impressive handmade card.

So many people get stuck on the idea of re-creating a card exactly the way they see it in a magazine or a book. Unfortunately, papers and embellishments sometimes come and go so quickly that they can't even be found by the time a publication hits the newsstands. That's why sketches are so cool -- it's all about the design.

It's been awhile since I challenged you, so here goes. The next time you see a card that you MUST make exactly the way it looks in the magazine, stop. Before you start frantically searching for the "right" paper or embellishments, stop. Look at the card. What exactly is it that has captivated you? Can you identify the design elements -- can you decipher the sketch from the finished project? Give it a try. I'll bet you'll be happy with the results, even if you can't find the "perfect" paper!

Here's a sketch, along with a couple of projects for inspiration, to get you started. Or, take a look at Carol's letter below for another idea for creative card-making improvisation!

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Wide-Eyed Wonder Design by Susan Huber Source: Printed papers and rub-on transfers from Fancy Pants Designs.
	Thank You Design by Mary Ayres Sources: Printed papers from Urban Lily and Bo-Bunny Press; stamp from Autumn Leaves.
Please note: To view or download this free pattern, you will need Adobe® Reader®.

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Reader Letters

Carol writes, via e-mail:

"I just signed up for the newsletter and am awaiting my first issue of CardMaker magazine. I have been purchasing it from stores for a year now and love it! My favorite cards are those where I make my own patterned paper. I never seem to have the right paper when I am trying a card from the magazine, so I started making my own. My favorite was using three different-sized circle templates (which I made) and three different inks to make colored bubbles on a pastel paper. It turned out beautifully.

I love experimenting with all the supplies I have to make unusual combinations and styles. My goal this year is to get my large family's cards to them before the date. So far I have succeeded -- May and June have been rough, with 11birthdays and two holidays, but I did it! My next goal is to make my own Christmas cards and get them delivered on time. Wish me luck."

Good luck, Carol! I think if you made it through May and June with your monster-sized list, you won't have any trouble with Christmas.

Dana writes, via e-mail:

"My girlfriends and I keep notebooks with pages of our stamps organized by subject, such as babies, kids, Christmas, fall, animals, hearts, etc. When we are looking for something, we flip through the book, find what we need and know who has it. When I get a new stamp, I stamp several images on one sheet with my initials, cut them out and put them in envelopes. At our next gathering, I handout the envelopes and everyone adds those images to the pages of their books.Voila, everyone is updated. Love CardMaker magazine and the newsletter. Keep 'em coming!"

What a great way to expand your stamp collection -- make it a community effort! If all the members of your crafting sisterhood have a directory of each other's stamps, everyone can request their favorites before the next crafting marathon.

Andrea writes, via e-mail:

"I use a perpetual calendar with all the family occasions on it. When I change my 'regular' calendar over to a new month, the perpetual calendar is right next to it and jogs my brain into 'send-a-card mode.' I also send out all the cards for the whole month -- regardless if the person celebrates at the beginning or end of the month. One trip to the post office for the whole month makes it easy to remember if I sent the cards out or not."

One trip to the post office ... I'm afraid most of my friends and relatives would fall over in a dead faint if they received their cards three weeks early. Three DAYS early, even. But it's worth a try!

Bonni writes, via e-mail:

"How do I find more time to craft? I have found an unusual solution. I love a multitude of crafts, so I have ordered tons of different kits and supplies over the years. I have this idea in my head that as I get older I won't have the money or the strength to shop, so I want to have enough to do to last me the rest of my life! Anyway, now I pick a craft and set it up. For example, a painting sits out on the table, glass of rinse water beside it, and even if I only have a few minutes, I do part of whatever color-by-number I am on. That way, in a month and a half, the picture is done! In the bathroom (Boy, have I had comments on this one!), there was an afghan to crochet. The pattern was done in strips, from an Annie's Attic booklet I purchased.

The two yarn colors sat in an oblong basket in the corner. It took a few months for that one, but now it is done, too, so another crochet project will make its way in there. By the couch is a little wood box that holds some felt Christmas ornaments (another kit LOL!).I just finished my first one, while television commercials were on! In my office I have card-making supplies and scrapbooking stuff, and when I get a moment, I work on a card. I am slowly taking over the house! Amazing what we can do with just a few minutes of spare time. I do find that where I used to craft, like in the car, I don't anymore. I am just enjoying the views and contemplating life's mysterious turns. I hope these ideas help, but don't worry, the 'crafting call' seems to go in spurts. By the time you figure it out,you're going to have some great ideas. The 'how' will come!"

I love Bonni's suggestions! I'm just not sure how my sweet husband will take to having knitting needles in the bathroom ... and I certainly don't want him to start hauling his woodworking projects all over the house!

Shelly writes, via e-mail:

"Oh,the New Year's resolution! I decided that I would do something creative everyday ... AND I HAVE! (with the exception of the week I had surgery on my knee.) I have been concentrating on card making for Christmas presents. I am doing 10 of each design and will present them in sets as gifts."

I am so jealous. It's so easy to make those resolutions, but so hard to keep them. How do you carve out time to make cards? Use my feedback form below to share your ideas.

Travis Ann writes, via e-mail:

"I'm probably a typical reader -- I don't really have much time to do cards but happened onto your site and just love your good cheer and community. I'm a children's librarian, and bookmarks are my thing. I love setting out supplies, stamps, fancy scissors, nice paper and stickers, and watching children go to town. Some of the little ones have never held a pair of scissors. A two-year-old with a zig zagging pair has discovered magic!"

Travis Ann's letter conjures up many memories of two small boys (and their immediate surroundings!) covered in paint and grinning from ear to ear. What crafting tool or supply fills you with child like delight? Share your favorites with your friends here at CardMaker by using my feedback form below.

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