Thursday, January 28, 2010

A Dig Valentine's Day Card

As I was thinking of what kind of card to make for this week, I thought about how my card making obsession began. It started about 9 years ago. I had a computer, a printer, a package of copy paper and an inexpensive card making program. I would go through the index of choices, add in some of my own photos and design cards for my friends and family. I even created a signature on the back that represented our family with a "created by" line and some clip art.
Once I discovered rubber stamps, paper punches and eyelets, I began to combine them with my card making software to create cards and post cards. Before I knew it, I forgot my computer and have added to my stash of embellishments and have had ink stained fingers ever since...and then Lindsay started Lindsay's Stamp Stuff.
I had to dig back into my computer and try to remember things I forgot. At times, it has been frustrating. But then I began to think...hmmm...that's how I started making cards - with the computer. Why was something that was so easy years ago, so daunting to me now? I decided to dig out my old program once again and put it back to work. It was so simple. Why didn't I think of this before?
I opened a new document in my program and began to import the stamps from the LOVE GROWS HERE set. I just can't get enough of this one! It's too cute. I used the sketch from Melissa's Tuesday Morning Sketches. Lindsay is sponsoring this week's challenge, so be sure to click the link for more details on how to enter.
For my card, I created a background (watermark) with the sentiment. Next, I re-created Melissa's layout with the digi stamps and was able to easily color in and outline them with my program. I added a photo of myself and a sentiment to finish the digital elements. Once it was printed, I popped in three brads and adhered that to a card base with a scalloped edge. Stickles gave the card it's finishing touch. (DejaVu?) LOL
So for those of you who want to try digi stamps but think it might not be as easy as it looks, open up an old, familiar software program and design a hybrid card like I have. It doesn't have to be a new, fancy program -anything you use to print a photo will work. Think of the digi stamp like it's a photo or clip art and copy it into the document. It will be fun to see how you can use something old to put a new spin on your card making fun!
Check out Thefrugalcrafter's Weblog and see what Lindsay has for you today. While you are there, check out the links to the rest of her Design Team's Blogs and see all the fun they are having with Lindsay's digi stamps and papers. Ooh, did you hear that? Lindsay has added some new stamps and papers to her MyGrafico Shop. Click the link to check those out as well-they can be downloaded instantly-no waiting! That's all for today - see you again soon. Happy Digi Stamping :)

15 comments:

Leanne said...

OMG!! We must have been thinking the same thing this week!! I swear I opened up my old microsoft picture it and played around with some of the card bases in it and started to use it!! I use to have all the hallmark card programs and used them all the time!!! Unfortunately I don't have them anymore sure wished I did I would love to get in them and play again. Your card turned out great and thanks for the post it brought back so many memories! Hugs!

Shannon said...

Awesome Tracey - I just gave my old Print Master program to my dad - but you're right it would have been an easy way to create a new project - without dealing with Photoshop's quirks (though I do love my Photoshop).

Unknown said...

Wow great work!

Mrs. Fence said...

Shannon - too funny. I have Print Master also - but I used Print Shop, which is put out by the same company, and is very similar to use. i haven't yet mastered Photoshop, so I gave up for now and went back to my oldie but goodie! Much less frustrating.

And Leanne - great minds think alike! (wink)

Cindi said...

fantastic!!!! I love your card & how you did it..very techie
:)

Melissa Craig said...

I love the personalization Tracey! It's such a cute card.

Lindsay Weirich said...

I never would have guessed this was all digi, how cool, everything old is new again right! did you color the bird and cherries in the software of after. it is wonderful!

Mrs. Fence said...

Yes, Lindsay, the images are all colored with the computer program. Thanks everyone for your comments! They always make me smile!

Karen said...

When digi stamps first came out, I had a giggle at their new name, because essentially, they are what we've all known as clip art for the last several decades. However, calling them digi stamps makes them more approachable to all of us who love to stammp. And while I know there are some advantages to putting ink to a stamp to paper, there are many advantages to digi, especially that wonderful ability to resize as needed! I love that you've combined your card making past and present here! :>

Diana said...

You are so smart! I was sort of thinking the same thing too... at least, sometimes I feel like I can't keep up - so maybe with all the digi images and digi everything else, I could design the stuff all digitally and then print it.... hmmm...

Yours is GORGEOUS!

Micki said...

LOL, it's fun to look back isn't it? I love your card and the way you incorporated a picture in it. The colors are awesome. Great great card!

hugs

ljurecek said...

How clever of you to incorporate a favorite program and create a hybrid card. You do make it all sound so easy!

Anonymous said...

WOW what a fun set of stamps! Love what you did with them! FUN FUN!

Margie said...

Great job, Tracey! Sorry I am so late getting around to all of the blogs!

CraftCrave said...

Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave.com in the Printables category today [03 Mar 01:00pm GMT]. Thanks, Maria