Three Simple Tips That Will Strengthen Your Handmade Card Designs

Nobody panic - it's not time to go back to school. Yet. But with a cutie patootie clear stamp set like this, you might just be ready to start making a back-to-school card for next year's teacher. Or perhaps you have a stash of school photos to scrapbook? THIS is the perfect stamp set for both scrapbooking and cardmaking.

This post is part of the Impression Obsession's latest stamp and die release party, happening all this week! We have an awesome release of fall and winter stamps that you are going to LOVE. (And hey - it's really not too early to start thinking about Christmas cards either!)
Today I thought I'd share a few simple cardmaking tips that you can use on your next handmade card. Let's use today's card as an example:

1. Follow the rule of THREE

You'll notice on this card I used three black enamel dots. The placement of these dots tends to be my go-to move: two on one side, and one at the opposite side of my focal point. This also plays into the idea of visual triangles. (You know, a shape with THREE sides?) If you drew invisible lines to connect my enamel dots they would make a long skinny triangle. The rule of THREE keeps the eye moving around and around the card. 

2. Another THREE - In Small, Medium, Large

You might also notice that I have THREE stamped and colored images. That goes back to tip number one - but I also want to point out the size of those images. One image is clearly the largest, one medium, and one small. I positioned those images in that visual triangle. (There's those threes again. And that triangle shape!) But the size of each element helps to balance out the card, so the images don't compete for each other. 

3. Lines Help Define

Take a look at the lines on this card. There are two strips of washi tape that run horizontally across the card. And that black and white striped paper runs perpendicular to the washi - and they intersect right at the focal point of the card. (That colorful grid patterned paper accentuates the lines of the card even more!) These visual lines silently tell your eyes "Hey!! LOOK HERE!" 

How can you add the rule of three, small/medium/large, and lines that define into your next card?

I hope these cardmaking tips inspire you when you create your projects! And now, don't miss a single stop on the Impression Obsession blog hop - you'll find a list of participants each day on the Impression Obsession Blog at 6am.  

Every blog will have a $25 gift certificate to give away for the event - so the more you comment through our Release Celebration the more chances to win! All comments for all of the event days will be open until Sunday July 7th at noon CT. All winner will be announced on Tuesday July 9th.

This post contains affiliate links. When you shop through my links, I may receive a compensation at no cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my crafty heart!

Impression Obsession Card Supplies: Teachers Favorites clear stamp set  (Find all the new stamps in the release: here in the IO Shop!)

Other supplies: Good Vibes Prints paper | FSJ cardstock | Color Burst Pure Color Pencils | (washi tape is from Hazel & Ruby and CTMH)

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SEE YOU TOMORROW!