Bold Card Designs that aren’t Overdone

Are you ready for a new Sketch Starter? As you might know, as a Design Team Member for Altenew, I create monthly inspiration projects that feature two distinctly different projects using the same sketch. I encourage you to give the sketch a try and share your results on social media (tag me @nicolewattcreates), or if you’re a class member here on NWC, upload a project to the comments below!

sketch #11

Feel free to pin this image on Pinterest for future reference! There is a new element – the dotted layer. That indicates that I’m suggesting a patterned layer. In this case, the pattern would be the background panel.

go bold, but keep it simple

If you’re going to go bold with big areas of pattern – especially high contrast (think black & white), it’s best to keep to a few elements and avoid extras like thread swirls, sequins, enamel dots, etc. You’ll see that both projects have only 3 or 4 elements which I pulled from the sketch.

Have you tried the new Creative Cutouts? They’re not just for scrapbookers! I cut down half of the largest wreath cutout and did some ink smooshing on the pieces to add color. Those pieces create the vertical strip from the sketch. The diecut hello, married to the sentiment strip below makes for a square-like shape, fulfilling the remainder of the sketch elements.

more bold, more simple

For the second take, stuck with the same color scheme. It’s from the August Altenew Inspiration Challenge, which I’m hosting! This time, I thought I’d go for the Moroccan Mosaic Creative Cutouts to create the patterned background. Again, to keep the look simple and striking, I opted to NOT color the florals. This way your eye doesn’t get overwhelmed with all the things to look at! 

In a fun and interesting way to interpret the square element, I grouped a few sentiments from Wild Flora to create a single element. Have you ever done that? It’s a pretty cool way to stretch your sentiments into something new!

sketch starters with nicole #011

Here’s the companion video that will walk you through creating both designs!

your turn!

Feeling inspired or challenged? Now, it’s your turn to give the sketch a try and share your results on social media (tag me @nicolewattcreates), or if you’re a class member here on NWC, log into your account and upload a project to the comments below!