To Answer Jen's Question. . .

Jen who has a blog site Pieces of Me (check it out for great cards and projects) - well. . she asked me on my previous post - which comes first, the sketch or the card? By the way, Jen has a "sketch challenge" going on so be sure to check out her blog site and she also has a "Blog Candy" in progress - it ends tomorrow so better hurry!!!

To answer her question. . .the card comes first then I create a sketch based on the card. My layouts are inspired by the "stamped image" and not the other way around. Why? It's a matter of convenience - I usually choose a stamp set or stamps first. I then decide if I want to use a designer paper or regular cardstock for the background. Sometimes I'll color the image after I determine the designer paper I'm going to use but most times, I'll color the image and look for a matching designer paper afterwards.

Because I choose the stamps first, depending on the size of the stamps, it's easier for me to create a layout based on the size and type of image I choose to use. If I were to create a layout or sketch first, then I would have to look for a stamp and sentiment that will fit into the layout. Because my stamps sets are sort of unorganized, it would require me to dig through piles of stamp sets or stamps just to find an image or sentiment that will fit the layout which I have no patience for.

I encourage you to try this process out. . .with practice and confidence, it will become easier for you to create your own layouts without having to rely on a sketch.