A Way With Words – Sending Hugs Kisses

 by Judi Kauffman

A big thank you to Suzanne Cannon for inviting me to be today’s guest designer. My project: A card that sends love.

Experienced card makers – head straight to the supply list. You’ll be able to create your own version of the card by looking at the photos, I think.

Beginners – I’m going to put on my ‘teacher’ hat for a moment and explain how the layout works. I call it ‘Double Triangle.’ (It’s among the Foolproof Layouts in my book, By the Batch: Creative Cards, Postcards, Envelopes & More – but this isn’t a plug because the book is out of print.)

Notice that the Entwined Oval has three small dots as part of the die. That is the first triangle. The dots pull in your eye and bring the focus to the words. The second triangle is formed by the three hydrangea heads at the edges of the card front. This trio acts as a frame, and it, too, keeps the eye moving. The triangles are dynamic, not static, and the words are at an angle – not straight across. Together, the angle of the words and the pair of triangles keeps things visually exciting…lots of movement.

Also notice that there are two rectangles, one paler and one darker. The darkest colors are at the bottom of the card base to anchor the card, much like ground and sky. But the top rectangle is pale, over all, and the darker areas are at the upper left and lower right, leaving the center area very pale and at the same angle as the words.

Controlling the watercolor-effect background pieces in this way is intentional, not accidental – that’s why I’m pointing it out…so you can make similar design decisions on your own projects!

Okay…Teacher hat is put away in the closet…

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