Friday, March 7, 2008

The Love Doctor

What would you think of a "Can This Card Be Saved?" every once in awhile? (As a kid I always loved reading advice columns) The doctor is in! I am NOT claiming to be an expert by any means on card designing, but I can tell you what I would do(based on five years experience of making cards myself that didn't always quite work!) if you have a particular card you've worked on but just can't figured out what it needs. I'm a faststamper, but I still make a lot of cards that puzzle me for a few hours after being 99% done! What is that missing 1% it needs? (Maybe I need to start posting these before and after pics for you! Some cards I'm really proud of upon completion do not always come about as easily others!) Please know I don't like to ever criticize any one's work, (and I'm finding from holding contests I don't like judging people's work either, who can say what's BEST??) but if you ask, I'm happy to give it a look with a fresh eye and give my very humble opinion on what I think might "make it work"as my beloved Tim Gunn likes to say, or make it work better, by maybe adding a color, a layer, an embellishment in a certain spot) Send me a pic if you want. (And you readers would be free to call me out and say you'd do it differently, of course! because we all have different styles! But if my style is something you like, I can try to help you figure out what might make that card a little more pleasing to you.) We all learn from each other this way! :) And if you hate this idea, just don't send any pics! ;)
The above card was a quickie to fit this post, a one layer card, using Carolyn's Dr. Feelgood. But wouldn't this be so sweet and simple and work for just about anybody anytime? Love is all you need! TIP: if you go outside the lines with your coloring on white CS, use your white gel pen like white out to minimize the mistake(if you don't want to redo, which I don't!). Do you see my boo boo?
Okay, let's summarize the munchies from the past week:

20 stamps. No animals. (No flowers!)Two sets.They coordinate. They can be customized.

Are you ready for the next munchy??

Munchy #6: There are no hand drawn illustrations in these sets.

!!!!!!! What does this mean?? (can I draw with my feet?? did I render them with a squirt bottle of chocolate sauce...?!) Find out for sure in only 3 more days!! (even without the line art you are used to seeing from me in my past two releases, while at first glance you might not recognize my style, I think upon closer examination you'll recognize my out of the box approach, sense of humor and playfulness, and love of being able to break things down and switch 'em around! ;)

BTW, don't forget to leave a comment today for blog candy!! Soon I'll be positng a pic of the extras goodies I'll be throwing in with the set.
PS I know what Gina's secret line is now (and it is freakin' awesome!) I am just more proud everyday to be a part of the Gina K team, she rocks my world!

58 comments:

  1. I didn't see any boo boo on your love doctor card. And NO HAND DRAWN IMAGES????? Hmmm, I'm stumped. Maybe you used the computer to draw stuff. And maybe they are kids since they are not animals, not flowers. Then again, maybe they are shapes... and words, to be used together. Hmmmm.....

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am getting more intrigued by the day. I have absolutely no idea what they might be, except for digitally enhanced? Who knows? I am anxiously awaiting Monday.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I still have no idea... these munchies are not helping me! Love the coloring... I can't see any boo-boos either... TFS!

    ReplyDelete
  4. No hand drawn images, no animals, no flowers...I am wondering if they are sentiments??? Can't wait to see!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can't wait to seeeeeeee!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. i don't see a boo boo at all. good masking if you did.

    no hand drawn images how the heck can that be do you have someones dog doing them this time?? lol

    ReplyDelete
  7. you have me totally befuddled on what your set could possibly be. is it possibly computer designed? Maybe computer designed sentiments? Was your boo boo from the heart going onto the note pad, where the heart and notepad meet up?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Definitely looking foward to what you will reveal on Monday.

    I think a "can this card be saved" once in a while or actually often, would be really helpful. Being a newbie, seeing a card in need morph to a great card would be helpful in training the brain on how to look at or visualize a potential card.

    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  9. I so love the way you write !!

    The only thing I see that might be a boo boo is where the heart and clipboard meet in the middle, looks like maybe a little goof. Or a little red of the heart is outside the line... I personally, consider those things normal! Normal for me anyway!

    I'm just learning this...did my first card yesterday colored with pencil and oms ! (think I'm hooked) I'm not particularly good but I enjoyed it!

    Can't wait to see what the new sets are! I am very intrigued !

    Thanks for sharing so much with us!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love this card; but if I may offer a suggestion, perhaps 2 brads (your red heart ones?) on the lower left corner of the stamped image. I usually like to make a pleasing triangle for the eye to have the drifting effect ((not my orig thought, read it on SU! some where some time, like one of their magazines)). And if you hadn't called out the boo boo I'd have never noticed it!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Here are my thoughts...could it be rub on's since these are all the rage now...or could it be some sort of Computer program that you used to make them??

    Hugs,
    catherine
    www.mystampinggrounds.blogspot.com
    c_levy@auracom.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would love an advice column! Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent with us! (I don't see the boo boo; did it heal?)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well I love this card! It is great and I don't see any boo boos at all. :)
    Can't wait to see what you come up with next!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Out of the box...hahaha!!! ;-) Can't wait for all the fun on Monday night!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love how simple your card is! Clean and beautiful! I also like the Save the Card idea! Inspiration does us all good!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I didn't see your boo-boo either. It must be so small it doesn't show up in the photo. As for your new sets coming out, I bet it is sayings or verses for cards! With interchangeable parts for family, friends, etc. It could be frames or shapes, too, since those don't have to be hand-drawn. I can't wait to find out.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I think the idea of rescuing a blah card is a great one. Thanks for the white gel pen tip. Can't wait to see the new stamps.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm going to expand on Angie's idea. I think maybe it's shapes and words too, just like SU's Scalled set and In my Thoughts sets in the mini -- designed to work with the punches. Are we getting warmer? Jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am sooo excited. I can't wait to see the new release sets... Hopefully the days will pass quickly!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Even after giving it a bit of thought, I have no idea what your next release will be; can't wait until Monday!
    If I was forced to guess at what might have gone (a little) wrong with this (wonderful) card, I would have to guess that the clipboard did not completely stamp in the right hand corner, and you drew a line around to fix. If I had this stamp, I guess I would know for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I can't wait to see the stamp sets. Perhaps you've been doing the digital thing. As for the card, maybe using a different color under the stamped image.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I loved your doctor card. Sometimes less is more.
    I can't stand it, the munchies are making me mucho muddled...Cant wait until MOnday

    ReplyDelete
  23. I think that you'd be perfect as the card doctor. I know that I've made some pretty sick cards. Can't til the big reveal.

    ReplyDelete
  24. The other day I started thinking about what everyone would need,I came up with things like phrases that you could mix around???? Those wouldn't be animals or flowers, depending on how you made them they may not be hand drawn. Didn't Gina show a card with a sentiment designed to fit in a box? Hmmmm. . . .

    Well??????


    Have I guessed it?????

    ReplyDelete
  25. Okay, the "munchie" didn't help a whole lot in discovering the stamp sets!!! I'm really beside myself trying to figure out what the stamps will be!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. So no hand drawn images...hmmm I am at a loss right now as well, but as soon as we see these stamps I am sure I will go...oh duh! I can't wait!!!
    I am always up for some ideas on what my card is missing. I may just take you up on that offer and send you some pictures every now and then. Melanie the card doctor..LOL! OH HOW I WANT TO WIN YOUR BLOG CANDY :)
    Have a great weekend!!
    Hugs,
    Pam

    ReplyDelete
  27. I am still completely confused but I can't wait to see your sets!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm totally stumped. I need the answer fast. Melanie PL

    ReplyDelete
  29. I love that card Melanie, it's so simple but great for any occasion. As you said "Love is all we need"!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Your hints are driving me crazy! Three more days - I hate waiting. I want to see now! But... I will be patient. Awesome card. I might have to try something like that.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh, I hope it's a set of sentiments and sayings for inside and outside cards! Thanks for another chance and CAN'T wait to SEE!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I get a bit more curious everyday the waiting is killing me.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I don't see any boo boos, so you covered it well.
    I'm thinking the new sets must be computer generated. Can't wait to see what you are up to! Ü

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am so crazy excited! 3 very long days left!! No animals, no flowers - awesome. I can't wait.
    ~ jess k

    ReplyDelete
  35. OMG the suspense is killing me!!!! I feel like a lil kid waiting:)
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  36. great card------im lovin it!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Since you have said your new sets are totally new ideas, I cannot guess what they might be!!

    And I do love the idea of a card doctor post - though maybe just call it 'different ways to make a card' or something with your touch in the wording. Card Doctor has a great ring to it though :-)

    Thanks for sharing, Melanie!

    ReplyDelete
  38. i think your doing something with chipboards or maybe it a doodle something or other... geeshh this one was really hard... but either way its fun... thank melanie... and hey where is everyone on the scs i cannot find you guys..

    ReplyDelete
  39. you are such a taunting, mysterious, and hilarious blogger! LOL I find myself singing one song over and over in my mind as I visit here lately. Can you sing ANTICIPATION?! ROFL

    ReplyDelete
  40. Didn't see a boo-boo and the suspense is almost too much! Your munchies are leaving me clueless.
    Friday, Saturday, Sunday...is it Monday yet?

    ReplyDelete
  41. my ges iz phrazes and shapes geometric cind wel am i rite i bet i am yaya i wil b bac latr to chec things owt

    merri b

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love one layer cards and this one is so cute! Thanks for the gel pen tip. I don't see any mistakes at all. Just can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve now! Your Munchies are so intriguing!

    ReplyDelete
  43. all these clues and yet I have no "clue" :P Can't wait to see what you have cooked up - and what Gina has up her sleeve too!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Well I feel like my chances of winning blog candy are about one in a million, but a girl can try. :-)
    I love the idea of a fix-this-card theme once in a while. I know plenty of mine could be candidates!

    ReplyDelete
  45. LOVEEE it Mel! Adorable card and cannot wait to hear more hints about your new sets (giggle!!!)

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'm guessing maybe some kind of clothing stamps, even possibly folks that can be "dressed" by masking? Maybe some backgrounds?

    Card fixers are us! LOL!!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I love to bling up cards most of the time.....but sometimes I really enjoy the fresh look of simple and sweet!! I didn't see your boo boo.......although that would be just fine on a DR. card, wouldn't it??? LOL What a great tip.....white gel pen to minimize mistakes!! I soooooooo can't wait until Monday night.....my brain is constantly spinning!!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi Melanie,
    No hand drawn images
    ...hmmm...photos...natural elements that are scanned? I have no clue! But it's fun to play.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Love this card, Melanie! I haven't been able to think of something for it since Valentine's Day--this is great! I guess I'll just have to get on Gina K.'s design team to find out all your secrets--Yeah right, like that's not hard at all!!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'm done guessing...all were wrong..so i'll let you take over and tell us what the sets are all about..
    And please make it soon! I'm dyin to know!

    Tejal

    ReplyDelete
  51. Every time that I think I have an idea about what the set could be you add a new munchy that just tells me I'm wrong... I'm getting more and more intrigued!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Do we really have to wait until Monday?!?!? :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Did children make the drawings?

    ReplyDelete
  54. Melanie - you DO enjoy teasing, don't you!!! You should be in marketing ;) I can't wait to see what the new sets are.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Waiting, waiting, waiting, humm, ok waiting,Thanks Kathy Hering...

    ReplyDelete
  56. Such a sweet and simple card! The best!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Can´t wait any longer.. need to know.. is it monday yet? ;-)
    /Tina F.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hey how nice of you to offer your advice!!! I know exactly what you mean, with the card 99% done but something is off... I might take you up on that offer next time it happens to me! :-)

    ReplyDelete

Your generous feedback helps make my work and this blog better! Thanks for inspiring and motivating me! :)