What IGNITES Your Creativity? Finding Unique Inspiration for Greeting Card Ideas | Take 2 With Therese

Today is the day for us to create two very different card projects, finding inspiration for 'bird themed' greeting cards using the  Chickadee Chirps Bundle !

Hi there, it's Therese, and I'm back with another edition of Take 2 with Therese! 

As cardmakers, we all have those moments when we’re staring at a blank sheet of paper, wondering, "Where do I even start?" Inspiration can come from just about anywhere, and today, I’m sharing two ways you can find that creative spark for your next project using the beautiful new Chickadee Chirps Bundle.

Sometimes, inspiration strikes from the everyday designs around us. Whether it’s a pattern on a piece of clothing, a design on a plate, or a unique print on your kitchenware, these subtle designs can offer the perfect jumpstart for your cardmaking.

For my first bird-themed card, I drew inspiration from a beautiful fine bone china plate.

The monochromatic blue-on-white pattern sparked the design for my card, and I loved how it kept things simple yet elegant.  The Eastern Sky Fresh Dye Ink was the perfect choice for me, but you can use another color for your monochromatic palette instead.

This design is elegant and could be used for a variety of occasions, but I decided to make a holiday card and added a sentiment from the Festive Triangle Press Plates set.

• Pottery & Earthenware : Think about the intricate designs of Chinese pottery - these patterns can provide a wonderful starting point for your card designs.

• Magazines : Advertising in magazines often features striking colour combinations, patterns, and layouts that can be adapted for your cards.

• Clothing : Draw inspiration from the colours and patterns in clothing. A floral dress, a striped shirt, or even the rich designs of a Japanese kimono can give you plenty of creative ideas.

• Linen : Bed linens often feature bold florals or geometric prints, offering a wealth of inspiration for unique card designs.

Pro Tip : When you find a pattern or design you love, take a photo of it! Having a collection of these images can make it easier to come up with fresh ideas when you're ready to craft.

Another great way to find inspiration is through the power of the internet. If you have a specific stamp set, die, or image in mind, start with a quick online search. This can lead to fresh colour combinations and design ideas that are easy to adapt to your own cards.

For example, by gathering inspiration from these resources, I was inspired to create a fun, whimsical watercolor bird card with hand-drawn birthday hats. It allowed me to give the card a lively, playful feel, while still keeping it simple and fun!

• Online Searches: Start with simple keyword searches like "greeting card, bird, colorful, masculine" to find designs that match your theme. This can lead to a treasure trove of creative ideas and colour combos.
  You can even step up the search a little further by adding a specific technique, such as 'ink blending, stamping, watercoloring'.

• Stamp Set Inspiration: If you have a specific set, like these Chickadee Chirps Press Plates, search for designs created by others using that same set. Many stamp companies host galleries on their websites where you can explore what fellow crafters have created for fresh ideas.

• Designer Work : Check out your favorite designers’ work for inspiration. If they’ve used similar products, you may find unique color schemes, layouts, or design elements that you can adapt for your own cards.

Pro Tip : Don’t feel like you have to reinvent the wheel. Inspiration for specific stamp sets is already out there waiting for you to discover.

I stepped up the original inspiration that I found using the products that I had in my stash.  Starting with a stamped branch from the Craft Your Life Project Kit: Magnificent Magnolias, and a sentiment which had a fun whimsical vibe from the Birthday Builder Stamp Set.

Whether you're looking at designs around you or searching the web for ideas, there’s always a way to get inspired. I hope today’s tips help you find new ways to spark your creativity.

If you'd like to watch the instructions for this project in-depth, take a look at the video on YouTube. 

I hope you are inspired to create with the new  Chickadee Chirps Bundle on your next project! If you do, don't forget to share them on social media with me, I'd love to see what you make!

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