Circles and Squares and Rectangles, OH MY!
As soon as I saw the first drafts of Alli's Shapes by Design set, I knew it would be perfect for creating some amazing background papers. You will be able to create dozens of different patterns with each single image, just by the type of repetition you choose.
I chose to work with this retro circle with nesting shapes within it's frame. I stamped it once in the center of my card front to start. Notice how the nesting rectangle is vertical.
To begin the creation of my pattern, I rotated the stamp 90-degrees and stamped a second circle above the first. Notice that the nested rectangle in the second circle is horizontal.
I filled in the rest of my first "strip" of pattern in the same manner, making sure the direction of the nested rectangles alternated.
To start a second strip, I made sure to align the rectangle in the opposite orientation used in the neighboring circle.
I continued working until I had filled the sheet.
To help add a little finishing detail to the pattern, I punched 1/2-inch circles from cardstock and adhered them to the centers of the circles. If you are playing around with this type of technique, don't be afraid to try punching out patterned paper rather than cardstock for a unique look.
Here is my completed card. The monochromatic color scheme makes it easy to create this card in the recipients favorite color. I love having simple cards like this to reproduce when I am need of several at once.
I am often asked what I do on th interior of a card to finish it off. Here is an example of what I like to do. Carrying over a small design element into the upper portion of the interior helps to continue the theme, even after the recipient opens the card. I am really looking forward to playing around with the remaining images of this set. It just holds SO many design possibilities!
This is really great! I love the idea of making your own backgrounds. This set has a simple elegance. I'm excited to see the rest!!!
V~
Posted by: Victoria | February 05, 2008 at 12:45 AM
ohhh wow! looks great! I can't wait to see the rest of them!
Posted by: Angela Smith | February 05, 2008 at 12:49 AM
THis is great! I love how you make your own background paper! This would work so well for boys...something I Have such a hard time doing!
Kisa
Posted by: Kisa Peters | February 05, 2008 at 12:51 AM
I love the idea of making your backgrounds. Can't wait to see other stamps from this set.
Posted by: Ghazal | February 05, 2008 at 12:59 AM
Can hardly wait to see the rest of the set. I love the ability to make my own backgrounds!
Posted by: Stefani Riley | February 05, 2008 at 01:11 AM
Oh my gosh! Think of the color possibilities for cards with these stamps! They can be used for designer paper backgrounds for male, female, kids, anyone! Endless ideas!
Can't wait.
Posted by: JudiBlue | February 05, 2008 at 01:47 AM
Yeah! I love Ali! This set looks super cool! I can't wait to see what the rest of the set looks like!
Posted by: Silvia Mabie | February 05, 2008 at 01:58 AM
Fabulous!
Posted by: Elizebeth | February 05, 2008 at 02:43 AM
This is lovely. Very interesting that you alternated the rotation of the stamp to make the background.
Posted by: Joan B | February 05, 2008 at 03:26 AM
Love the clean lines (and fonts) on the card example! Am anxious to see the complete set!
Posted by: Michelle | February 05, 2008 at 03:53 AM
Wow, how versatile are these stamps !! Great for when you cannot find the right background paper, especially in the colour you want. I am so into orange at the moment - I LOVE THIS CARD.
Happy Crafting,
K.
Posted by: Aussie Kylie | February 05, 2008 at 04:08 AM
Great stamp for background and for guys! Always need help in that category!
Posted by: CherylQuilts | February 05, 2008 at 04:43 AM
Fun! Congratulations on this new venture as a stamp designer! How awesome. I dig, dig, dig your geometric style and how it all balances out. Great idea to carry the smaller stamp to the inside of the card.
Posted by: toodlesyall | February 05, 2008 at 05:03 AM
I love the clean, simplicity of the card. I can't wait to see the rest of the set.
Congrats!
Posted by: Emily D | February 05, 2008 at 05:25 AM
The cards made with this set have a classic, rich look to them. Also, these stamps will be great for masculine cards!
Posted by: Holly | February 05, 2008 at 05:48 AM
Oh, this looks like a 'must have' set too! What a great card!
Posted by: Renee V. (happystamper05) | February 05, 2008 at 06:07 AM
I like to carry over a small design element from the front of the card on it's inside too, and am always pleased to see mini elements included in a stamp set for that reason!
Thanx for the inspiration!
later, alligators!
- SueB of sueblondin.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sue B | February 05, 2008 at 06:31 AM
I just love the clean look. This would be FAB to fill my need for a more masculine look to my cards for the special guys in our lives. Waiting with baited breath to see the entire set!!
Posted by: Michelle Battistini | February 05, 2008 at 06:31 AM
wow, i can't wait to see the rest of the stamps....designing my own backgrounds sounds terrific...
Posted by: Andrea | February 05, 2008 at 06:36 AM
Make your own backgrounds and accents with a coordinating punch. It looks very clean and modern, great for guys cards and pages too! Just like Nichole's stamps there seem to be elements at different scales too.
Looking forward to seeing the whole set!
Great job.
Victoria
Posted by: Victoria | February 05, 2008 at 06:38 AM
The new fonts are great!
Posted by: Jennifer Davis | February 05, 2008 at 06:40 AM
I love the simple, graphic design.
Posted by: amanda | February 05, 2008 at 06:41 AM
OH MY!! I am so loving this card. I love orange and this card just makes me so happy. I really need this set now. I cannot wait to see what other stamps are included in the set. And thanks for the peek inside your card Nicole.
Posted by: Erica | February 05, 2008 at 06:45 AM
Wow Nichole! I believe you could encourage me to buy any stamp set, although this one has great possibilities even before I saw your creation. I love this clean look- my scrapping style!
Posted by: Donna | February 05, 2008 at 06:46 AM
What a great idea this is. I think it looks like a kalidascope. It took a great imagination to come up with this. I love the way you carried it to the inside of the card. Well done
Sheri
Posted by: Sheri Danielson | February 05, 2008 at 06:48 AM