A Blog Named Hero "Meet the Design Team" Blog Hop

Hello Everyone!  This is me:

My name is Wida Miller. I am a mom of 4, a nurse practitioner, a pretty good cook, kind of messy, way too chatty, so analytical it will give you a headache, and pretty funny if I do say so myself. I have been blogging about a year. If you want to check out my stuff (awards, DT, work etc) click on the bars above. My style can be described as fresh and edgy CAS.

I am so happy to announce that I will be having a new feature with A BLOG NAMED HERO! 

What is it you ask?

Each month on the 22nd, I will be hosting on the blog showing you how to use color or images to inspire creativity! 

I always say I see the world in cards. And it's true. I find inspiration EVERYWHERE.

• My favorite is no surprise...PINTEREST. (you can follow me on the sidebar of my blog--->)
• The Minted
• Etsy
• Manufacturer's websites like Studio Calico, Hero Arts, and October Afternoon.
• My blog reader!
• Window shopping/clothing
• Tiny Prints
• Magazines: especially bridal magazines
• Moxi Fab World

I like to browse these sites because they take the work out of figuring it out. These people have figured out colors that work well together, layouts that are pleasing to the eye, fonts that are trendy, and the latest techniques. So then you wonder, where do I come in? 

My job will be to help you learn how to take a photo or color inspiration and translate it into a card based on what you have and your style aesthetic in a few easy steps. This is NOT required to submit to the challenges. It is ONLY for additional inspiration. I have a small demonstration for you today.

I found this birth announcement in google.  I loved the fresh colors on this card and saved it for later. 

Then it was later...

Here is what I came up with, a very LITERAL interpretation:

using Studio Calico papers and gems, MME papers, PTI linin impression plate, Hero Arts/SC stamp and Tim Holtz flower dies

Things to notice on this card:

1. Font. The way something is written is SO important. Once I submitted a card for publication and was told my card was good, but the font was "tired". I tried to find a font that worked with the theme of the blog hop--HELLO and was HERO ARTS (of course) so I settled for this one called Heydey Sentiments. It sorta matches the font on the "Emma" too, score!  :) 

2. Color. The colors were already chosen in the sample photo. I just looked at my stash and found what was similar. I hope to explain more about this in future posts.

3. Texture. Using the sample again. I know you are probably thinking "sure if I have ALL the products, I could create a card too, but I don't". Well don't fret. I will show you that you can use alternative textures even if they are not perfect. Remember your viewer will not know that it wasn't a great match and it is just an inspiration! 

• If texture isn't your thing, you could clear emboss a background stamp on the white cardstock to give a subtle effect as well. (I love the envelope pattern stamp by Hero Arts)
• You could use a piece of patterned paper 
• You could score lines vertically or horizonally using a score pal/scoreboard (I heart Martha Stewart's)

4. Layout. This one is the one I struggle with most. I don't understand sketches and that is supposed to help with this problem, so that isn't much help to me. Sometimes the inspiration gives you the formula. sometimes not. In these cases you could combine challenges and use a sketch. Some great challenge blogs dedicated to sketches are:

• Case This Sketch
• Retro Sketches

Phew! Well now you are off to the next gal! See you on the 22nd! And if you have any feedback on what you would like to see or how you would like me to format it, feel free to comment! 

Wida

A Blog Named Hero

Linda Trace

Cheiron Brandon

Sue McRae

Cristina Martinez

Wanda Guess

Kelly Latevola

Christine Drogt

Lucy Newton

Wida Miller<---YOU ARE HERE

Melissa Shea

Jessica Larsen

Michelle Liimatainen

Leslie Hanna

Stephanie Britt

Tina Basa

Mary Dawn Quirindongo