Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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.

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:

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

49 comments:

  1. Amazing news, Wida! And, I love your inaugural post!

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  2. Man you find inspiration EVERYWHERE!! You are amazing!!!!!! And I love your bio <3

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  3. YAY!!! I'm always up for a little inspiration! Love how you took that baby announcement and turned it into a card - great CASE - looks perfect - just like that cute annoucement. Love the blanket texture, the pretty soft colored flower and that neat font!

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  4. What fantastic news Wida! And what a brilliant introductory post and what a great feature, perfectly suited to your analytical mind! Gorgeous card too! Looking forward to your future posts!! Congrats lady!!!

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  5. Hi Wida! This card is absolutely gorgeous! Wow, so simple, and yet so amazing! I will CASE this one for sure. So excited to be on the same team with you! :-)

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  6. Congratulations, Wida! This card is amazing! Your explanation is perfect!

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  7. OMG, I cannot WAIT for you to teach me about this stuff. And I'll help you with sketches, okay? :D

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  8. SO excited to see what you have up on the blog every month. Ecstatic is more like it...and then terrified because I follow you on the 23rd...OMG! This card is FAB and you my girl are gorgeous!!! :)

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  9. Very pretty! I can't wait to learn some of your techniques.

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  10. Wida you are as I can see a force of nature, I can feel your positive energy and enthusiasm all the way to México!!! I will love to be learning from you on the same team!!! And your card lovely!!!

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  11. Wida.....congrats to you! This is what you wanted!!!!! So incredibly happy for you!!
    We need to have more late night chats! :)

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  12. Awesome news! And I love this post. You explanation of the card was really well done, always love reading how someone comes up with a design. Looking forward to your future posts! Congratulations!

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  13. Congratulations! What a subtle, soft and beautiful card too.

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  14. Welcome to the team!! I can't wait for your lessons! I do love the way you numbered the photo and then explained how and why you did what you did. Gorgeous card :)

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  15. Welcome to the team Wida! Love this first project and can't wait to see more of your inspirations!

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  16. How lovely!! Thanks for sharing the inspiration!

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  17. Congrats Wida! Your explanation of the process and inspiration of your card is so interesting. I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks so much for the shout out about CAS(E) this Sketch.

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  18. I am really looking forward to your feature Wida. Love the way you explain things, how you think things through, so fascinating. I know I'm going to learn a lot from you.

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  19. Wida you are such a talent my dear! We're are so excited to have you on the team :) This card is just beautiful and it's awesome to see how you got from point A to point B. Can't wait to see all the fabulous creations you make!

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  20. Oh this is just wonderful. Darling card. LOVE!

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  21. Congratulations Wida and gorgeous card. I got the new issue of Cards mag and saw you in there so cool girl.

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  22. A big congrats, Wida! Can't wait to see your monthly feature on ABNH. Fabulous card today. Love your explanation/tips.

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  23. Yay, Wida--congrats! ABNH is so lucky to have you on board!
    Love your card and your analytical mind is always so delightful! Enjoy the ride!

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  24. WooHoo! Love this gorgeous card! Looking forward to your posts with ABNH!

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  25. Wida congratulations! They are lucky to have you. Love you beautiful card today!

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  26. You are a stinker! Don't get me wrong, I still love you and your cards, but still.... Seriously though, congratulations, so cool!

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  27. Oh my....I am so looking forward to the 22nd of every month! This is going to help tremendously in making fab cards!

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  28. congrats. Beautiful card. Looking forward to more inspirations!

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  29. Congratulations Wida! A beautiful card by a beautiful lady -- keep on doing what you do so well!

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  30. Wida, I am so happy you joined the team. Big heartfelt welcome!!! I just love the card and all the cool informationa nd analysis.

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  31. Beautiful card! Congrats on joining the DT, looking forward to the 22nd.

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  32. Congratulations Wida! A fabulous first feature and can't wait to see more :)

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  33. Congrats, Wida! Can't wait to see your new feature over ABNH! FABULOUS first post!

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  34. CONGRATS!!
    Well already follow your blog and like it to get to know you even better...I think you are so sweet!
    Such a sweet card too..look forward to learn more!
    Hugs Holly.

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  35. Wowza!! So much goodness in one post. First off, woooooohoooo.... congrats!! I will be following ABNH very closely from now on. Secondly, that is one GORGEOUS card! Love the texture, the color, that flower.... *swoon*

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  36. Woot! Woot! Congratulations! Fabulous card, too! :)

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  37. Hello Wida! LOVE your style of cards and writing:)
    Congratulations!

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  38. Gorgeous card, Wida! I love how you picked out an inspiration photo and created your own masterpiece!

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  39. Congrats on joining the ABNH design team! I love your fabulously detailed inaugural post and I'm looking forward to your contribution to the team. :)

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  40. Oh yay for you!! So glad you're on ABNH! The colors in your card are AHmazing!! AND, of course, LOVE how you include your analysis. Especially about the font. I hadn't consciously thought of that before. Now I will always think of you when picking out my sentiments : )

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  41. congrats!!!!!! your card is so soft and pretty :)

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  42. Hi Wida!
    Congrats to joining the team!
    I am looking forward to all your special inspirations - EEEK! :)
    Hugs
    Christine

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  43. Hey, congrats! Love this post. Love the card (oh those blingy thingies!). Looking forward to more.

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  44. Congrats! Late to the party but I love your card Wida!!!

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  45. Woo hoo! Congrats! I love this card...totally stunning!

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  46. I LOVE this card Wida...the flower has so much character! I loved hearing about the "tired" font~LOL...I have never heard that term before~

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