You need this issue. Now! It is available here. Or, just leave a comment on my post and you will be eligible to win a copy! I have mine already, and it is amazing.
Please leave your comment before Tuesday, August 28th 12 pm
Now to the cards I made for you. Each of the designer chose a design "rule" from the issue. We created a card and then just disregarded a bit of the "rule" to make the card even better. Hopefully :)
My design "rule" is symmetry. Here comes the card following this rule:
See, everything is symmetric. You could cut the card into half and then have two identical halves. My husband liked it like this. My daughter, too. But for me, it was too boring. Here comes the card where I broke the rule a bit:
It is not much, I just adhered the butterfly a bit lopsided, moved the sentiment a bit to the right and arranged the rhinestones more playfully. I like it better this way, what do you think? (Ha, maybe I'd better not know :))
So, that's my example for good to great. You will find the other ones here:
1. Chan Vuong
2. Kalyn Kepner
8. Amy Wanford
9. Emily Branch
10. Vanessa Menhorn > you are here!
And now, another important thing! Be sure to hop to the Paper Crafts Connection blog for the chance to win an amazing prize!! You won't be disappointed! Good luck and thanks for stopping by today!
Vanessa
supplies:
pp, wood veneer: Studio Calico
stamp: Hero Arts
rhinestones: Doodlebug
button: October Afternoon




I like the asymmetrical one better. More visually interesting. Great card!
ReplyDeleteGorgeoug, gorgeous, gorgeous! I'm with you, the second one is a winner :D xoxo
ReplyDeleteWOW, love how your second card turned out. I tend to make everything symmetrical too. But I will try this out ;) Thanks for the chance to win ;)
ReplyDeleteHello, Vanessa, I like the symmetry. It is pleasant for an eye and it doesn't look boring because of the many colors and patterns. Great card!
ReplyDeleteI am finding I am drawn to asymmetrical designs! I too thought the first design was too "neat". The second one flows better.
ReplyDeleteMuch better! Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteLove this card! The butterfly is so pretty! Gorgeous. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the Card Design Handbook.
ReplyDeleteI so love the whimsical look to the 2nd card. just makes it more fun! the first one is pretty though.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!!!!!! WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!! :) GOTTA get that magazine!!!!!!!!!!!! :) (I ordered it already! LOL I'd give the second copy away to a friend! ) I've been looking for a book/magazine like this for FOREVER!!!!!!!!!! THANKS PAPER CRAFTS!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND THANKS LADIES for all your work!!!!!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love you how you broke the rules!!! THe 1st is still good, but the second is lots better!!
ReplyDeleteOh - both are BEAUTIFUL, but I definitely LOVE the effect on the second one! GORGEOUS work!!!
ReplyDeletehousesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com
I like each card equally. That wooden panel is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win
Wow, great minor adjustment, love the butterfly (how perfect for your blog!).
ReplyDeleteLove this beautiful card, Vanessa - and I'm LOVING this issue too! Even though you've moved some of your elements, your second card is still wonderfully balanced! Love 'em both!
ReplyDeleteWow I am the first one! Lovely card and fun blog hop when I grow up I would love to be on a design team just like you. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteWOW - it's amazing how such 'simple touches' can heighten the visual impact of a card; sort of the way a 'simple smile' can brighten a person's day. Your card certainly did that for me, reminding me that little bit of 'lopsidedness' and 'playfulness' really are needed not only on cards, but in life. Thank you for sharing!
carol
This was a great hop!
ReplyDeleteI just love all of the elements on this card!
ReplyDeleteWell, I thought the first one was gorgeous until I saw the second one. I like the Great version better too! Just more fun!
ReplyDeletelove them both :)
ReplyDeleteLove the off-centre card . It adds that extra touch of interest.
ReplyDeleteI love your butterfly card! the change really makes a difference and I love the colors! thanks!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are great. I am a big fan of symmetry! But the butterfly in the second not only adds a bit a dynamic by making the card a bit asymmetrical, it also give it some motion, which I believe is another design principle. Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI like the more casual look.
ReplyDeleteLove the new asymmetrical card. Delightful.
ReplyDeleteLove both your cards but really love the change in symmetry with the second card. Turned out amazing. Thanks so much for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteYour first card is great, but I love the second card! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteJust a little change makes a HUGE difference. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's just those little changes that make such a difference. Beautiful card.
ReplyDeleteAsymmetry is going to be my new thing now that I've seen these before & after examples.
ReplyDeleteAsymmetry makes the card SO much more fun!
ReplyDeleteThey are both great cards but the 2nd one is the keeper!
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to #2 also! They are both beautiful cards but I'm not a "straight down the lane" type of girl. I do NEED this issue!! TFS!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty card, love the butterfly. Thanks for explaining the rules.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely correct - moving one or two elements off the line of symmetry adds interest and makes the balanced elements even more attractive. Brava! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI like the second one way better! It just looks so much more "right" that the first one! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI like the movement in setting the butterfly askew. What a fun week it's been. It's also been very educational and helpful. Thanks for your contribution.
ReplyDeletelove both of these cards--too close to call on this one
ReplyDeleteI like both of these cards Vanessa, but I do think the second one is better. A little asymmetry is often a fabulous thing :)
ReplyDeleteI like them both! The orange and turquoise combo looks fab!
ReplyDeleteI like them both. I am finding that when you put a few assymetrical elements in the card, the card stands out more. I guess it taps into the right side of the brain and the feelings. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI do like the second one better...a bit more movement and flow too!
ReplyDeleteLove the changes! Makes the card more wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure - I like both and I'm a symmetrical person for the most part. I can see why others like the asymmetrical card.
ReplyDeletei like them both
ReplyDeleteVery nice really flows better. Sweet card!
ReplyDeletePretty cards =) TFS!
ReplyDeleteI see a definite improvement. The first one does not have anywhere for the eye to travel. Too much too close together. The second card opens up so the eye can travel over it. Thanks for the examples!
ReplyDeleteI tend to make cards the first way you did it but i really like the second one, thanks for showing that you can think outside the box and still create a card that looks great!!
ReplyDeleteKristan
sierrababy08 at hotmail dot com
I'm with you--the first card is "nice" and "pretty" but the second one is may more interesting and makes me want to spend more time looking at it. Love the colors and I'm on a butterfly kick--so love that too!
ReplyDeleteTo me both cards are wonderful. Of course I like things more symmetrical. Guess that's why I have a hard time creating asymmetrical cards. But it does happen sometimes. Need to work on this rule to get better at it. Thanks for the lesson and beautiful examples.
ReplyDeleteI really like both cards, but I guess I can see how the second one is a better design. I think I really need a copy of this Card Design Handbook to help me learn better techniques. Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeletewow Vanessa, your asymetric card is just fantastic! stunning and really gorgeous! you are my cardmaker hero and super star!!! :-*
ReplyDeletemensch wie oberhammergenial! unfassbar was so eine kleine veränderung bewirken kann! vielen dank für diese tolle inspiration :-)
I get it! Prefer the second one it has that WOW factor.
ReplyDeletei like the second one much better. i tend to be too symmetrical, so i'll have to try being a little more asymmetrical in the future.
ReplyDeletelittlen44 at gmail dot com
This design tip boggles my mind. With just a slight twist of an image/sentiment and VOILA ... all is right with the world. SIMPLY amazing!
ReplyDeleteI really like both cards, but can definitely sense more movement and a touch of whimsy in the second card!
ReplyDeletehard to say which is which because I like them both.
ReplyDeleteGreat example! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI too like things to be a little asymmetrical!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I loved the first card, but seeing the second had me in awe! Simply amazing what a difference it made! Thanks for the inspiration and the great design tips!
ReplyDeleteI like the second one better! It has a little more interest that way! Very nice card, by the way!
ReplyDeleteA good example of doing too much centering and positioning things too exactly. Love the card.
ReplyDeletelove the asymmetrical balance rule you shared. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLove those colors! It looks hugely better with the butterfly angled rather than straight up.
ReplyDeleteNoreen
http://craftyjournal.com
Very pretty card!
ReplyDeleteMaking it less symmetrical sure made it more interesting!
ReplyDeleteGreat projects! I always get such fun ideas from these blog hops!
ReplyDeleteCarol B
ciaoitalia2007@gmail.com
I love both versions!
ReplyDeleteWow-just tweaking the design elements made such a huge impact-the card is certainly not boring anymore.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a chance to win.
I agree with you completely! the butterfly a little off the buttons not exactly the same gives the card interest.
ReplyDeleteI definitely like the second cards better:) more fun.
ReplyDeletecathyplus5.blogspot.com
The second card is totally more eye-catching than the first! Although I'd be more than happy to be the recipient of either. :D The second card definitely has more "art" to it, I'd say.
ReplyDeleteThe cocked butterfly on the second looks better. But both cards are great.
ReplyDeleteLove what you've done, Vanessa! Sehr hübsch!
ReplyDeleteRules were made to be broken? lol Nice card! I often have trouble finding these publications in my area, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. :-)
ReplyDeleteLove what going a bit asymmetrical does for this card!
ReplyDeleteSo cute. The 2nd one is perfect!!!
ReplyDeleteI also like the second one better, more playful... thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are so stunning! I think both work...the first card is a great example of symmetry and the second card is so well-balanced. Love them!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Love both cards. The second card has a comfortable "feel" to it...maybe more natural and organic.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a great before and after card. I guess we all make a card sometimes that isn't our best but with this book I can make my cards really shine!
ReplyDeleteThe second card is a wow, great job!
ReplyDeleteI certainly like your second one better Vanessa. It is more pleasing to the eye. Would love to win this book thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a small change that makes such a big difference! I like the asymmetry as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to break the rules sometimes! I like both cards.
ReplyDeleteslrdowney at hotmail dot com
Great job showing us how to go from symmetry to asymmetry with the same elements on the card. PS I LOVE that background woodgrain paper! :D
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are nice, but the asymmetrical one is better. Thanks for sharing your beautiful design and thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI really like both cards but shifting the butterfly does make all the difference and catches my eye. TFS
ReplyDeleteYou ladies have really opened my eyes to asymmetry. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI liked the second one best
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to apply this rule in my future designs
I like both so I suppose it would all depend on your taste. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeneta
I think by changing those couple of things it makes you look at the whole card not just glance at it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tips! Love both of your cards! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat example! I prefer the second card too. Amazing that such small adjustments can make such a difference. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow, such a difference, LOVE your second card!
ReplyDeleteWow, your second card is a stunner! TFS
ReplyDeleteEither way, it's a striking combination, but more 'interest' when asymmetric - ;-}
ReplyDeleteLynden
http://aneleganttouch-lynden.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/An-Elegant-Touch-/162889457132788
When I looked at the first one, it looked perfect to me, couldn't think what could make it better, and yet, you did. The 1st one is still beautiful, the 2nd is just a bit more.
ReplyDeleteYour 2 cards are gorgeous, love love.
Another great lesson. I agree with you I think it has more interest less then symmetrical. Love it.
ReplyDeletehttp://carolescreativecritters.blogspot.com/
I prefer asymmetry to symmetry...but it bothers me a little that the butterfly looks like it's flying out of the composition. I wonder what would happen if you moved the whole composition down a little on the card so that my eye doesn't keep bobbing up to the top of the card to make sure that lovely creature hasn't escaped...
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the change to asymmetrical! ... Patricia @ Stamped Sentiments
ReplyDeleteThe second card is definitely more eye-catching than the first. Thanks for the examples!
ReplyDeleteI too like the more playful one. I tend to be more symmetrical, I need to start venturing out.
ReplyDeleteI liked both cards-- the color selection is great also.
ReplyDeleteOoohh... love the second one! Especially the asymmetric placement of the rhinestones.
ReplyDeletehi vanessa,
ReplyDeletebeide karten sind sehr schön, ich glaub mir gefällt die erste ein kleines bischen mehr......
lg angela
I SOooooo need that book!
ReplyDeleteCute card--definitely like the 2nd one better, too! So little can make such a big difference. Also, I really like your color scheme!! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great resource! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I really like both versions, but I can see how one might appeal slightly over the other based on my mood at the time.
ReplyDeleteI really like both cards, but the 2nd one is a nice example of asymmetry.
ReplyDeleteI like the second version!
ReplyDeleteDeniseB
fun to see the difference w/ just a small change. Would LOVE to win!
ReplyDeleteSurprise..although I am generally a symmetry lover, your second card is far more appealing to me! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI like the second one better also, but it is hard for me to make cards that a symmetric, I think they seem kind of boring. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe first card is nice, and safe. The second is bolder - and I think more interesting. This process of trying to make it better is wonderful - I hope I can look at my own work and apply some of these principles to make it better! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteOh my, this is the pinnacle of Studio Calico goodness! I love it. I have been trying to stylize my cards more and this is the exact direction I want to go. Your card will be my reference point when I want to know how to make a SC designed card. GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful!!! I love both cards so much! Thank you for wonderful inspiration and information!
ReplyDeleteJUST LOVE THE CARD. I LIKE TO USE UP SCRAPS THIS WAY.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are amazing, Vanessa, i really like the 2nd one...I the the 'interest' of asymmetrical designs :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are gorgeous but the second one has a quirkiness that makes it fabulous!
ReplyDeleteGreat card! Thanks for these design tips! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI do like your elements slightly asymmetrical, more exciting!
ReplyDeleteI really like the asymmetrical card better but both are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to win this great manual.
Pam
I like the second one way better...guess I am a rule breaker too!
ReplyDeleteI too prefer the second card. Great job of explaining it.
ReplyDeleteVanessa, both of your cards are wonderful but I do prefer the second one! Thanks so much for showing us and giving us all the information on this rule:)
ReplyDeletelove both cards but even more love the second one.
ReplyDeleteSymmetrical vs Asymmetrical seems to be like Safe vs Edgy. Both are great designs but the second has some unexpected surprises in it. This is my favorite of all the rules covered in the glossary and I love the way your examples help define this rule for me. I have enjoyed the blog hop so much.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous card! What a great tip!
ReplyDeleteI love both cards! They are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteFabulous cards!
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean. Such little changes make the card so much better. Very pretty card. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLoved the assymetrical card. It makes it less 'boring'.
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented Vanessa!
ReplyDeletePretty cards! I do like them both, but the second one is a little more pleasing with the few changes you made to it. You make it look so easy! Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteCorrine Ann
i do like the 2nd one better! love the butterfly!
ReplyDeleteDelightful! Sometimes it is hard to break symmetry, but you did it lovely!
ReplyDeleteOh yes! The 2nd one has more interest! I love how you scattered the gems and put the butterfly at an angle!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I have got to try this. I do like the second card more but never would have made the changes -- you are such a rebel. Guess I will need to experiment more and stop playing it safe.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job on both cards - but I really like the remake.
ReplyDeleteI like the way it changed the feel of the card. Not so stuffy and buttoned up!
ReplyDeleteLove this card. I think the first one is great, too! (I do like the tilt of the second butterfly!)
ReplyDeleteSuch AMAZING and FUN cards!! LOVE the tips and tricks!! The second one seems to have more character!! THANKS for sharing and for the chance to win!! Have a FABULOUS WEEK!! =)
ReplyDeleteexcellent tip and pretty card! i loveit. TFS
ReplyDeleteI would be thrilled to make a card like the first one-and than you step it up a notch-WOW!
ReplyDeleteBoth beautiful cards but I like the second one better too. It adds a little fun to it :)
ReplyDeleteLove symetry as well, and how you "tweaked" it to make it better! TFS! Love your cards!
ReplyDeleteI like them both! TFS.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, I find the second one more interesting. Your gem placement is perfect! And you're so right about the lack of good German sentiment stamps...
ReplyDelete