Friday 12 May 2017

Oh, the things you say

At a workshop last night, where I was required to do no more than sit about and explain why the sample cards were wonky, two of my most often used phrases in terms of card making came up. I was being very free with my top tips. I find myself doing this when I need to justify my presence because everyone knows exactly what they're doing.

Woodware stamp, WOW embossing powder

A couple of the ladies present were relatively new to card making and of course, were taking my every word as talent and truth. One thing I can point out with absolute certainty is that when you have a pre-scored card (as in, if you buy a pack of cards and envelopes), the mountain of the score should be folded to the inside. This is basic paper engineering; that little mountain forces the card slightly open so it will stand. I can't remember when I learned this, but I do know it was from a man that printed, cut and scored a kerjillion greeting cards every year. But, it's not always an easy thing to remember is it, in amongst the 8  million other rules about keeping your fingers clean and work on the card flat and use this tape and that glue and measure this bit but do that bit by eye...so, I always show and tell. And the phrase for the tell is 'hump inside, or you'll get arrested'. It works. Probably on more than one level, but certainly as a card folding mantra, it's like having me sit on your shoulder while you're creating!

Woodware text, Marianne, Joy & Sizzix  dies, Kaiser paper
My other suggestion was to stick a piece of paper on the card despite it's being longer than the card, and flip it over and butt cut the paper to fit. Cue giggling from more than one source. I've always said it haven't I? I can't believe these particular craft customers friends haven't heard me say it before. Perhaps I had archived it as a silly thing to say, and now I can't remember archiving for that reason. Highly likely. Good tip though!

This LO is a decoy photo; I was discussing the workroom carnage caused by National Scrapbook Day with the World Traveller and she asked if I'd managed any other challenges. This was an unintentional entry into the 'longest title' category. I used Basic Grey Stickers but foiled the 'incredible' word. I felt it was appropriate for a be-slippered nephew who was trying on a super power!

16 comments:

Annie said...

I do hope you're going to link this up as your smiles for the week on my blog today cos it certainly had me smiling.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Annie x

Lynn Holland said...

You had me smiling as well Julia x

Sue said...

Hi Julia, Love the cards and LO is fab.

Hope you have a lovely weekend. Sue

Helen said...

smiles here too... great layout, decoy or not!

S Gore said...

I am so sorry I missed your entertaining class Julia. I do enjoy them and your wicked sense of humour. Role on next session where I have to make up for missing out.

Darnell said...

I was already having a hard time keeping a straight face when I got to you being free with your top tips. I always charged for mine. Stop it! I don't see anything wonky about your delightful cards and the 'incredible' layout is just that! Fabulous teaching, Juggles!! Hugs, Darknob

mamapez5 said...

I bet those classes are lots of fun. I didn't know about the mountain fold going inside, but I will always remember it now! Thanks for the smiles. Kate x

Neet said...

I am the wonkiest mounter in the world. I cannot get the mounts straight but have now got a Perfect tool to help me. Only trouble is my mounts are good but when I add them to the card that bit is wonky. Incidentally yours looks fine and I love the card and the LO.
I love that mantra.
Hugs, Neet xx

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Now you know why I don't make cards. I used my friend Kathy's score thingy (don't know the name of it, but sold by MS) and when I scored, I folded it the wrong way. I am a dufus and need you sitting on my shoulder telling me which way to fold so I don't get arrested.

I LOVE the scrapbook page and I simply adore all the layering. I stopped by for scrapbook day but didn't comment because I live outside the UK. I can see what you mean about matting everything before you layer. Your layers are simply incredible and I really MUST try this technique. Thanks for sharing it, even if it was unintentional today.

Cara said...

Those top tips are now ingrained in my mind - you just don't want to know what images my brain added to them! Have a great weekend, Cara x

Elizabeth said...

This post cheered me up no end, Julia. Your students are not going to forget your instructions in a hurry, that's for sure. Great cards and layout - and I love that title :) Elizabeth xx

Bubbles said...

Oh, dear... I've read your post twice and still have just three words in my mind... Hump, Arrested, Butt.
lol

Andrea said...

Great Cards Julia and fab tips which will be remembered Tee hee....I wish I had been there.Loving the wacky bird. A fab scrapbook page, the brick effect works superbly with your perfect colour scheme I'm still procrastinating while you've been super busy. Crafty hugs Andrea X

Ohhh Snap said...

Sounds like a wonderful day, and the title and foil letters are perfect for the layout! (Your nephew is adorable!)

sandra de said...

Well you learn something every day.... I had no idea there was a rule about the score! Thanks for setting me straight and I will never forget the little phrase :)
sandra de

505whimsygirl said...

Hi Julia,

OMG - would have loved to be in your class when you gave your cardmaking tips! Tee hee. I love your sense of humor!

Hugs,
Kay