You may be thinking I need to take a chill pill. Don’t worry; I’m chill. I’m very chill. Actually, no, I’m super excited!
This is my introduction of FLIPPED projects. What’s a FLIPPED project? It’s how I approach my card making sessions. When I sit down to make cards, I think about how I can “FLIP” the motif I’m working on. A motif can be an occasion (e.g. Easter), a new product (e.g. stamp, die, card kit) or even be a color palette. When I buy new product – like a stamp – I think about whether I can FLIP it. It’s another way to stretch my supplies and get the most out of it. I’m sure many of you crafters think this way too.
This past week, I worked on Easter cards for my family and of course, I FLIPPED it! Check out this short video, which is an introduction and showcase of my FLIPPED Easter cards.
Besides my basic supplies, I did use some other tools & materials for this project.
FLIP is simply an acronym for different styles of cards. And a fully FLIPPED project includes even more! FLIP’ing a motif keeps things fun and interesting for me because it challenges me to stretch my creativity. It also motivates me to discover and research new techniques. The end result is a collection of cards that are all unique. Left to my own devices, I’d probably make the same style card over and over again because that’s what’s comfortable. But FLIP’ing a motif makes me a better card maker and pushes me to continue to learn and grow.
FLIPPED – Spelled Out
Below is what FLIPPED stands for. It’s nothing you aren’t already familiar with if you’re a card maker. It’s just a fun acronym I use when I think about my card making.
Flat = At most two layers of cardstock (card base plus one layer), no foam, and only low-profile embellishments (e.g. sequins, ribbon, stickers, etc.).
Layered = 2+ layers of cardstock, foam adhesive tape, dimensional embellishments (e.g. pearl dots, chipboard ephemera, puffy stickers, etc.).
Interactive = Card includes something for the recipient to do other than just open the card (e.g. shake, pull, push, etc.)
Pop-up = Cards where all the fun is on the inside. Usually, a 3D element that protrudes from the card base. I also consider some fun folds in this category because it’s always a surprise to see so much more card than you expect.
Paper-quilled = This is a technique of rolling, pinching, and shaping thin strips of paper. These small shapes are then combined to form a larger image.
Envelopes = Customizing envelopes to match the cards is an awesome way to take the card to the next level. Sometimes I glam up pre-made envelopes and other times I create my own envelopes from scratch.
Discards into Cards = Every card making session generates discards – off-cuts, extra die cuts I prepared but didn’t use, scraps or trimmings, etc. Discards aren’t always trash — some just go back into my stash. But if there’s a lot, I’ll look for ways to turn all the discards into a card (or two or more!).
More FLIPs to Come
I’ll be filming and releasing FLIP / FLIPPED tutorial videos. It does take me some time to complete a project since I have a demanding day job and can’t craft as often as I like. I have a lot of projects at various stages from an idea in my head to a project envelop/bag with all the supplies and materials for the project to prototypes where I learn or try out a new technique.
If you’re interested to see them, please do subscribe to my blog. Since each FLIP project will be accompanied with a blog post so you’ll get an announcement whenever a new project is released!