Introducing Guide Lines

Something that you may find interesting is that I usually don’t get the opportunity to actually *play* with our new stamps until the week of the countdown.  I had anticipated the introduction of Guide Lines to be one of the simplest tutorials to offer up this week, but as I sat down to really USE the set, in all it’s glory, I found that there are actually MORE ways to use it than originally intended.  And I have a very good feeling that this is just the tip of the iceberg!

First a few basics about this background building set.  The premise of Guide Lines was inspired by my love of building backgrounds and the "grid" that I sometimes draw in pencil to help align the images accurately.  A lot of thought was put into the design of the large grid image included with this set, so you can add to it and have it cover a large area easily.  The grid measures 2.25 x 4.5 inches and was designed to fit perfectly on our large gridline block. The grid pattern features two closed ends and two open ends.  This allows you to build a grid above & beside itself with ease.

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Here is an example of how I found it easiest to line up multiple impressions of the grid.  When you begin, always stamp with the closed end of the pattern at the top and the open end of the pattern at the bottom.

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When you add to your image, be sure to keep the same orientation, with the open end of the pattern at the bottom and the closed end of the pattern at the top.  I found it best to look down through the block and focus on the actual lines matching up, rather than the overall block. When you get your set, I encourage you to practice on some scratch paper first to get a feel for the alignment.  I am certain that after two or three trial runs, you will find it to be almost effortless!

There are a total of nine decorative elements that are included in this $15 set, that are perfectly sized to coordinate with the grid.  A lot of effort went into each of these small images, ensuring that they were geometrically even & centered and that they had special reference points built into the design.  Here is an example of the first element.  (You can click to enlarge)  Notice the reference points I mentioned above?  I found it easiest to always line the center up first, followed by the outer reference points that fall onto the grid lines.

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After stamping the decorative element at each intersection, I am left with a BEAUTIFUL background.  And the ability to recreate it as many times as I like, in any color I desire!

Here is a simple little card that I made with my custom paper!

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Here is another example of building on the intersections of each grid.  Notice the special reference points that make it so easy to line up.  One fun thing to keep in mind when creating papers with this set, is all of the fun things you can do to embellish the intersection of the grid.  Here I have used small dabs of Stickles.  You could also stitch on beads, add small dots of liquid pearls, rhinestones, mini brads.  You can even stitch or do piercing along the guidelines for even more emphasis of your pattern.

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Another thing to keep in mind when using this set is that you don’t have to limit yourself to using just ONE decorative element within your pattern.  You can mix it up for even more possibilities.  Here, I have started with my first chosen design.  Once again, notice the reference points in the center and ends, making it easy to position exactly where I want to.

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Always remember that sometimes you can rotate the image while building to get a variety of looks.  As you can see here, I hove completed the first step of my design, with some of the elements going horizontally and some vertically.

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Now I am adding my second design element.  Because of the precision I used with designing each of the elements, you can see here that this addition nestles in perfectly within the opening.

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Here is my completed pattern.  I just LOVE how easy the guidelines make it to create perfectly straight, symmetrical patterns. And I know you will love it too!

For a whole new mix on things, you can also stamp the design elements directly within the boundaries of each grid square.  Albeit, this method as not as easy to do as the techniques described above, but the results are just as fabulous.  Concentrate on the placement of your four corners and you should be able to build a pattern almost effortlessly.

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Here is my finished product.  Notice that it is a completely different look than that which you get when utilizing the intersections.

Another fun way to use this set is to actually use the grid at a diagonal.  (Heather did this today too).  I found that the best thing to do is align the corners of the intersections at the edge of your cardstock and build from there.  This will ensure that you will  have your diagonal intersection perfectly vertical so that they look like diamonds.

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After you have created your guidelines, you can begin building your pattern.  I started with this element first in a horizontal orientation at every other intersection.

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I then rotated the image and filled in the remaining intersections.

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Here is what the pattern looks like with just a few of these intersections filled in so you can get a bit more of a feel for how the pattern was built.
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And here is the completed pattern.  I loved this specific combination because of the way the pattern appears to be climbing along each of the grid lines.  I am still in awe of how each and every combination looks completely different  than the last!

…A few other things to keep in mind about this set…

• the grid can be used by itself as a simple background, with a horizontal orientation or diagonal.
• you can try using some of your favorite small images from other sets within the grid to build even more patterns!
• if you don’t want the guidelines as prominent in your design, you can do the in a lighter shade of your main color.
• the decorative squares can not only be used to build patterns, but as focal points as well.
• all of the decorative squares coordinate with a 3/4-inch square punch.
• you can add punched elements to the grid for a textural pattern.
• your pattern doesn’t have to be monochromatic.  Try doing different elements in various colors.

Well, I think I have bombarded you with enough info on this set for one day!  I still have a few more things I would like to share with you, but I will hold off until later in the week!  Have a happy Wednesday!

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–Heather Nichols is featuring a project today that uses Guide Lines as well.

–Lisa Johnson shows you some innovations she built into her first stamp set releasing this month.

–Candice Aguilar gives you a little sneak peek into what her set is offering up too.

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JOY COMES BACK TO YOU CARD
Stamps: (background) Guide Lines, (sentiment) Out on a Limb Sentiments
Ink: Spring Moss, Burnt Umber Palette inks
Paper: PTI Spring Moss & Vintage Cream,  Bazzill chocolate
Other: brads from Paper Studio, sewing machine

PINK  BIRTHDAY CARD
Stamps: (background) Guide Lines, (sentiment) Birthday Basics
Ink: Sweet Blush Palette ink
Paper: Sweet Blush & Vintage Cream
Other: Sweet Blush stitched ribbon, sewing machine

SPECIAL DAD CARD
Stamps: (background) Guide Lines, (sentiment) Father Knows Best
Ink: Burnt Umber Palette
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Bazzill chocolate
Other: brads from Paper Studio

HEART FELT CARD
Stamps: (background) Guide Lines, (sentiment) Out on a Limb Sentiments
Ink: Aqua Mist & Burnt Umber Palette, white craft from SU!
Paper: Aqua Mist, Stamper’s Select White
Other: Aqua Mist satin ribbon, transparent flowers, brad from SEI

DANCE IN THE RAIN CARD
Stamps: (background) Guide Lines, (sentiment) Everyday Blessings
Ink: white craft from SU!
Paper: Plum Pudding, Lavender Moon & Classic Craft from PTI
Other: Lavender Moon Swiss dots & Twill tape, buttons from Foo-fa-la, scalloped scissors from Paper Studio, sewing machine