Designer Tip from NS Designs

Hi Everyone!

I’m going to name this tip “Do it Again”

I’m talking about any cluster type you want to create from clusters, decorative frames, borders etc. I had a very difficult time creating all of these. I would look at a kit and see all the elements I had-look at other designers I admired and their kits and say I have string, flowers, tags…”why can’t I do that?” And “How can I create different clusters for each and every kit I create?”

Simple answer is you don’t have to create a different cluster for each kit. I started creating clusters by copying other clusters. Find one you like-find a freebie someone is offering-check out my blog for one. Or find one in a kit you purchased and place it on a blank 12x12 page. Then take a kit you like and add the items from that kit on top of the cluster using it as a template, resize each item as you go. Don’t forget to shadow your elements for added realism.

Here are a few of my products you can use as a guide.

 

 

Now do it again-yes, re-create the cluster with another kit. I’ve discovered by doing this that because each kit is different, you will get a different cluster. Each and every frame, cluster, border does not have to be unique because the kit themselves are what will change the clusters.

Take a look at these kits- Magical Friendships, Best Friends Forever, Wizarding School & Wizarding School Stranded Wizards Bus

All of these kits are different in look and feel-each has similar items but all have different colors and elements. Using these kits I’ve created the same cluster-Do it Again. Once I’ve done this a number of times with different clusters, frames, borders I found I started to make my own changes-creating my own clusters. Think of any cluster item you purchase as a template-one you can copy over and over again. That’s what makes templates so popular-their versatility. So let a pre-made cluster, border or frame be your next template-and use it over and over again. After a while you’ll find you will be creating your own items-it just takes a bit of practice.

download freebie

Hope you enjoy these freebies and find creating your own clusters a little easier in the future.