What makes a focal point really stand out on a handmade card?
Today I’m sharing 4 Autumn in Kyoto cardmaking ideas that use the same Japanese-inspired collection but take four very different approaches to creating a focal point.
But first, let’s start by taking a peek at today’s cards?
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Autumn in Kyoto Cardmaking!
These little Kokeshi girls certainly know how to steal the spotlight! And while they’re the stars of today’s cards, I’ve used four different designs to help them shine.
But how do you make sure your focal point gets all the attention it deserves?
5 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR FOCAL POINT POP!
- Create contrast – use colour, light and dark tones to draw the eye
- Keep it simple – give your focal point some breathing room
- Frame it – use shapes, layers or backgrounds to draw attention
- Add dimension – pop up your focal point to bring it forward
- Guide the eye – use lines, patterns or embellishments to lead the viewer towards it
Let your focal point be the star!
Sometimes it’s not what you add, but what you leave out that makes all the difference.
Card #1 – Create Contrast with Color!
For my first card, I created a soft Japanese-inspired scene using ink blending in muted blues, greys and greens. The little brown house adds some warmth, but it’s the brightly coloured Kokeshi doll and her orange parasol that really steal the show!
Focal Point Tip: A pop of bright colour against a softer, more muted background is an easy way to draw the eye exactly where you want it!
Card #2 – Frame Your Focal Point!
For my second card, I created a Japanese-inspired shoji screen using a woodgrain frame and a 3D embossed vellum panel. The soft, translucent background allows the two brightly coloured Copic Kokeshi dolls to take centre stage. I added a die cut maple branch and some falling leaves to finish the scene.
Focal Point Tip: Framing your focal point is a great way to draw attention to it, while a subtle background adds interest without competing for attention.
Card #3 – Keep It Simple!
For this card, I used a black and white scene for a quick modern style background. This allows the brightly coloured die cut Kokeshi doll, with her fabulous long teal plait, to really stand out!
Focal Point Tip: A monochromatic or simple background is a great way to add detail while keeping all the attention on your colourful focal point.
Card #4 – Play with Patterns!
For my final card, I created a colourful grid background using four different gold embossed kimono patterns. The bright colours and metallic details add plenty of interest, while the die cut Kokeshi doll, with her long dark hair and gold accents, takes centre stage.
Focal Point Tip: A busy background can still work beautifully with a focal point! Use a strong silhouette and contrasting colours to help it stand out against the patterns.
I’d love to know: which of these four focal point ideas is your favourite? Do you prefer a detailed scene or a clean and simple background? Let me know in the comments below!
And there is a GIVEAWAY! We’re celebrating the release with an Instagram Hop, so be sure to join us here for your chance to win!
And if you create something inspired by today’s cards, don’t forget to tag me on social media so I can see what you make.
Sending crafty hugs your way,
Special thanks to my crafty assistant, Chad (aka ChatGPT), for helping me stay on track with my Gemini brain, grammar, and spelling… well, all the things! 😄
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SHOP THE NEW RELEASE HERE!
Alex Syberia US | Alex Syberia UK
Spelllbinders US | Spellbinders UK
Ink: Altenew – Bamboo | Parrot | Olive | Mopss | Vanilla Cream | Hazelnut | Almond Butter | Milk Chocolate | Shattered Shell | Morning Frost | Dew Drops | Frosted Seaglass | Coastal Haze | Misty Harbor | Green Onyx | Raspberry Sunset.
Cardstock: Altenew – Sea Glass | Limeade | Jet Black | Brushed Gold – Other – Vellum | Random Scraps.
Embossing Powder: Wow – Gold Pearl Super Fine.
Copics: E000,00,40,44,49,99 | T4 | C3,5,9 | B97 | G24, 40 | Y17,19,38 | YR04,18 | BG11,13,15,72 | RV02,17,19,34 | YG03,17,25.
Today's Supplies
 Autumn in Kyoto Bundle (with Maple) Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | ASD US | ASD UK |
 Autumn in Kyoto Press + Foil Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | ASD US | ASD UK |
 Autumn Kokeshi Dolls Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | ASD US | ASD UK |
 Autumn in Kyoto Stamps Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | ASD US | ASD UK |
 Spring in Kyoto Stamps Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | ASD US | ASD UK |
 Shoji Screen 3D Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | ASD US | ASD UK |
 Autumn in Kyoto Press Plate + Stencil Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | ASD US | ASD UK |
 Magical Fuchsia Press Plate + Die Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK | OTH |
 Precision Layering A2 A Shop at: SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Vellum Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Markers Shop at: SSS |
 Versamark Ink Shop at: SSS | OTH |
 WOW Heat Tool Shop at: SSS |
 Brushed Gold Shop at: ALT | SSS |
Basic Supplies:
 Neenah Solar 110 Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Neenah Solar 80 Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Nocturne Shop at: SSS |
 Fresh Dye Inks Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Mini Blending Brush Set Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Tweezers Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Perfect Picker Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Fine Blade Scissors Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Bone Folder Shop at: ALT |
 Score Board Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Paper Trimmer Shop at: SSS |
 Mini MISTI Shop at: SSS |
 Stampwheel Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Sticky Grid Mat Ultra Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US |
 Platinum 6 Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 BetterPress SB Shop at: ALT | SSS | SB US | SB UK |
 Glue Tape Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Foam Tape Shop at: ALT | SSS |
 Bearly Art Glue Shop at: SSS | AMZ |
 Satin Masking Tape Shop at: ALT |