I plan ..... there that'll surprise you all lol .....

The image or reason for the card comes first - like today - I had to use the new stamps as I am making the show demonstrations - so I stamp out the images - in this case embossing gilded ivory on parchment... and sit back (you'll see there's a lot of sitting back)

then I think what "look" I want - girly/masculine/vintage etc ... and say I wanted girly - I might pick up a few flowery papers and then some plain papers in colours that co-ordinate - I choose brads or pearls or ribbons in the same colours ... all of these then sit on the desk and I sit back (told you)

another cup of coffee later .... I spread them about and think ... then I might add a few bits in a contrasting colour to the pile and see what I feel .... then when I think I have the colour scheme right I discard all the bits that don't fit .. and make sure I have a couple of papers and card - and some embellishments that go ... tidy away the others (ok I lie - dump them on another surface) and then look at the pile I have and try and imagine it as a card - slide different bits on top or underneath - think of a shape or style of card and then chop and guillotine away - trial and error see what looks good ...

and if I'm lucky ... up pops a super card - if it's a bad day all the bits go in the bin and I get in a paddy ..... and start over