Sunday, March 8, 2009

Simplicity is Divine!

Ok, I have a confession to make...I LOVE simple cards but I struggle to make them! I am always wanting to add and add and add! Haha! Now, I usually like the end results no matter how simple or complex they are but I must say that I am ESPECIALLY proud of myself for how these two cards turned out. I wanted to show you both versions because I am not sure which one I like better. Let me explain...

Here is my first card. I kept it REALLY simple. I used Julee's Mojo Monday sketch challenge for the layout. I pulled out my Parisian Breeze Specialty designer paper and accented it with some Basic Gray card stock. I then used another strip of Baja Breeze layered on Basic Gray for the vertical strip. Over that I tied a piece of white taffeta ribbon with a bow. The front panel was then made of a piece of Whisper White card stock layered on a piece of Basic Gray card stock. I stamped the phrase "To Thine Own Self Be Kind" (which I am still trying to understand the meaning of) in the lower right corner. Obvious enough right? Ok...now here is the difference between the two. On my first card I just stamped my leaves from the Central Park set directly onto the main panel and called it good. It's simple and cute.
Ok...here is the second card. Do you see the difference (click on the picture to make it larger if need be)? I stamped the leaves on the front panel again only this time I stamped them a second time and popped the second leave up on dimensionals so that it gave the card some added depth. I also paper pierced the corners for a little more detail.
So now here come my questions for you as my readers. Which one do you like better? Is it simple enough or is it too simple? I am just curious because I can't decide for myself! I think I like the second one better but I am not sure if that is my "just add more" self coming out! Haha! I would really love to hear your thoughts so drop me a line! :D

12 comments:

Kristina said...

Wow! They are both stunning cards. Though, I love the first one *until* I saw the second one. I love the popped up image in the second one... it just adds that last perfect touch, know what I mean? But both gorgeous cards!

Jessie/knightrone said...

They are both gorgeous, but I like the second one better too. The popped up image finishes it perfectly!

Tasha said...

Hey Steph wow you should be proud - these two cards may be simple in style but they are so stunning. I cannot do simple - im in awe. I like the second one the best (although they are both perfect) - i like the paper pricking in the corners on the second card
love tasha xx

Barbara DeBose said...

They are both great! I am going against the grain here, but I like the first one. I just like the simplicity of it.

Denise Marzec said...

These are AWESOME, Steph! I almost bought that set...I just love that plaid stem. Your colors and CAS layout are PERFECT!!

Caryl P said...

Two beautifully simple cards. I like the second one best, the flower jumped out at me before I even realized it was popped up. Great work!

Jennifer said...

They are both great, but I like the 2nd better.

AKiteFlier said...

Just loving your cards Steph! WOW you inspire me! The simplicity is amazing since I always think I need more LOL.

Terri Trotter Earley said...

I like the both. LOL! I really don't have any idea which one is better because I love them both. You are fabulous!

It's a good life!
Terri E.

Christi Flores said...

I LOVE them both but like the second one the best! You do such gorgeous work!

Julee (Vervegirl) said...

This is just gorgeous, Steph! Thanks for playing! :)

Valonda L. said...

They are both really cute, but I think I like the second one better. Mostly because I really like the leaves popped up.
Great job.