Sunday, February 13, 2011

Let's clear up some misconceptions here...

People who don't scrap or make cards sometimes seem to think that the clean and simple style is "easier" or "faster" to execute than my usual embellie-happy, crazy layering, lots of stuff style. Well, what's the nicest way to put this? Ummmm....how about: oh, hell, no! At least, not for me, anyway. For some reason, I have a really difficult time not throwing every embellishment and patterned paper I have at each and every card, just to see what sticks. It can take me longer to achieve the clean and simple style than it does to throw together a card with buttons, flowers, flourishes, bling, and so on. Well, I had to suck it up today, because I wanted to play over at the Outlawz. Today is the first day of their fun western-themed party, which involves so many goodies to win and fun challenges to enter. "Challenge" is the right word, because I was definitely challenged by the clean and simple style today. The inspiration picture was this awesome pair of boots. Check them out. I kinda want to own them, and I don't even wear cowboy boots:
You can enter each challenge up to three times. I've got a few ideas, inspired by these cool boots. For my first idea, I decided to be literal and take the cowboy theme. I used a light blue background to mirror the leaves on the boots.

To make sure to get a crisp, white outline on this cute stamp and the doodled border, I used my signo pen. I just got a new one, so it was working so smoothly. Then I typed and printed out the sentiment on vellum, adhered it with a brad and gave it a bit of a curl. The card looked unfinished to me, so I added the twine at the bottom. It still looked unfinished. See what I mean? It's just so hard for me to stop! I finally added the button and took a picture really quickly, before I could be tempted to add even more.

I've got a few more ideas floating around in my head, courtesy of those fun boots. Please don't tell me where I can get a pair, because I am liable to buy them and then never wear them. I just love to look at them. Anyway, I'm off to do more laundry and then maybe I will challenge myself with another clean and simple card. If not, well, it's pretty impressive that I finished even one, you know?

11 comments:

Karin said...

Hi Gina,
wonderful cats! Thank you for your sweet comment on my cards at the Sweet Pea Stamps blog, it made me very happy!
Hugs Karin

Diana Joy said...

You cracked me up with your comments about throwing papers and embellishments on paper.... And being a fairly 'simple scrapper' thanks for a compliment. I too, sometimes, have trouble holding back. Your card is cute and wow I'd love those boots also.

Tammy said...

OMG you crack me up but you know what??? I am so right there with you on the oh, hell no!!! I think it takes me longer to make a CAS card that it does one of my more embellished cards. Funny how we get in our comfort zone huh!?! Your card is absolutely adorable and you did a wonderful job with the CAS. Thank you for playing along with us at The Outlawz!!!!

Dana said...

Adorable Gina!! And I agree with 100%. CAS is an art form in itself! I am always so inspired when I see others achieve this awesome look but I do what you say you do.. oh it needs this, and then that and before you know it viola.. no longer CAS!!!
You've pulled it off brilliantly!!! I love this!
Hugs~
Dana

Doreen Vasquez said...

That is a real cute card! I love the simplicity of it (LOL)! THe cradstock bg is a great anchor for the white outlined border and cowboy stamp!

Brenda said...

Love it Gina. awesome card. I know what you mean about how hard it is to do CAS. Glad you are entering. Hope you win some goodies!

Star said...

Gina, girl, it's fabulous! I love the white stamp on the craft background..very awesome! Wonderful CAS card... =)

Oh, and thanks for the comments on my blog. You crack me up, woman!

Melissa Vettorel said...

Super cute card!! You have really nice artwork!! I just became a follower!!

Come check out my blog : http://melissavettorel.blogspot.com/

Trina said...

Even though it may have been hard for you, your card came out wonderfully! I love the white!

Tracy S said...

this is awesome. Love that you stamped in white.. Did you color the stamp with the signo and then stamp or stamp with watermark and trace with signo.. either way it looks awesome! Great job keeping it CAS that is super hard for me too.

Wordbird said...

Oh girl! Your post made me laugh! I'm with you...I have to work much harder on a CAS card than any other style! I'm with you on those boots too!!.......So cool!

You made a fab CAS card here...I love the white on the kraft! Very cute and very CAS. Thanks for joining us in this weeks challenge. ;D