Sep 08 2008
A Simple Thanks Will Do
This card is so simple I hesitated to post it, but in the end I decided there was value in its sharing. It was created at the request of a friend who wanted to send a hospitality thank you regarding some outdoor weekend activities.
Even though it’s a girlfriend who requested it, I categorized it under “masculine” because it’s just the sort of card a guy would be okay with. So there’s one reason for sharing — an idea for a guy card. We ladies love to see those many-layered, exquisitely sculpted, elaborately embellished cards but in real life we need one of these simple guy cards occasionally, too.
On the subject of simple…I know we all have times we need a card in an ultra-hurry and nothing in our stash is appropriate. That’s the time to take a look at those designer papers that are too pretty, cute, cool or whatever to cover up. I’m turning over a new leaf in that regard. I wondered what I was going to do with this particular sheet from my Grove collection. I love it but I did not want to cover it. It should be viewed as a whole, like a primitive painting. Papers with repeating patterns are a relatively painless proposition for backgrounds but some of those little 6×6 sheets are so gorgeous they should be framed and hung on the wall! Or…we can allow them occasionally to play the starring role on a card.
Looking at this paper made me think, “gee, look how primitive the illustration is”. It’s masterfully primitive and it’s an art form that’s widely admired and respected. Hmmmm…the trees are kind of funky and there’s no grounding of the images, no shadows cast by the trees. Yet it’s so darn artistic. We can do this, can’t we? Do you sometimes think maybe you try too hard? We might not be able to draw or paint this but the artists provide the stamps. For an outstanding example of primitive, yet totally fabulous, stamp art please see this card by Laura Fredrickson. In fact, check out her whole blog. The girl can stamp! Wow!
One last thing…this card I made today is actually a stepped up version of a card I made the other day (if you can believe that!). Yes, I was in an even bigger hurry when I made a very last minute card on my lunch hour to put in the mail to my son that day. It was one layer of this same Grove paper on a blue card base with a sentiment stamped in black in the lower left corner of the card. That’s all. Very simple but cute. My friend saw that card laying on my desk at work and exclaimed how she loved it and wondered if I’d make a similar one for her. She said she’d been looking at cards in the store and couldn’t find one she was satisfied with. The point is, when you find yourself undervaluing or growing tired of your own work, try to see it through someone else’s eyes, especially those of a non-stamper. What you do is special and unique. It can’t be found just anywhere. A handmade card represents a special care and effort, whether in the making or the seeking out of that just-right card for giving.
Okay? Now, let’s go stamp something! Oh, wait…I have to go to work first… Have an absolutely wonderful day!
Your card is stunning!!!
That is great paper and the mesh? at the bottom looks like a fence-great card. tfs
wow, that paper IS really nice and one that would be super hard to cover anyway… and I agree, sometimes we all think too hard. This card really fits - simple is sometimes best! Lovely!!
Simple, and yet so terrific!! I love how the mesh resembles a fence. I am totally with you on not covering up pretty papers. Maybe add a sentiment and a few pretty embellishments, and let it be. Nothing at all wrong with that. I LOVE your point of view, Leslie!
Simple is good, less is more sometimes. Beautiful card!
Great paper, love the mesh with the sentiment, it’s almost like a fence with a sign on it!
I think it’s beautiful!!! I love the mesh too! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
I’m such a fan of your blog and your creations, and so happy I subscribed. Just wanted to tell you I love everything you just wrote about simple creations, and that non-stampers have a different perspective of your work. Thanks for all you share with us!
I just uploaded a card with lots of embellishments and now have the desire to do something totally simple featuring some of my new SU designer papers……..and then I click onto your blog and guess what…….there is your beautiful and simple DP card. Now I am REALLY inspired. TFS
Love it and totally agree with you!
Leslie - I’m so glad you shared! This rocks. So simple and yet so perfect! I am going to dig that paper out now!!
Well, it doesn’t look simple to me and I love it!!! TFS
Leslie, your simple card is just right!! Wonderful! Some papers truly do deserve to be showcased. So glad you shared with us!
I love the way you showcase the paper! I have a lot of paper that I’ve struggled with using, and I think this is a great way to use it.
Totally love this, Leslie. It reminds me of the Rummage Bin line at CHF, which is a look I love even though I have yet to buy any. (The money only stretches so far…..) I like to showcase papers some times, too. Gee, there are so many of them out there. Aren’t we involved in a wonderful craft?
Gorgeous. Why not post it? It takes talent to use beautiful paper and not ruin it!!
I so enjoy reading your personal perspective on your works! It makes your creations, such as this one, seem to be so much more than simply a card!
~Bev
So lovely love all the texture. Perfect for a guy.
I love this. I’m so glad you chose to share. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with simple. Hey, I prefer it. I was rummaging through my stash a couple of days ago and saw some of this mesh that never did get any loving. Now you’ll have me looking at it again. THAnks.
What a great card. I have that same paper and have been wondering how I might be able to use it. Thanks for sharing.
Fabulous! The card is perfect and I love those funky trees! They make a great statement on their own. Thanks for the shout out too! Simple is great I just wish I knew how to recognize it before I’m past the point of no return!
Simple and perfect. I love it!
Just LOVE this one, Leslie - and yes, those primitive trees are just gorgeous!!! Love your mesh fence and sentiment — a perfectly executed card — no matter HOW simple — beautifully done — very striking!!! TFS!!!
What an inspiring post! And I love how this DP worked on this card, very cool indeed.
Now how clever is that to use mesh for a fence?? I love it!