Aug 25 2009
Embrace Simplicity
Good Wednesday to all! I just have one simple card to share today. I’d planned to spend a little more quality time with my barely used SU! Embrace Life set but the truth is, I’ve rarely felt more abandoned by my imagination. A temporary lull, I hope. Perhaps it’s because every morning, lunch hour and evening is spent helping my Wally puppy burn off energy (in between smooches, of course). Or maybe it’s just the approach of summer’s end that has me wanting to lounge on the deck with a good book, soaking up the sun while it’s still available. Funny how the desire to stamp is still there, but the get-up-and-go-for-it is trailing behind.
I sat in my stamp room for the longest time, looking at my card parts, trying to figure a way to make this composition more interesting. After a spell, I realized I was attempting to force something that just wasn’t there. So why not keep it simple? I have some pretty flowers and pretty paper, a length of ribbon, and a friendly sentiment. I also have a card that, in the end, is as satisfying as any elaborate construction I’ve made in the past, and it’s an easy mailer to boot.
I’ll admit, I’m drawn more and more to clean and simple these days. It has occurred to me that there’s less that can go wrong with clean and simple — fewer crooked layers, badly placed embellishments, or unbalanced compositions. Sometimes you’re really “feeling it” and it all flows together effortlessly, but when in doubt, clean and simple gets the card done.
I colored the flowers with Prismacolor markers — Blush Pink, Cherry, and Tuscan Red. The image panel is popped up on foam mounting tape. And that’s all there is to it. Gosh, I could have had this card done in a jiffy if I hadn’t been so unnecessarily determined to do more. It’s a learning experience.
I appreciate your taking the time to drop in on me today. I feel like I’ve been a little scarce, both in my posting and my visiting. Again, sometimes you just have to let things flow with the current. Enjoy your day!
Stamps: Embrace Life, All Year Cheer I Paper: Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Wild Asparagus designer paper Ink: Ranger Distress Walnut Stain, Chocolate Chip, Prismacolor markers for coloring Accessories: Bashful Blue taffeta ribbon, Scotch brand foam mounting tape
don’t push it. this is gorgeous.
I agree with Joan. Your coloring is superb on the flowers. I’ve been wanting to do more clean and simple myself. But, I too, have such a propensity to add ribbon or a button or something and, I too, sit for the longest time contemplating how to fill up the empty spaces. I’m going to join the Clean and Simple challenges over on Splitcoast and FORCE myself to learn to stamp like that. Really, I like all kinds of stamping results but, for me, clean and simple is the most difficult (well that and masculine cards). Anyway, you did GOOD, just like always. Glad Wally is giving you so much pleasure.
Leslie ~ I always say simple is elegant…and this is just what you have done with this card! I see a lot of images surrounded by so many layers and embellishments that you forget the image and are looking at all the other. I have done the same thing in the past…looking at my stash and putting all kinds of stuff on them when I coulda saved time and just made a “simple,” but beautiful card. Love It!!!
I love your card! Seems I’m drawn to them, too. Sadly, I’m in that boat with you. I have the want-to but when it gets down to it, I tend to sit and stare at my “stuff” more than anything else. Gladly, I now don’t feel alone. Thanks for sharing your feelings.
dont think you lost your mojo this is so pretty as all your cards are love it
Hugs
Norine
I love your beautiful but clean and simple card. You are right to go with the flow and not force yourself to stamp-no fun in that! :>) Having said that, I really do enjoy all your creations. tfs
Very pretty Leslie! Simple isn’t a bad thing as you know I like simple. this is sweet and I agree on not fighting it. hee hee I also think that I am in the same boat with summer ending and wanting to stamp but at the same time want to sit out back as long as I can. It is getting chiller earlier now well I say that with a grin becuase earlier just means 8 pm earlier verses 10 pm. lol Hope you have a great day!
Leslie, Your card is stunning! I share your feelings about stamping this time of year. Seems like I just want to be outside, lounging in the pool with a good book! Thanks for sharing with us!
Cherie
What a beautiful cards,i love the images and colours.
So gorgeous papers.
Hugs Riet.x
Welcome to my world, lol….. I do that exact same thing about over analyzing at least once a week. Did it just last night and wasted precious time… your card is gorgeous! Like a friend has told me many times….:
Sometimes, less is more!
Leslie, your card is just what I need!! I have had some of these embrace flower stemps painted and not known what to do with them…but your layout is wonderful and simple yet stunning. I too love clean and simple, and always feel that in the stamping world we are pushed to add this layer or that embellishment…and sometimes what is is perfection. Thanks for sharing with us today…and welcome to your cute addition!!
Absolutely gorgeous!!! Anyone would LOVE to receive this card!
Thanks for sharing your great creations. You are one of my favorite bloggers!
What a treat it was to drop in on you today! Your card is sensational and I adore your coloring and blending. All the thought and planning you put into your cards is quite evident, and is clearly crux of your exquisite creations.
Great card Leslie! I love how everything flows together.
I think it’s the annual holiday for mojos! Loads of people are saying they can’t find theirs, or their get up and go has got up and gone. MINE has!
YOURS on the other hand, is home, alive and kicking!
You’ve given one of my favourite sets a while new lease of life.
Brilliant! Now, where’s that mojo of mine gone………
This is lovely. CAS is a hard style at times and it seems many of us have that same problem. I think your card is wonderful.
The simplicity is beautiful, Leslie. Love the DP you used, too! Lovely card.
Picture perfect!
I agree…..clean and simple can be difficult, but the results are so pretty. I love your poppy image and beautiful DP’s and ribbon. All just perfect. happy stamping and puppy playing…..
WOW! Beautiful coloring! I’ve got this stamp set and love it. But your coloring is WAY better than anything I could churn out. Thanks for sharing!
I love the simplicity and very elegant.
Perfectly Beautiful Leslie, I’m starting to love the CAS cards more & more!!
Very pretty and sweet card, Leslie. I’m with you on gravitating more and more towards clean and simple designs. If the focal image is pleasing, it doesn’t necessarily need elaborate surroundings. Linda
Simple card but lovely! The background paper you used goes perfectly with your image!
This is ’simply’ great! All your cards are fantastic.
(I decided I needed to pop in here and comment. I read you posts via my email and it seems I am always in a hurry and don’t take the time to come visit.
Simple, elegant, gorgeous! Beautiful card Leslie, as always!!
Simplicity at it’s finest, Leslie!! I love your chosen papers, and your coloring is perfect!!
Leslie, this is beautiful! I agree that clean and simple is more and more appealing to me. This is fabulous!