As most visitors to "Less is More" know, we are always banging on about 'White Space'! I guess it's the essence of the the Clean and Simple genre and it's the one most difficult thing for many crafters to get their heads around. White space doesn't have to be white... it just need to be a clear area, which is why patterned paper can't be used for this. Dry or clear heat embossing can sometimes be used in these areas as long as the focal image is predominant. We have been asked questions as to why some things are acceptable and others not, but it's the overall feel of the composition which is vital. It MUST appear clean and simple... unadulterated... without additional layers and too many embellishments.
Here is a really simple example. Two stamps and a card!
The Uniko gerbera was stamped onto vellum and embossed with white EP. It was then coloured with alcohol pens in several shades on the back side of the image, which was then cut out. The sentiment from Clearly Besotted was stamped in Versamark and embossed, again using white EP.
I added a little clear Wink of Stella to the front of the vellum.
Here is a card I made for a friend of my son (who is also rapidly approaching this age!).
It's simply die-cuts from Memory Box and MFT. Simples!
I always add double sided adhesive to the back side of card before die-cutting...especially fiddly things, as once cut, all that's needed to be done is peel, position and press!
This last one was made for a friend of mine to send to her God-daughter. I have made her cards for the past few years and not long ago the mum of the girl, whom I have got to know indirectly, messaged me to say that last year's card was still on display...in a frame. I just had a message to say that they will be off to Ikea this weekend to buy a frame for this one as she loved it so much!
I feel flattered!
The die cuts are in holographic golden card, The 14 is from Sizzix, the ampersand from MFT and the letters from a special Quickcutz set.
The embossed black backdrop is from a Cuttlebug folder.
This last one was made for a friend of mine to send to her God-daughter. I have made her cards for the past few years and not long ago the mum of the girl, whom I have got to know indirectly, messaged me to say that last year's card was still on display...in a frame. I just had a message to say that they will be off to Ikea this weekend to buy a frame for this one as she loved it so much!
I feel flattered!
The die cuts are in holographic golden card, The 14 is from Sizzix, the ampersand from MFT and the letters from a special Quickcutz set.
The embossed black backdrop is from a Cuttlebug folder.
Your LIM card is just stunning Chrissie - it looks like it could be picked straight off the card!
ReplyDeleteBold & fabulous! Love the tip for sticking die cuts x
ReplyDeleteWonderful trio of cards there Chrissie. I am really loving the bow cards that seem to be making an appearance at the moment so that fab, fit and forty has caught my eye as a fantastic example of a masculine card. Just adore it!
ReplyDeleteSharon xx
Three fabulous cards, Chrissie. Love the sentiments on the bottom two. :-) xx
ReplyDeleteThree stunning cards. Isn't it lovely when you hear how much someone appreciates a card you've made for them. Karen x
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! Jo x
ReplyDeleteLove, love, LOVE the flower card, who makes the stamp?
ReplyDeleteI did mention above, it's from Uniko!
DeleteThese are wonderful Chrissie! I love the use of vellum in particular, but they're all striking and have the "wow" factor. I'm not surprised they've been getting framed by the recipients! Erm... it's my birthday in December!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love white space not being white! And this really works with your black, love it with the Uniko flower x
ReplyDeleteSuper set of cards. The flower looks so 3d. x
ReplyDeleteThat gerbera is stunning - i love these flowers I had them at my wedding! I love this card - this challenge blog is certainly taking me out of my comfort zone - and I love it.
ReplyDeleteWow! That gerbera/daisy style flower is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSally x
Three beautiful inspirationcards! But that first Chrissie, that first is stunning!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of the weekend!
Chrissie, loving your inspirational cards !!
ReplyDeleteChrissie, loving your inspirational cards !!
ReplyDeleteNobody does deep rich and elegant black (white) cards like you do, Chrissie! These are sensational!! Enjoy your day! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteGorgeous cards, Chrissie! I absolutely love the vellum gerbera - it looks very dramatic and your other cards have a really graphic, sharp design :) Great inspiration for our non-white white space challenge.
ReplyDeleteGreat description and visual of true CAS cards! Great inspiration!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning trio cards Chrissie, love your 'not' white-white space, my favourite Uniko bloom showcased to perfection too against that black BG. Just perfect. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous cards Chrissie! Love that kraft flower especially on the first card!
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous cards Chrissie! Love that kraft flower especially on the first card!
ReplyDeleteAll beautiful Chrissie, great challenge,
ReplyDeleteSarita x
Gorgeous cards Chrissie, all of them are absolutely fabulous and I love the white embossed and coloured flower on your first one, stunning and very stylish :-)
ReplyDeleteluv
Lols x x x
I love your vellum bloom especially against that black!! Thanks too for the "white space" lesson, hopefully I am learning?
ReplyDeleteStunning, your card really stood out in the gallery so beautifully CAS, dynamic and thoroughly gorgeous. Love the second with the bow its a real show stopper and how nice for people to frame your cards such a lovely feeling .
ReplyDeleteMarie
How lovely that your creations are framed!
ReplyDeleteThese all look fab, that gerbera is so striking against the black x
All wonderful examples of this week's theme Chrissie. The gerbera is quite stunning although I can understand why all three would be 'keepers' lol!
ReplyDeleteChrissie thanks for the visit I love all your LIS cards. The black backdrop really makes the cards dramatic.
ReplyDeleteHugs Erika. x
Your gerbera looks so dimensional like it is going to come off the card! I like the idea of the dinner jacket - it looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards ....and great idea with the double sided adhesive on the die cuts! Must remember to do that :-)
ReplyDeleteA wonderful trio of black cards. Who says white space has to be white! ;-)
ReplyDelete