We are so excited and delighted to be starting our venture into the world of hosting Blogland Challenges.
We have been truly overwhelmed by the interest and wonderful support from fellow bloggers for this new blog and now the time has come for you to show us your wonderful creations.
When Mandi and I met for the first time, we felt like kindred spirits and got on well from the outset. Curiously we both wore pink and black so it was the obvious choice for our first Colour Challenge
When Mandi and I met for the first time, we felt like kindred spirits and got on well from the outset. Curiously we both wore pink and black so it was the obvious choice for our first Colour Challenge
Your cards do need to be Clean & Simple; there is some information in the Glossary on the side bar if you're not sure exactly what this entails.
Black, White and Pink
Chrissie
In order to position the sentiment exactly where I wanted it (essential when stamping directly onto the card), I used my DIY Stamp positioner. This consists of 4 large Lego blocks and a piece of acetate. The Lego is constructed into a right angle and the acetate cut into a square or rectangle. The piece of acetate is slid into the right angle corner of the Lego and then is stamped with the sentiment (fitting it snugly into the right angle in the Lego)
When happy with the position, keeping the Lego very still, the acetate is removed and using the Lego as a guide, the image is stamped onto the card.
Voila!
Mandi
Chrissie
Both of these cards obviously use the same image, and have lots of 'white space' although the second one has the image matted on a smaller rectangle and mounted on a larger card. The basic design is the same on both cards, but any preference would be down to personal taste. Those crafters unafraid of large expanses of unadorned card may prefer the second, but don't be afraid to leave empty spaces on your cards, it helps to focus attention on the important elements.
When happy with the position, keeping the Lego very still, the acetate is removed and using the Lego as a guide, the image is stamped onto the card.
Voila!
Mandi
OK, so onto my card!
As you can see there's also lots of white space...creating white space isn't actually any easier than filling every inch/cm with paper or card. It's all about the balance. The old 3 or 5 planting rule in the garden, also works on a card! That's something I cannot answer as to why it works, it just does!
I had the idea in my head and started by creating the modern font on the computer. Regular followers of mine will know it's something I do often. So I placed the greeting off centre, then balanced the 3 circles on the opposite side. The large one off the page to make the eye think this wasn't just 'plonked' on!!
I have glittered the damask pattern on the medium circle. CAS doesn't have to mean no detail, it just means simple lines and design. I added the 5 gems [notice that [darned] odd number again! but it still worked without it.
I just do my utmost to add gems and or glitter to every card :)
I just do my utmost to add gems and or glitter to every card :)
So that's me this week, I do hope all you followers will join in.
We will give you every tip we can as the weeks progress.
All we ask is that you enjoy taking part, and get to know the community we hope to create.
these cards are wonderful! And thanks for the mini tut!
ReplyDeleteLove these they are fab, and love that welly image.
ReplyDeleteoh these are so elegant and perfectly laid out really love it hugs cheyrl xxxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cards - do love the wellies image!! This should be a fun challenge!
ReplyDeleteSimply Stunning are they all.
ReplyDeleteNow to look for my image and sentiment ,mmmmm.
Sensational cards ladies. Looking forward to pushing myself into doing more of the CAS style so that I can join in these challenges. Wishing you every good luck with your new venture.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sharon xx
Gorgeous creations girlies will be back later with me creation..
ReplyDeletesmiles Christine xx
Girlies why does it not surprise me that Mandi had pink on loooool, both gorgeous and I love those wellies!!! will try so very hard to join in. Joey xxx
ReplyDeleteoh well done girls, both cards are fab.
ReplyDeleteI love CAS but never have the courage to put so little on my cards but I'll be back with my entry soon:)
Good luck with it
Anne x
Hi Girls
ReplyDeletecongratulations on ya new challenge blog, im sure it will be a huge hit, i will be joining in, as i reall don't do CAS!
Will get one done 2moro, if im not blown away!!! sue,xx
Terrific! You gals perfect CAS with your cards. Chrissie, I am in awe of your beautiful shading on the boots and shoes!
ReplyDeleteLovely cards and your challenge blog is a fun idea! I´ve added your banner and a card for week 1!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Birgit
Fab cards from both of you. Thanks for a fab challenge....looking forward to the next one already. Might need to make another lol. Can we enter more than once as there are no prizes involved?
ReplyDeleteHave a great week girls
Ali x
your carsd are lovely but I don't know if I can cope with putting so little on a card. I will need to think about what to do for my card, hopefully I will be back fairly soon.
ReplyDeleteYay, nice to see somebody else with a DIY Lego stamp positioner! :o) Great samples for your first challenge - will try to play along this week.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your handmade Stamp-a-ma-jig - with the $10 you saved you can buy new stamps!! WHOO HOO!
ReplyDeleteGreat start to the challenge, and your samples are lovely. And thanks for the tip about the DIY positioner. Will be raiding my grandsons' Lego!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the startup of the new challenge, Mandi and Chrissie. I hope my pink background counts as lots of "white space".
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely cards - and I love the white space. I always use the odd number rule myself whenever I can so its nice to know someone else does this in cardmaking too.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with this first challenge, I hope to take part myself as its right up my street!!!
Paula x x x
Fabtastic cards - love them all. Off to think of a card for myself now!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards and awesome tutorial!!! Thanks for the fun!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the start of the new blog challenge - how exciting for you. I'm taking part already. Wishing you both a wonderful journey of inspiration and pleasure. Thank you !
ReplyDeleteSarah
This was definitely worth the wait! I will be eagerly awaiting each challenge. Love your inspiration cards!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sparking my mojo! First card I've made that I actually like!
ReplyDeleteBoth of your cards are lovely - really clean and simple - shows how little you need to make a lovely card! I am very happy to participate as I am learning! Thank you for starting this it will be fun!
ReplyDeleteHugs
Cardarian
OOOOPS! For being an educator, I didn't read the directions very well! Please don't tell my boss! (LOL) I'll do better next time and thanks for letting me know.
ReplyDeletewell I just love that idea of your DIY stamp positioner what a great way to do one hhhmmmmm got me thinking now
ReplyDeleteJacki xx
Hi ya!!! great new challenge! have added this to my list of challenges.... Thanks girls!!!
ReplyDeletenow I am having a hard time with the pink! tehheheee I have to admit I don't like pink..... BUTTTTTTT!! I love the cards that have been made and they are very inspiring....
soooooo I will and I mean will be back with a card... Promise....
By the way how many cards can we enter?
tehheheee you never know I might just have to make more than one :0)
Love your cards, thanks for the lego tip.
ReplyDeleteLove your new blog, again best wishes for lots of success.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've had a change of heart wrt the colour pink after having a play this morning. Thanks for making me think outside the box!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to invite you to add your banner to our Digital Scrapbooking Topsite. It's free to sign up. Hope to see you there
ReplyDeleteFree Digital Scrapbooking
It is Sunday night 8:53CST and you already have 45 uploads to your first challenge! Congrats on your exciting beginning!!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased there is another CAS challenge in blogland. The stamp positioner tut is great, keep them coming. Wishing you both all the best with Less is More.
ReplyDeletex
How beautiful, these Clean and Simple cards.
ReplyDeleteI'll try to participate, but my days have only 24 hours ! Thank you for the spamp positioner,a clean and simple idea...
Bisous from France. coKo
Made it!!! Finally finished my card and uploaded to the challenge. Made to number 51!! I think this is going to be very popular!
ReplyDeleteThere have been some absolutely gorgeous cards made for this challenge - such wonderful inspiration.
Congratulations on your new challenge blog, 53 entries already, how mega is that? I think I`m going to be joining in an awful lot more :)
ReplyDeleteLynne xxx
Hi Chrissie and Mandy, great lst challenge and my best wishes for a successful and enjoyable venture. ikki
ReplyDeleteloving this challenge , just entered my card, I wish you every success and think this is gonna be a real hit with card makers :) x
ReplyDeleteSo very many talented card makers have entered some truly lovely cards - this challenge is a hit!
ReplyDeleteKathyk
Thank you so much for starting up this fabby challenge,i love less is more,gorgeous creations too ladies:)
ReplyDeletesue
xx
well done for setting this up - it inspired me to enter my first ever competiton of this type - thanks
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog - WOW...Love it! Those cards are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Lego & Acetate tip - great idea :)
The odd numbers thing works because our brain automatically wants to 'group' things we see, so if we look at 4 of something our brain will split them into 2 lots of 2. Therefore using odd numbers stops us seeing 'seperate' groups. This rule works for anything visual - gardening, card making, flower arranging, cake decorating, etc.
Can't wait to get ny first card done for your challenge :)
Carol x
I really like your idea of the Lego stamp positioner. Why pay big bucks for one when this does the same thing so nicely?
ReplyDeleteSharon
Gorgeous cards and a fab hint with the lego bricks
ReplyDeleteKate xxx
Thanks for your comments on my blog - most kind - and yes I am looking forward to next weeks challenge now that I am no longer a card challenge virgin!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great new challenge. I am trying to stick to CAS style cards this year but as my blog is about budget papercrafting (I don't use any of my proper cardmaking stuff!!) it's a bit tricky.
ReplyDeleteWishing you success with your new site and thanks for the tips and inspiration.
I am loving this fab new blog, this is the first time I have entered a blog challenge. Fab creations everyone.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations with your new challenge! It's great with a new one.
ReplyDeleteYour cards are stunningly beautiful and very elegant. And very fun to se a DIY Lego stamp positioner, got one too!
Hugs
Maarit
Hi Ladies just done my very 1st C& S card so thought I would enter it in your challenge I have been watching these cards for a while and really like them but was to scared to have a go but I bit the bullett hope you like it
ReplyDeleteJacki xx
So glad i found your Blog it is just what i have been looking for! I set myself a challenge for 2011,to learn how to make 'less is more' cards and here you are answering my call.
ReplyDeleteThis is only the second time i have entered a challenge, the first was yesterday with a different theme.
Thank you for starting up your challenge Bog and wish you both every success:-)
A challenge site for clean and simple - fabulous!! Love it. So many elegant cards.
ReplyDeleteLesley x
Well, I hope to have a go. Chrissie definately has seen the state of my workspace (!) so may find it hard to believer I can do CAS but I'll try....!!!
ReplyDeleteHello Chrissie, well, I've plucked up courage and made my first CAS card and it's all your fault. Your cards are beautiful and I do admire the 'less is more' philosophy behind the challenge - it's just a struggle to decide when to stop. Hopefully, this card has fulfilled the brief. Elizabeth x
ReplyDeleteSo glad I have found you and can't wait for more challenges.
ReplyDeleteWell done.
jenjoy x
What a fabulous new challenge. I must see if I can get a card made tomorrow so I can join in. xx
ReplyDeleteSorry! Had to delete # 129. The correct entry is 130 ! Thanks for a great first challenge
ReplyDeleteOnly just found, phew, just in time too. I just love CAS cards, blessings Hilde
ReplyDeleteHi, I love the cards everyone had made... What a fab new challenge blog.. I will be here every week. Thank You
ReplyDeleteBig Hug
Sylvie x
My...so many entries. Congratulations girls on the success of your new blog....may you go from strength to strength!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely my cup of tea! This curiosity pays off. I went to my regular challenge site "do you stack up", there the first entry took me to Sharon's blog, then Sarita's and now I'm here. <3
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous new Challenge Blog! I've left a link to you on my blog. xx
ReplyDeleteI had seen so many posts about your blog I just had to come and take a look. Love your cards. Congratulations on so many entries for your first challenge too. Looks like you are going to be busy ladies.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Dawn xx
Ooops, so sorry - I've Never done that before. I have put the correct link in now. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Dawn x
Brilliant new challenge, well done ladies for thinking it up. I'm sure we will all enjoy participating.
ReplyDeleteGina x
Hi Chrissie and Mandi
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new Challenge Blog your cards are Fab as usual...bit scary for me ..not normally my sort of card...wanted to put more on ...Lol
Hugs
sylvie
I can only get better
xxxx
oh what a fabulous challenge blog!! I just found you and am so excited to play along next round!
ReplyDeleteWonderful cards, love the Lego positioner...too fun!
hugs!
Gorgeous cards. I'm really looking forward to these challenges. xxx
ReplyDeleteGoirgeous cards and I love the home made stamp positioner !! I saw that on your blog a while ago and think its just brilliant !! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have made a card but think it might not qualify, if so please just delete no worries :-)
Good Luck with the challenge, I will be a regular :-)
luv
Lols x x x
Really inspirational and beautiful
ReplyDeleteLove your cards and thank you for starting a challenge that everyone can feel confident in having a go at. Zx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great new challenge blog! Thanks for the lovely inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHugs Lynsey x
totally & utterly outside my comfort zone but I've had a go..... if it's not OK please just delete me.
ReplyDeletePaula (PEP)
http://pepcraftchallexp.blogspot.com/
Hubby had an accident so didn't get my card finished.. great challenge CAS is a style I would LOVE to get right! I have looked at many of the cars entered, all so inspiring and lovely...
ReplyDeleteNext time!
Oh no! I can't add my link and I played along! When is the deadline for each challenge. I love CAS cards and am very excited about this blog!!
ReplyDeletehttp://aproductiveendeavor.blogspot.com/2011/02/simple-valentines-day-card.html
Oh, I thought the challenge was still open... Never mind, my attempt is at http://cupcakesandcustard.blogspot.com/2011/02/less-is-more.html
ReplyDeleteLesley x
Just had to add congratulations on such a resounding success for your first challenge. Hugs Caz
ReplyDeleteDarn, I guess I missed the deadline, too. You can see my card here if interested: http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/kathed/blog?directBlogUrl=%2Fblog%2F2048728%2Fentry%2Fpink_black_and_white_clean%3Fref%3Dnf
ReplyDeleteAt least, I think you can, I just started using the blog feature on my website. ;)
As you can see, we are really over the moon with your Challenge Blog. Can't wait the next challenge! :)
ReplyDeleteSORRY CHRISSIE, Please take my entry off as I did not read the theme Flowers or Trees . will try again later
ReplyDeleteagain sorry, deleted it myself I hope .
ReplyDeleteHi Chrissie and Mandi i have left you a present on my blog xx jan
ReplyDeleteI am playing catch up and here is my take on your first challenge - http://mrsbeee.blogspot.com/2011/02/less-is-more-1.html
ReplyDeleteWell I can see I am going to be stealing some kids legos lol. Thanks for the tip, this is awesome
ReplyDeleteThese cards are simple but showing a decent look.
ReplyDeletePlastic Cards Printing
Plastic Business Cards
Hank Hendricks