Hello Friends!

Just wondering how many of you out there are the Keep It Simple (KIS) type of crafter, versus “I’m going to put a little bit of everything I have in my crafting supply” type of crafter?   I tend to be the latter, and often have to remind myself that “it doesn’t all have to go on ONE card!”.

It’s a tendency I’ve always had, I think.  I tend to over-complicate things, and over-think things.  Sometimes it takes a gentle nudge from family or friends to remind me that sometimes simple is better!  Be it preparing for the holidays, i.e. I’ve got to decorate every room in the house, have all matching dishes, silverware, tablecloths, centerpieces, for every table (our family has gotten quite large over the years!), the exact same number of presents for everyone under the tree; to I want to know all there is to know about a certain subject and won’t rest until I feel I’ve studied it to death; to did he/she really mean what he/she said, or is there more to the story? – and come up with all sorts of scenarios in my head.

I’ve heard the exasperation in others’ voices many times in my life – “You’re making it too complicated, you’re overthinking it – QUIT!” And, it’s true; I do have that tendency and I know it.  And, it carries over into my crafting as well.

So, today I decided I would start simple, and gradually add to my creation.  I’ve been paper crafting for decades now and have a, ah-hmmm, “very comprehensive collection of supplies”.  However, I know that isn’t necessarily the case for all of you, so I wanted to scale back, starting simple if you’re a crafter with minimal supplies, and step it up gradually.

I often have a hard time knowing where to stop when I’m working on a project, and by the time I’m done, I’ve thrown “a little bit of everything” onto it and for the most part, am generally happy with the results.

But today, in dialing things back and then comparing all three cards – simple, moderate, more complicated – I learned something.  I actually like the more moderate card (middle) the best.  While I’m overall pleased with the final result (more complicated), in comparison of the cards, I don’t really think it needed the extra supplies, time and effort.

Here are the three versions below.  Let me know in the comments which one you like best.  I actually went ahead and submitted the second one to the CASology card challenge this week; the theme is “stag”.  Of course, CAS stands for Clean And Simple, hopefully the the second one is clean and simple enough!

Are you able to see the progression?

The first card is quite basic but still very effective.

I used the Wishes & Wonder stamp set and coordinating North Pole Wonder Dies.  I started with a Mossy Meadow card base and used a mat of the light woodgrain DSP from In Good Taste DSP.  I cut the “stag” (reindeer) and the tag using the North Pole Wonder Dies.  The mistletoe was stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and colored with Mossy Meadow Stampin’ Blends; the berries are colored with the ivory Stampin’ Blend.   The sentiment “Special Delivery” was stamped in Real Red ink.  I highlighted the reindeer with the dark Soft Suede Stampin’ Blend. A Real Red ribbon was tied through the tag and the elements were adhered to the DSP.

The second “moderate” card, I used the Detailed Trio punch in the corners of the DSP, and added a Real Red mat underneath.  Done.  Not complicated, the changes minimal, but they definitely stepped up the look of the card.

And finally, the third, “more complicated” card, I inked all the edges of the DSP and tag with Soft Suede ink, added the Real Red ribbon all the way across the panel, added the green DSP (from Heartwarming Hugs DSP) cropped with the Curvy Dies, and added a few Gold Glitter Enamel Dots from Wonderful Gems to finish it.

Well, what do you think?  Is the winner 1) simple; 2) moderate; or 3) more complicated?

Let me know your opinion in the comments below!

I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day! (Now go get INKY!)

Janet

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