Simple Stamping

[babydal57]

I've been a scrapbooker for years. And I long ago came to the conclusion that I am a simple scrapper. I don't overly embellish, nor do I use complex paper piecings or designs. Clean and simple with mostly cardstock and patterned paper as an accent.

Well, I was hoping to be a bit more creative with stamping. All those lovely techniques, detailed stamps, luscious embossing powders, etc. But alas, I think that in the end I'm a simple stamper as well. I look at the galleries and am just in awe of the creativity and artistry that I see. But when I sit down with my stamps, paper, embellisments, etc. it still comes out very plain and simple.

I can and do use ribbon, embossing, inking, stamping, eyelets, brads, jewels, etc. But rarely more than one or two things on a card. Should I just give up and go back to scrapping full-time? My cards are nice, but fairly simplistic. Am I destined to be Hallmark girl forever? LOL~

Any suggestions on how to break out of my comfort zone? Weekend/evening time is very limited or I'd love to take classes at my LSS. Any good online tutorials?

TIA!

[LateBlossom]

Check out post 55 of this thread for a tip sheet in a Word doc on making clean and simple exciting.

Forums at Splitcoaststampers

Also, there's a blog Clean and Simple that has excellent tips on Clean and Simple. Sharon Johnson's challenges are also a good place to go. Her blog is here.

My advice is to embrace your inner simple self...I fought mine for years and regret it now. Simple is beautiful!;)

[LateBlossom]

Oh, and Julie's blog, too. Well, there are just so many blogs that celebrate clean and simple....

Joan B
Cindy
Donelda

And lots more.... But this will get you started.

[French Chablis]

I really wouldn't worry about it. Do what makes you happy! I have to say I really like simple stuff and in fact the maxim 'less is more' can actually be hard to achieve. I am like you, not a great one for using lots of ribbon and embellishments, but I simply don't worry about it. I like techniques more and I don't see why I should try to swim against my own personal tide! Also, for all the successful ones that you see on here, I see a lot of others which really don't work. I call these 'kitchen sink' or 'jumble sale' style. By forcing yourself to adopt a style that doesn't suit you, you will end up unhappy with what you make and that would be such a shame. Stand up for your own style!

[Cook22]

I find it hard to do simple but I love seeing it. If it's what is *you*, then just go with it and don't try to be something you're not. I think that applies all through life, mind you, not just in card making, LOL.
But a good way to try things out, if you want, is some of the challenges. That can take you out of your comfort zone and sometimes you discover something that really does suit you.

[ellesart]

We all have our own style. No one style is better than another. I too tend to lean on the simple side of design. I have made multi layered, multi embellished cards, and while I think they are lovely I prefer the simple life. Stick with what you like.

[lisahenke]

don't give up! simple is good and no one says you have to stamp like everyone else (not that everyone else stamps elaboratly). If you do a search in the gallery with CAS as your keyword (stands for Clean and simple) you'll see tons of samples. I consider myself to be a simple stamper, I don't use too many embellishements at a time, usually just ribbon, maybe a brad or two. Keep at it and you'll feel good about your stamping. I'm sure it is wonderful!

[pjw2855]

babydal57......That's your style. That's terrific. I too don't put all the extra stuff on my cards. So my style is more conservative. I don't like the term "clean and simple". I don't consider my cards simple. Just because I don't put a lot of things hanging off my cards doesn't demote them to simple. You can get a lot of sparkle from heat embossing, dry embossing and coloring your stamps.

Don't be intimidated by many of the cards you see in the galleries. Many are made by people who get paid for doing their work, so they have to be extremely elaborate with extras on them.

To some people more is better in their eyes. To others less is more. Either way, crafting is supposed to be fun and show your creativity.

Since making my own cards even when I first started and only used my computer to generate them, I never purchased a Hallmark card again. Anything I make is better than a Hallmark.

Hallmark has a crown, Patti has a paw-print!

Patti

[kimz1959]

Sounds like the same way I make mine and have no problem with it. I like the KISS theory - Keep It Simple Stupid ;) If I wanted complicated I'd have stayed with my ex :p

[AnMiSu]

I love clean and simple! That's my style, and generally those are the cards that I'm drawn to in the gallery.

If you're happy with your style, then that's all that matters.

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by babydal57

I've been a scrapbooker for years. And I long ago came to the conclusion that I am a simple scrapper. I don't overly embellish, nor do I use complex paper piecings or designs. Clean and simple with mostly cardstock and patterned paper as an accent.

Well, I was hoping to be a bit more creative with stamping. All those lovely techniques, detailed stamps, luscious embossing powders, etc. But alas, I think that in the end I'm a simple stamper as well. I look at the galleries and am just in awe of the creativity and artistry that I see. But when I sit down with my stamps, paper, embellisments, etc. it still comes out very plain and simple.

I can and do use ribbon, embossing, inking, stamping, eyelets, brads, jewels, etc. But rarely more than one or two things on a card. Should I just give up and go back to scrapping full-time? My cards are nice, but fairly simplistic. Am I destined to be Hallmark girl forever? LOL~

Any suggestions on how to break out of my comfort zone? Weekend/evening time is very limited or I'd love to take classes at my LSS. Any good online tutorials?

TIA!

Simple can actually be quite striking--it's actually my favorite style of all! :grin:

[Colleen Schaan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieHRR

Simple can actually be quite striking--it's actually my favorite style of all! :grin:

Julie is the QUEEN of clean and simple... and her cards ROCK!!! So embrace your style...no matter what it is!

(I WISH I could find my style... I'm all over the board with my cards! LOL)

[MaryAnnK]

Babydal57 -
I can admire all types of cards for the effort that has gone into them. I also believe that many times, less really is more. The clean and simple cards sometimes just blow me away. I would love to see some of your cards in the gallery. I think that sometimes the CAS gals don't post because they think they won't measure up.

I embellish mostly with ribbon and a couple brads, or ribbon and a flower. I don't usually go overboard with layers. While I'm not sure I would consider my cards clean and simple, they are certainly not over the top. Take a peek at my gallery to see some examples of my cards.

Patti - I don't necessarily consider the clean and simple cards to be simple. I think it often takes more time and thought to make an impact with fewer elements. I'm sure your cards are lovely. And I love that you have a paw print as your trademark.

[babydal57]

Thanks everyone!

I guess I'm just afraid that I'll give one of my "simple" cards to someone and they'll be thinking "God, she was too cheap to even spend $2 on a card at the store, so she MADE me this piece of paper that a second grader could do." KWIM?

My insecurities are just shining through today, I guess. :rolleyes:

[Stamping Teacher]

You know what? That's okay if you make simple cards! Believe it or not, there are so many "elaborate stampers" out there struggling to TRY to make their cards more simple! Maybe it's true across the board.... We always want something else. ;) Anyway, simple is wonderful. But if YOU want to try to stretch your skills, I suggest taking part in some challenges. That'll get you trying things you might not have tried before. Make sense? That includes layouts and using embellishments and tools. Good luck! Be sure to upload some cards into your gallery so we can further encourage you!

[marciad]

I don't make complicated or very elaborate cards. If you feel like it, you can check out my blog. I even posted about doing simple cards.
htt://stampinheart.blogspot.com Hope it's ok to post my blog addy. If not, it will probably disappear.:(

[moonrise]

I agree with all of the above! Simple cards can be so striking, or make such a lovely statement, and often, less is more. I don't like to use too many embellishments on my cards. I like to let the paper and stamps do the talking. One or two well placed embellishments can have a lot of impact.

One thing I do think is important when making simple cards, and especially limited layer cards; a good quality card stock makes a huge difference in the outcome of your card. I find textured card stock can do a lot for a simple card too.
Don't be shy about posting your cards either, it is a great way to build some confidence and develop your style!

Have a creative day!
Deena

[jazzytobi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by babydal57

Thanks everyone!

I guess I'm just afraid that I'll give one of my "simple" cards to someone and they'll be thinking "God, she was too cheap to even spend $2 on a card at the store, so she MADE me this piece of paper that a second grader could do." KWIM?

My insecurities are just shining through today, I guess. :rolleyes:

clean and simple doesn't mean it looks like a second-grader can do it! there's a difference between clean and simple, and sloppy and simple.. you have to pay attention to the details, the rules of design, and make sure your elements are well-stamped and well-placed.

[fourliles]

I am exactly the same way. I started with cards and then scrapbooking. My scrapping is very simple. I would rather have the pics and the story on there than a bunch of embellies. Also, I scrap boy stuff so frills are out. My cards are a little fancier bu still very simple. I try not to worry about all the cards on the gallery. I just enjoy what other people can do and try to keep it fun for me.

Lara

[jpardoe]

Please don't get discouraged! Clean and simple is a wonderful style! I, personally, don't have the patience or time to make elaborate cards.

Share your creativity with all of us! If we all posted the same type of cards, there wouldn't be very many people lurking SCS for ideas!