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For me, it's non-outline stamps that are not tiny. A little bit of ribbon, brads, nekkid buttons, definitely punches (for edges and flowers esp.), any patterned paper as long as it's a small scale. So there you go, my two cents!
Good question, Joan! I would say that I use the same supplies as "regular" cards, but just fewer of them. That said, I use a lot of white or other neutrals as a card base, a lot of punches, and lot of different sentiments. I am partial to PaperTrey and Amuse for clean and simple focal images, but lots of other non-fussy stamps work too.
Not that I'm the best at this, but looking at the ones I like by others, I think the image is key...whether it be small or large, it has to be something that stands alone and looks great (if that makes sense?). Nothing that needs a lot done to it...beautiful botanicals, for example, or the Amuse stack of books with coffee mug on top. Something interesting on its own. Otherwise, "what Jenn said" :-D
__________________ Lynn
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right�--Lincoln
Joan - you do CAS so well! I think just about any stamp and any paper can be made into a CAS card, just take the "less is more" approach.
I've seen both outline and solid images work well, and designer paper can be used if used sparingly. The key to CAS is "open space" - it does not have to be "white" space as you can have a CAS card with colored cardstock. It just needs to be uncluttered.
For me, I have a few requirements:
I have to have a good quality, heavy weight, white paper...and maybe a bit of vanilla/cream color too. GK or PTI is wonderful. You don't have to use white card bases all the time...I sure don't! But when you do, something heavier is better.
Designer paper in smaller patterns...mostly.
You can use any type of stamp, large or small, outline or solid.
You can use any type of ribbon, wide or narrow, patterned or not.
You can use any type of embellishment at all!
When I finally realized that I was more on the CAS side than the overly layered side, I didn't have to get anything but a good white paper. SU's white is too light weight.
IMHO, the secret to a great CAS card is to make it clean. Open, unadulterated space. Minimal use of layers. No conflicting patterns. Minimal number of images.
But then you already make some absolutely lovely CAS cards! So you already know all that!
I found that spending the energy to do the CAS challenges each week really defined my style of CAS (at first I was really narrow, I've broadened out a bit) and helped to make my understanding clearer.
everyone has already summed it up so well, but i'll add my two cents. i've made CAS cards that have taken hours, regardless of technique or tools used, as long as there is one image, outline or solid, a hint of embellishments, some ribbon, jewels or pearls and a sentiment. the most important thing is CAS is as subjective as any art.
I go along with a mention above of embossing with folders. But also the dry-embossed frames with Nestabilities or other dies make for a great look framing an image. I did one month of my Christmas Card Challenge cards like that. And THIS one...so I'd count dies in as a useful product to add a lot of interest in a simple, unfussy way.
And I like narrow strips of dp, good for using up little scraps from the table.
My problem with CAS is that I can make busy cards and I just don't, not ever, smudge them - but as soon as I set out to try a CAS on white card, I am guaranteed to smudge at least two.
For me much embellishment doesn't go with the idea of CAS, but that's just me.
Curious as to why you are asking when it's something that you rather specialise in .
My problem with CAS is that I can make busy cards and I just don't, not ever, smudge them - but as soon as I set out to try a CAS on white card, I am guaranteed to smudge at least two.
Ahh, yes...me too! :lol:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cook22
Curious as to why you are asking when it's something that you rather specialise in .
You guys think I specialize in CAS? I have no clue!!
I feel like I am all over the lot style wise, but seem to be gravitating to a "modified CAS" -- I tend to like a couple of layers, but keeping it uncluttered.
I'm trying very very hard to focus my spending. I bought a set of beautiful stamps (detailed flower images) that I can't really work with the style I'm preferring. I love coloring in the images, and love the images themselves but they don't "work" for cleaner cards -- at least not for me.
That got me to thinking about what other expensive mistakes I could avoid and what kinds of images work best for this style.
I'm still thinking about it and loved reading all the comments.
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
The point to what you're calling "clean and simple" is to avoid using the mounds of embellishments on the card. Think "much less is more" when making the card. Once you start with the embellishments, you no longer have the type of card you were wanting to start out with.
What I am reading is that you still want to be able to color and do CAS cards. Here's a card that I found before that is colored and CAS - absolutely stunning.
Here's another with colored flowers, but still very much a CAS There are tons of one layer or two layer cards that are colored and still CAS.
You guys think I specialize in CAS? I have no clue!!
I feel like I am all over the lot style wise, but seem to be gravitating to a "modified CAS" -- I tend to like a couple of layers, but keeping it uncluttered.
I'm trying very very hard to focus my spending. I bought a set of beautiful stamps (detailed flower images) that I can't really work with the style I'm preferring. I love coloring in the images, and love the images themselves but they don't "work" for cleaner cards -- at least not for me.
That got me to thinking about what other expensive mistakes I could avoid and what kinds of images work best for this style.
I'm still thinking about it and loved reading all the comments.
Without seeing your image, is it possible to do a spotlight technique on this while still keeping the card CAS? Just a thought.
I'd love to see the flower images, Joan, could you link to them? Would the embossed frame work around them - frames nicely but still allows for colouring! Or white layered on white still gives a clean look with the image coloured - CAS Christmas
Any time I check your blog, I always see lovely CAS cards .
I love CAS cards I've been reading this thread and I'm trying to come up with a list of supplies that I use the most.
The thing I use on every card is my score-pal, if not for some decorative scoring, then I’ll use it to score/fold my cards in half.
Mostly, I use my SU markers for coloring.
And I just love ribbon- I use that on almost every card as well.
Punches are another big thing for me; you can do so much with punches.
My Cuttlebug is another item that I use a lot (I wouldn't be without it). The embossing folders are perfect to use for creating CAS cards.
I'm a huge fan of white cardstock and I use it all the time. This isn't to say that CAS cards have to have lots of 'white' space, but this is the look that I like.
As mentioned above CAS cards are very subjective and I agree with Patti in that 'less is more'. For me, I'm not a fan of cards with tons of layers and lots of embellishments.
You guys think I specialize in CAS? I have no clue!!
I feel like I am all over the lot style wise, but seem to be gravitating to a "modified CAS" -- I tend to like a couple of layers, but keeping it uncluttered.
I'm trying very very hard to focus my spending. I bought a set of beautiful stamps (detailed flower images) that I can't really work with the style I'm preferring. I love coloring in the images, and love the images themselves but they don't "work" for cleaner cards -- at least not for me.
That got me to thinking about what other expensive mistakes I could avoid and what kinds of images work best for this style.
I'm still thinking about it and loved reading all the comments.
just saw your blog and wow, your cards are awesome!
you dont need help
Joan...
Ahh, don't we all try to "define" "our style" and then feel guilty when we make something that steps outside that "definition". For what we need to do is look at the whole spectrum and say, "Which end do I fit at?"
Looking at what you have in your gallery and on your blog, and then what you say above, it appears that you have tightly defined CAS as one layer cards, or something really close. (please correct me if I am seeing things wrong) One layer cards are one way to do CAS, but not the only way. And looking at what is in your gallery and on your blog, and using the term CAS as I see it, "your style" is definitely already firmly planted in the realm of CAS. Yes, you do make cards that are less simple, but that is perfectly fine. Sometimes I like a more layered, less clean card too! I think the only "stuff" I have removed from my stamping supplies since I drifted to the CAS end of the spectrum is some of my dp that was "too busy".
If you don't mind, I'll give some examples of using difficult stamps in CAS...and again if you don't mind, I'll use my gallery to show what I mean.
When I go to design a card, I think first of the image I would like to use. Do I want a large image that requires coloring to make it "pop"? Then my design is a bit simpler, like this one: CAS59 NYC inspiration by fionna51 at Splitcoaststampers . I tend to not use pure one layer cards. I don't do them well! So this has an extra layer to give some dimension. And you notice that a mat isn't required, even though one might be just fine. In this card a mat would have been too much.
I can't possibly cover every different way to do CAS. But just remember that I don't think there is an image out there that can't be used on a clean and simple card. They will all work, but you have to find the way that works best for the image.
And remember that layers are okay in CAS, too. You won't use as many, but they're fine.
And remember that you will draw the eye to a single focus. You won't have a bunch of different things on your card that make your eye run all over the place.
And embellishments and ribbon are ok. You just won't go over the top with them.
It will take you a while to settle in to a range of cards in the CAS that you like and that you will love to make. It did for me and I'm sure it did for everyone who has already responded. But if you love it, then it is right for you!
Now, will you believe us when we say that your gallery/blog shows you as being a wonderful CAS stamper, who occasionally steps outside the bounds of CAS just a bit to make a beautiful almost-CAS card or two?
Thanks for asking about the stamps I was talking about. The specific stamps I'm struggling with are the gorgeous florals from Flourishes. I received all 3 sets to make up a year of flowers as a Christmas gift (they were on my list). You can see one of the sets here. http://rjnx9.ut464.servertrust.com/C..._1_p/ss092.htm
I'm just not sure how to use this type of image in a very simple card.....
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
Not that I'm the best at this, but looking at the ones I like by others, I think the image is key...whether it be small or large, it has to be something that stands alone and looks great (if that makes sense?). Nothing that needs a lot done to it...beautiful botanicals, for example, or the Amuse stack of books with coffee mug on top. Something interesting on its own. Otherwise, "what Jenn said" :-D
That is one of my favorite stamps. I haven't used it in ages. I need to find it out and use it this week.
Thanks for asking about the stamps I was talking about. The specific stamps I'm struggling with are the gorgeous florals from Flourishes. I received all 3 sets to make up a year of flowers as a Christmas gift (they were on my list). You can see one of the sets here. http://rjnx9.ut464.servertrust.com/C..._1_p/ss092.htm
I'm just not sure how to use this type of image in a very simple card.....
Those are beautiful. With such in intricate image, I would just color them and add a sentiment. I like to stamp my images for CAS cards on white cardstock, mat it, and then adhere to the notecard.
I have a couple that I have made here, here, and here.
I think your images seem bigger that the flourishes ones that I'm struggling with. Maybe that's my issue.
Maybe the images need to be a bit bigger to carry a card or stamped and die cut somehow. I'm going to look around the flourishes gallery to see if I can get some ideas.
Or maybe I'm thinking too much!
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
[QUOTE=Joan B;16826422]Michelle, I love those cards!!
I think your images seem bigger that the flourishes ones that I'm struggling with. Maybe that's my issue.
Maybe the images need to be a bit bigger to carry a card or stamped and die cut somehow. I'm going to look around the flourishes gallery to see if I can get some ideas.
My problem with CAS is that I can make busy cards and I just don't, not ever, smudge them - but as soon as I set out to try a CAS on white card, I am guaranteed to smudge at least two.
.
I have to agree with this!! I've had more than one CAS card turn into not-so-CAS because of bloopers.
Thanks for asking about the stamps I was talking about. The specific stamps I'm struggling with are the gorgeous florals from Flourishes. I received all 3 sets to make up a year of flowers as a Christmas gift (they were on my list). You can see one of the sets here. http://rjnx9.ut464.servertrust.com/C..._1_p/ss092.htm
I'm just not sure how to use this type of image in a very simple card.....
Thanks for asking about the stamps I was talking about. The specific stamps I'm struggling with are the gorgeous florals from Flourishes. I received all 3 sets to make up a year of flowers as a Christmas gift (they were on my list). You can see one of the sets here. http://rjnx9.ut464.servertrust.com/C..._1_p/ss092.htm
I'm just not sure how to use this type of image in a very simple card.....
Ah, I have all those - the only time I ever bought a whole release from Flourishes. CAS isn't my natural territory, but I am off work today and tomorrow, so I shall set myself a personal challenge to make a CAS card with one of those stamps .
Thanks for asking about the stamps I was talking about. The specific stamps I'm struggling with are the gorgeous florals from Flourishes. I received all 3 sets to make up a year of flowers as a Christmas gift (they were on my list). You can see one of the sets here. http://rjnx9.ut464.servertrust.com/C..._1_p/ss092.htm
I'm just not sure how to use this type of image in a very simple card.....
Check out cards from Kim Hughes or Terri Anderson...Here's one of Kim's (last one in the post)...LOVE IT!! And here's ONE and TWO from Terri's blog...just a new way to look at line art. I think I may try it, too!
You guys think I specialize in CAS? I have no clue!!
I feel like I am all over the lot style wise, but seem to be gravitating to a "modified CAS" -- I tend to like a couple of layers, but keeping it uncluttered.
I'm trying very very hard to focus my spending. I bought a set of beautiful stamps (detailed flower images) that I can't really work with the style I'm preferring. I love coloring in the images, and love the images themselves but they don't "work" for cleaner cards -- at least not for me.
That got me to thinking about what other expensive mistakes I could avoid and what kinds of images work best for this style.
I'm still thinking about it and loved reading all the comments.
Just wanted to say, there are no mistakes - just opportunities. If you love the images you will find a way get them to work.
Thanks for all the inspiration in this thread everyone! I really need to get back to my stamp area!
Thanks for asking about the stamps I was talking about. The specific stamps I'm struggling with are the gorgeous florals from Flourishes. I received all 3 sets to make up a year of flowers as a Christmas gift (they were on my list). You can see one of the sets here. http://rjnx9.ut464.servertrust.com/C..._1_p/ss092.htm
I'm just not sure how to use this type of image in a very simple card.....
I think those images could be used in a similar way to the image on this card (from my gallery):
Everyone's responses are great...the only thing I would add is to try to find subtle ways to add interest. My go-to is piercing or scoring because it adds a little something without being overwhelming. I also love what JulieHRR does with tiny bling like on this card
__________________ Alanna
"It's all fun and games until someone loses an eyelet..." Gallery & Blog
it's kinda funny that I came across this thread...
I have just recently joined the CAS team...and I was surprised! I didn't think of my style as CAS...but recently, I have had less time to be creative and have found myself doing what I called level one cards. Not that they are less creative, or less pretty than others I have done in the past, but that they require less. Less stuff, less layers, less work (usually).
One thing I have come to embrace when following CAS style is an uncluttered layout. One without a lot of layers.
Another thing, is solid stamps...coloring takes me a LONG time...I will shade until my hand goes numb...
Also, I tend to use he rule of three's alot...along with the triangle focal point thing...
One tool I cant live without lately is a good black marker like a sharpie pen or identi-marker.
I'll admit I have not checked all the fancy flower links so if this has been covered sorry.
I love (but have not successfully done) the type of flowers you linked, the type folks normally color in, done in colored ink and NOT colored in. I see it in magazines and from the PTI team sometimes. I never think to do line images in colored ink and then just not color them in, but it looks FAB. I think Kim Hughes does this a good bit.
I also like them stamped just in black, maybe on cream paper with a touch of a color in the ribbon or other simple embelishment.
I do find myself ordering less and less of this type of stamp as I go more into CAS cards.
__________________ My BlogMy GalleryAll dog's feet smell like Fritos. I know you don't believe me, go check... See, I told you so.
Supplies for "Clean and Simple" Stamping
