GCA #43 - Clean and Simple

Hello all!!! Thank you to everyone who sent me well wishes for a speedy recovery from my recent back issues!! I am slowly recovering, but at least I can walk upright!! Need to go see the chiropractor now.

Anywho, on to our GCA for this week: Clean and Simple stamping. I am going to link you to the Clean and Simple (CAS) forum on SCS and to a blog devoted entirely to Clean and Simple cards/creations. Please visit either of these links to get an idea for CAS stamping. I have included a definition of CAS stamping that comes directly from the CAS forum on SCS:

Definition: A clean and simple card has limited layers and sometimes just a card base. It leaves a lot of "open space". It uses little or no embellishments. Any techniques should be the old standard everyday kind like sponging, distressing and piercing. Limit the number of tools you use. Any colored images should be small and quick. Don't go overboard on tons of punches and embossing. CAS cards should be easy and quick.

Essentially there is no right or wrong way or doing a CAS card. If you are someone, like me, who likes to pile on the layers and embellishments and such, then just by eliminating layers and embellies, you can have a clean and simple card.

My first sample I have to show you is based on CAS #13 - a sketch. We completed this card during my May club as a Father's Day card, and my girls just loved it!! I used the To The Nines speciality dsp and the oh so adorable, Forest Friends, from the Occasions mini. A few circle punches and, viola!! The circle with the owl is up on dimensionals for added interest.

To be entered in the challenge drawing, make a card or project using clean and simple stamping, upload it either to your blog, or to an online gallery and post a link to your card to this blog entry as a comment by June 6, 2009 at 12 midnight. I will choose the winner through a random number generator and post the next Sunday.

Even if you can't make the drawing deadline, PLEASE feel free to participate in the challenge and upload your creations at any time. I would love to see it! If you upload your card on SCS, Stampin' Addicts or Paper Craft Planet, please put GCA43(NO SPACE IN BETWEEN GCA AND 43) in the keyword section. That way everyone can look at all of the creations at once! If you've been waiting to join in the fun, jump on in and have some fun!!

Please remember to add the correct keywords to your creations, or give proper credit on your blog, if you use any of the CAS sketches or ideas from either site!!

Happy Stamping!!!!

~~~Ann~~~