Everyone once in a while, I have to take a step back and remember that life is all about simplicity.
It struck me this morning when watching one of those retirement fund commercials. I couldn’t tell you who the advertiser is, but it’s all about having the money to do what you want to do when you retire. The commercial was the one with the balloons. They said to write something that is important to you on it. They then cut them away and your dreams. Point of the story was that if you don’t start saving, you won’t have the money to do the things that are important to you.
What a sad story… but is it? Really?
I am thinking not…
The things that bring you the most happiness in the world should be the simple things in life – things that don’t cost money… spending time with your family… walking through God’s creation…
But then, it hit me… My stamps! I need my stamps. I need money for my stamps (and candles – but that’s a different post!). So, I guess I will continue to work!
So… keeping simplicity in mind, here are two very stunning cards that are quite simple. The Dragonfly was inspired by Cookies Craft Co. and the Balloons were inspired by Pam Staples.
The first card is very masculine but could be changed to a more feminine card with a different color choice. Is uses Crumb Cake and Whisper White with a Basic Black dragonfly.
Let’s talk about that dragonfly for a minute. Something happened when I was cutting them out and the cut did not go through the whole way. It was a happy mistake because I really love the way it turned out. So, I was able to recreate it by using my old Big Shot platform and old acrylic plates. I did not use the Precision Plate. These dies don’t work well with this configuration, so it will make it so the peices aren’t cut through the whole way. You may have to play with it a bit. ALSO… I added texture with clear Wink of Stella on the wings (which turned out gold-ish, so that is an option too!) and Fine Tip Glue for the body. It adds the shininess.
The second card was just a basic stamping job and a hair of fussy cutting (cutting out the piece) for the banner. I didn’t feel like getting out the framelit that goes with the set just for one simple little piece… It’s the Black Baker’s Twine and Enamel Shapes that add just the right kind of bling to dress it up!
How do you keep simplicity in your cards?
Until next time… keep it simple, Stampers!
🙂 Joanne