I quite often spend a lot of time making complex cards with lots of watercolouring and layers. I enjoy the process, and it is therapeutic for me. But, not every card has to be like that. Sometimes it is great to make a simple card. However, just because something is simple doesn’t mean a lot of thought hasn’t gone into it. If you like clean and simple cards, check out the queen of great design, Cathy Zielske.

Before I get started on my 5 top tips to a simple card, I want to let you know that this blog post is part of a blog hop to celebrate the new Just For You release from Simon Says Stamp. You will find all the details of that, along with details of Simon Says Stamp’s Create event, at the bottom of this post. 

I’ve linked all supplies with compensated affiliate links used where possible at no cost to you.

1. chose a strong design

So, here we go. I’m no expert, but these are my top tips. Tip number one is to choose a strong design. When there aren’t many elements in play, you want to make sure you carefully think about where you place them. I chose to use the Leaf Edges set going diagonally across the lower portion of the card with the sentiment placed in the lower third. If you imagine a grid with two lines going vertically and two horizontally, by placing elements where the lines intersect is supposed to be eye-catching.

2. chose a classic colour scheme

Tip number two; classic colour schemes are classic for a reason – they work time and time again! In my opinion, you can’t beat kraft and white. A neutral colour palette doesn’t compete with the stamps and dies you are trying to showcase.

3. keep it clean

Tip number three; keep it clean. Every element of a clean and simple card has a lot of attention to it. So make sure that edges are cut sharp, you get a good stamped impression (use a Misti or similar), there’s no glue peeking out etc. 

4. add just a few details

Tip number four: you don’t want to make things busy, but a little white splatter over the leaves gives them a more ethereal feel, supporting the theme without overwhelming the design.

The super skinny strip of matte gold card grounds the Sending Love die cuts. 

5. accent to strengthen and highlight the focal point

Tip number five; subtle accents draw the eye to the focal point. A trio of eggshell pearls set in a triangle formation complement the colour scheme and strengthens the position of the Sending Love die cuts.

I’d love to hear what your top tips are for a clean and simple card.

more inspiration

Here’s another card I made using the Just For You release. This one is definitely more on the complex watercolour cards that I often make. You can find the original post here. This card uses the Mushroom Stems dies, Leaf Edges cling stamp set and Reverse Friendship sentiments.

blog hop

As mentioned above, this post is part of a blog hop to celebrate the Just For You release from Simon Says Stamp. Hopefully, you’ve arrived here from Nichol Spohr’s blog, but if not, an excellent place to start is Simon’s blog. As with all good hops, there are offers and giveaways.

• Use code GREEN to get $7 off a purchse of $40 or more!  Offer valid while supplies last or until 19 March at 11.59 pm EST.
• Simon is giving away a $25 coupon from comments left on each hop stop. Winners will be announced on the Simon blog on Wednesday, 22 March. Perhaps you can tell me what your top tips are for a clean and simple card. 

Now it is time to hop on over to Amy’s blog. Here’s the complete hop list to keep you on track.

Simon Says Stamp Blog   

Laura Bassen

Caly Person

Nichol Spohr

Debby Hughes

Amy Rysavy

Sidnie Des Jardins

Mindy Eggen

Miriam Prantner

Anna-Karin Evaldsson

Dilay Nacar

Barb Engler

Kim Hamilton

Jessica Vasher

simon says stamp create

It’s almost time for Simon Says Stamp Create! Here’s all the information you need:

• Who: Crafty people (and even people who don’t think they are creative!)
• What: Create It Take Its from 25+ of your favorite vendors (including Simon Says Stamp)
• Where: Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, Lewis Center, OH
• When: April 21 & 22
• On-site store with products right there for you to touch and buy.
• See lots of cards and projects on display in the store.
• Hobnob with some of the biggest names in the industry.
• More information.
• Video recap from 2019.

supplies

You can find links to the supplies I’ve used below; click on the picture or shop icon to get taken directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Items marked with an asterisk (*) provided by a store or the manufacturer. You can read my affiliate and product disclosure here. I genuinely appreciate your support.