Simply Stunning Creative Challenge

This holiday I really made a concerted effort to keep things simple—our gifts were simple, our plans were simple, our entertaining was simple. That’s kind of been my mantra recently . . . I’ve realized that life is too short to stress out over making things complicated.

Moving forward into the new year, I’m committed to learning how to simplify my life in all areas—even the way I stamp! And for me, that will be difficult, because I do like textures and layers and bling. I’m sure that occasionally I’ll still have to give in and do something completely over the top, but I really am going to try to keep things simple this year.

So I thought we’d start with this month’s Creative Challenge—the Simply Stunning Card Creative Challenge. I know it’s possible to create cards that are simple yet stunning; I’ve seen several this holiday season . . . cards that are so simple yet eye-catching and amazing.

Making this change in my life isn’t going to be easy, but I’m very excited about it! And I know you’ll help inspire me with your creations!

Comments

[Beth Dyer]

I think the red really makes this pop!

http://www.stampinconnection.com/photo/simple-you-re-my-type?context=latest

[Rhonda Griffin]

This is really simple, but the Real Red Shimmer Paper and Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details are so sparkly against the Basic Black cardstock. (Please don't consider the heart insert--I saw the idea on Pinterest and copied/CASEd--the card itself is my entry.) http://thestampinbunny.blogspot.com/2012/01/love-bling.html

Thanks for looking!

[M. Markey Dwyer]

Here are a couple I hope you will consider. I have really found that the MDS allows me to experiment, get dramatic effect ease and cost effectiveness. I can play and then make the item I like best in a physical form!

Happy Birthday Butterflies http://www.stampinup.net/uploads/fckeditor/119/233/02/Image/20111231%20Enchanted%20Elementary%20Elegance.jpg

Hope to make a few more...
Happy New Year!

[M. Markey Dwyer]

Here are a couple more...

No 3 Create
http://www.stampinup.net/uploads/fckeditor/119/233/02/Image/FS256%2020120102%20No%203%20Create_markey.jpg

Footprints in the Snow
http://www.stampinup.net/uploads/fckeditor/119/233/02/Image/TLC358%2020120102%20Snow%20prints%20.jpg

A Glass just for You
http://www.stampinup.net/uploads/fckeditor/119/233/02/Image/CAS151%20JFU-%20Beverages%2020120102.jpg

[Margaret Brunier]

I made 200 wedding invitations for a close friends daughter. She wanted simple. Her colors are pink and orange. This was the pink. I did 1/2 in melon mambo and the other 1/2 in tangerine tango. She was pleased and that is all that matters.
http://www.stampinconnection.com/photo/wedding-invitation-22?context=user

[Pamela]

My favorite card that's easily mass produce-able! It was super simple that I ended up making 20 of them!

http://fishydesign.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/mass-production/

This is my second simple card that's also super easy to mass produce and ended up to inspire me to make the first card!

http://fishydesign.wordpress.com/2011/10/27/merrybright/

[Linda]

Maybe in life I have the same problem of needing to simplify, but usually I need to really make an effort to make my cards interesting enough... here are some simple ones I'm most happy with:
http://api.ning.com/files/mV*-7JDu9PDfFwvjxL8ldk0ld6mSe0lwYE4ZPjsF5OJOmuYDKy8YoEtPlfh5iCPKCObM9aOHVh797-DaeuY224VecPd2pPbT/DSC07910.JPG?width=497&height=600

http://api.ning.com/files/83XSvFLGq-K*aM1Jtk*JcEum6kHcRTZCd78DZq-m*ousaLUvCajwuIOvPn4sNiRwcBns*9dQePtdobrMIHGtMYaEdCQtNdqU/DSC08138.JPG?width=522&height=600

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVuCeCn9N_k/TqGqBPS3q_I/AAAAAAAAAEA/rKyopFDgj2k/s640/DSC08533.JPG

[Carmen]

Here's a couple I made recently. I love keeping things simple!

http://stampingaddiction.blogspot.com/2011/12/stampin-addicts-occcasions-mini-blog.html

[Buffy]

What a fun challenge! Here's mine -
http://www.stampinconnection.com/photo/simply-love?context=user

[Jana O'Brien]

I tend to be a simple stamper, LOL! I think the heart framelits make this card special: http://indyemmert.blogspot.com/2012/01/creative-crew-valentine.html

[Lézards de Cilou]

http://lezardsdecilou.canalblog.com/archives/2011/10/16/22333435.html


http://lezardsdecilou.canalblog.com/archives/2011/10/17/22333481.html

[Lézards de Cilou]

http://lezardsdecilou.canalblog.com/archives/2011/10/19/22333607.html

http://lezardsdecilou.canalblog.com/archives/2011/10/24/22333242.html

[Rosemarie Diehl]

Hi Shelli! Happy New Year! Here's my take on this fun challenge.
http://rosemariediehl.blogspot.com/2012/01/youre-just-my-type.html
Time is of the essence for me these days, so quick and simple is definitely something I've been doing more often! Hope to share a few more cards for this month's challenge soon!

[Rosemarie Diehl]

Hi Shelli,

Oops - I realized I shared a different link then I intended above. While the card is still pretty simple, it has a couple layers on it, so not sure if it meets the criteria for your challenge! Here's the clean and simple card I meant to post:
http://rosemariediehl.blogspot.com/2012/01/heartstrings-forever-and-always.html

In any case, hope you like them both!! :)

[Lézards de Cilou]

http://lezardsdecilou.canalblog.com/archives/2011/11/01/22460935.html

[Markey]

I am continuously updating and posting as I work throughout my days, So rather than posting each time, I feel I have a submission am posting this link http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/markeydwyer/blog to my blog, where I do Post my work and hoping you will take a minute to scroll through and see if there is anything you do like.

Kindest Regards,
Markey

[Cindy Grantham]

This card is simple in both color palette and design. I love the new Blossom Punch and the ability to make beautiful paper flowers when we cannot garden the real ones! All the best!
Cindy

[Lézards de Cilou]

http://lezardsdecilou.canalblog.com/archives/2011/11/09/22559104.html

[Debra Burgin]

This card looks complex, but it was not much effort for lots of WOW! I love embossing vellum. http://heartfeltinkspiration.com/2011/12/12/december-drama/

[Linda]

Here's a Valentine I made from the Simply Sent Everyday Elegance kit. Took just a few minutes to make.

http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/gallery/10727/2012/01/06/DSC08713_by_TinyAcorns.JPG?ts=1325898434

[Lézards de Cilou]

http://lezardsdecilou.canalblog.com/archives/2011/11/13/22461095.html

[Marika Lemay]

Hi!

This card is soft and delicate!
http://www.lamagiedesetampes.com/index.php?id=7472675993969157016

[Betty Saunders]

Love it that we have so many products to create very simple but elegant items. This is a quick set of monogram cards I made as a thank you for someone.
http://stampsmoreorless.typepad.com/stamps_more_or_less/2012/01/sale-a-bration-peek.html

[Lézards de Cilou]

http://lezardsdecilou.canalblog.com/archives/2012/01/12/23186623.html

[Dawn Olchefske]

ooh - this is a challenge right up my alley! Here's a couple:

Congrats: http://dostamping.typepad.com/dostamping_with_dawn/2012/01/sale-a-bration-sneak-peak-sprinkled-expressions-and-my-upcoming-event.html

Valentine: http://dostamping.typepad.com/dostamping_with_dawn/2012/01/framelits-with-ps-i-love-you.html

Thanks Shelli!