Thursday, July 30, 2009

An Inspired Christmas Card and Your Opinion, Please

First, I want your opinion. Below are two pictures of the same card, one with a white background and the other with a red background. In the case of white card bases, I've typically used a colored backdrop so the card pops. But looking at these two photos, I'm just not sure. Which do you like best?

Second, this card was inspired by Becky Oehlers' Spooky halloween card here, which was published in Card Creations Vol. 7. For the record, I like Becky's card better, mainly because she creates a fabulous visual triangle with the black button, capital "S", and the spider. My spots of color don't form a triangle...I could have made the "p" a capital and red, but didn't. Flawed as it is, I do like this card for its crispness and the basic idea of a word with an element hanging through it. Very graphic and fun. For some reason, the silver line doesn't show up well in the photos, but IRL it's very clear.



Supplies
stamps: Hero Arts clear alphabet, PTI Take a Bough
cardstock: PTI white
ink: Palette Noir, SU Real Red
accessories: page pebble, silver marker

24 comments:

Joan B said...

what a pretty and clever card. I think I like the red background better. the card seems whiter to me.

Wanda said...

Oh, definitely the red as you can see the card so much better. Beautiful CAS. TFS.

jaki said...

yep! red background for me too :)

Ardyth said...

Recognizing that what we see online is different than what you see irl, I also would say red. The card is stunning!

Mary Dawn said...

i think it's a lovely card...i prefer it on the white background personally, it seems cleaner

judy said...

Beautiful card!! I like the red
background because it helps the
eyes focus on the card. I just love
your clean and simple designs!!

Diane (fionna51) said...

Oh, what a quandry. The red does make the card stand out better. But I often see that the background will distort the colors of the card. The bg color reflects onto the white. It is not so evident in your photo with the red bg but sometimes it is very obvious.
I know, I'm not much help, am I?

Diane (fionna51) said...

Susan...another thought to experiment with. It may not work.
Try turning your card so that the light source is NOT shining directly on the face of the card...so that the card face is in "shadow". Then take your picture (obviously on macro setting). There will be different lighting then on the bg and the card face...hence more contrast between bg and card. You also see more detail in the card istself. Let me know how that works. As I said, it may be a disaster, but for me it works better.

Susie said...

I've had this same deliberation. I think I do like the red background better - it defines your beautiful card better.

Diane M said...

red for me!

diane m

Krystie Lee said...

I like them both, but I have noticed in my own gallery, that white cards on white backgrounds always get more views. Even if it doesn't get a lot of comments, people always seem to click the really white pics.

The card is very cool!

Harriet Skelly said...

Funny, I like the white background better - it is more dramatic and you can really focus in on the design of the card.

mum of two said...

I vote for red. Your work is so beautiful!

LeAnne said...

Great card---red works for me, too!

Cookie said...

Hi Susan!
My son says he likes the red because it make the red on the card stand out and he says you cant see where the card outline is on the white card...Although I think the white on white is nice...It has a calmness about it hence the "peace" sentiment...They are both awesome on either background! I went thru this same dilemma when I took a photo of my "Ode to Audrey" card for the CAS25 I tried it on three diff. backgrounds till I ended up with a white one...

Theresa P. (stampgirl45) said...

Hi Susan!
Both of the backgrounds do your card justice. It is absolutely fabulous. I can see what you are talking about, though. Have you ever thought of using a black background?
Just so you know, I am a totally devoted fan! Your blog inspires me so much. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

Ann said...

Although I use white myself, I've always liked how you coordinate your bg with the colors in your cards. Just my 2 cents. And your card is gorgeous as always!

Juanita said...

Lovely card.

Natasha said...

First off, LOVE the card! What a stunning design!

I actually prefer the white background photo, but mostly because of the slight difference in angle. I do have an easier time seeing the silver line on that one too.

Anna Franklin said...

Love the red! It took me a while to figure out how you always had a background the same color as part of the card.

Your cards are amazing! Thanks for all the inspiration.

misstwinkletoe said...

Red please - same as my wine!!

Love the cards.

Susan (peebsmama) said...

I think you are right that a colored backdrop does make the white stand out more. But your card looks great either way. I like the design and even though you didn't use a red "P" I still get the triangle idea.

Jennie M said...

You are the master of CAS! These are absolutely gorgeous!!

Leslie Miller said...

Love the card! I like the white on white better -- easier on the eyes. Sometimes I'll allow less light on the background when photographing white cards. As if I'm an expert... Your photos always look great.