Sunday, October 17, 2010

Taking the Easy Way Out and Proud of It!

Okay, I've started to feel much more confident with my coloring lately, and I admit that I don't feel like a bumbling idiot doing it anymore. Also, the results can be hugely wonderful on CAS cards (consider this cardinal!).

But I still LOVE taking the easy way out and using outline images like this:


Oh, yeah. Uh-huh. Doin' the happy dance!

How-To Tips: This card is 4.25" square and uses Shady Tree Studios stamps. Not all outline stamps are this easy to put multiple ink colors on...markers give a blotchy effect on clear stamps that is sometimes what you want, and sometimes not. Definitely not on this card because these stamps are so crisp and clean. So I used the dew-drop Memento pads to put grape jelly on the flowers and bamboo on the stems and leaves and ground. One impression, and PRESTO! You're done. Well, you still have to stamp the sentiment, but you get the picture.

Take a look at your outline stamps and give this a try!

Question: Would you like me to put product reviews on Simplicity?

35 comments:

  1. I would like your opinions on products, if that's what you mean by reviews. Based on your recommendation, I bought SU's white ink pad. You stamp so consistently and often that you have lots of experience.

    ReplyDelete
  2. i LOVE this card! you make everything look so easy

    i would also LOVE for you to do product reviews, any excuse to read more of you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'd love it if you'd do product reviews.

    I'm considering buying a machine to emboss and cut...do I buy the Cuttlebug, the Big Shot, etc? Wanting something manual I think opposed to computer generated. I've read some reviews and it helps to know the pros and cons before I fork over my money.

    ReplyDelete
  4. OOOOoooo, very beautiful. Great idea.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Stunning - now of course I've got to get some dew-drop ink pads. xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beauty card! An product reviews would be awesom!
    Diane Cooper

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love this card and colors. Yes, I would enjoy your opinion on products.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would absolutely love for your to post product reviews. I value your opinion highly. I'm going to look into purchasing the Memento dew drop inks you used on that lovely card.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gorgeous card (love that color combo) and yes, product reviews would be great!

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is so lovely,I've treated myself to a few dew drops,it's all your fault lol,reviews would be great,the only worry being that I'll be having a spend up,make sure your on commision:)x

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'd like to see reviews as long as they aren't slanted toward a particular brand on which you happen to be on the design team or the company gave you a million dollars to promote :>) Would love to see them if they aren't biased. Go to it lady :>)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great sentiment for this card!

    I'd love to read your product reviews.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yes, I would love to see some product reviews. This might help to make difficult decisions easier, and to keep from making some expensive mistakes.

    This is a great card today!

    ReplyDelete
  14. As always, delightful card. I have never seen a card on your blog that I didn't like. Can't say that about any other blog I read. The funny thing is, I can't 'do' CAS. Yours are devine, and would delight in receiving, but when I do one I look at it and it appears unfinished. Frustrated me for some time, then just decided to go with the flow...your style is not my style, but I LOVE looking at your style LOL!
    And yes, would appreciate product reviews from you. In the past, I have found your recommendations insightful.
    Blessings to you this day
    Lu C

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm STILL searching for your review of inks. Yes, please - product reviews would be welcome. Your past reviews (the aforementioned ink, and a commentary on silicone vs. photopolymer stamps) were well thought-out and organized. Of course, I enjoy everything you write, so.....

    ReplyDelete
  16. I admit I've bought Papertrey Ink paper based on your recommendation. Had it shipped PO Box to the US and took a day to pick it up.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Susan, love this lovely simple card, crisp clean image perfectly positioned, yup gorgeous. I would love for you to do product reviews, can't always get the products but like to hear anyway. Thank you:0)xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Stamp design, colors, sentiment, and placement make this another lovely card by you! I've noticed you make a lot of your cards 4.25" square rather than 5.5 x 4.25. Lu C commented that her own CAS cards seem "unfinished" to her, and I'm wondering if the square size of your carda gives them the 'finished' look they always have? I know there can't be too much white space, but does the square shape have anything to do with the "completeness" of your card?

    Yes, I would find your opinions of products to be helpful. I have appreciated your 6/15/2010 writing about inks. Thanks so much!

    Carolyn
    mcw519

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's gorgeous just the way it is, Susan!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is such a beautiful set all the sentiments are lovely and so perfect for your stamping style.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love, love this card. When you have a detailed outline stamp such as these flowers, no colouring necessary! What impresses me is how cleanly you can define the colour change -- I always have trouble with one ink bleeding onto the other part of the stamp, kwim?
    Product reviews... I always appreciate when you comment on the products you are using as you make your cards. Whether you want to formalize that or keep it as is -- I'd be happy either way! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for solving one of my problems --- markers separating on clear stamps! Now I know I can use dew drop pads and that won't happen! It is SO irritating to have an outline stamp "ball up" the ink and then not spread it evenly! Now I know how to avoid that. Your card is so pretty. I'm excited at the prospect of being able to take a second look at my outline stamps. And yes, I would like you to do product reviews --- it would save us much time and money on buying/not buying products that do/don't perform as they should! Wonderful idea!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Susan

    Love this card - such a lovely image. As for you putting product reviews on your blog - not sure. I tell people about products that I like and work for me, but that may not be best for them. I like to hear what you think about things, so I suppose yes, I like to hear what you think about products. Sorry, a bit rambling!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I like the occasional review and don't mind seeing the products used...

    I do mind pushy people who ramble on about a product until you are so bored you can't stand it any more. Yes, there are a few blogs out there like this. Over kill is an understatement.

    I love your no nonsense approach to card making. Don't change that and CAS are fine.

    Why re-invent the wheel when all you need is to replace a non-working spoke. lol

    I love your stories and easy way of blogging.
    It is very inviting and engaging.

    Thank you. :o) Your sistah, Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  25. Susan, I'd love to read product reviews! I have no doubt that you'd give your honest-to-goodness impression of any product, and from a CAS perspective. Bring it on!

    Becky Y

    ReplyDelete
  26. Lovely card and colors! I do enjoy reading
    product reviews, especially from someone who
    gives an honest opinion with no agenda to sell
    anything-- which is what I know you would do.
    I really love the way you balance cards, helpful
    info about design, color etc. I am sure you could
    add the occasional product review to your wonderful blog.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Yes, I love product reviews:-) I like to know what exactly I am buying before I actually get them.. I love your blog and read it all the time:-)

    ReplyDelete
  28. About your product reviews........talk about a Public Service! Not only do you fuel my buying, you are just as great at sanctioning my NOT buying certain things. For instance, you mentioned the cutting system you use for making ovals and circles. That saved me from buying the really expensive alternative.

    I too just bought the Stampin' Up white Craft ink, thanks to you, after junking 7 other brands that I never should have bought in the first place. And you sanctioned me never ever again buying a scrap of DP. I could go on and on. :-) I'm quite sure you've saved me a couple of hundred dollars in the year I've been coming here, thank you VERY much!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love the clean crisp look of the outline stamps! So simple and easy~I should do this more! Yes, I would appreciated product reviews!

    ReplyDelete
  30. I enjoy receiving handwritten thank-you cards and I love your idea of creating cards for your sons to encourage them to send them out.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I absolutely love the card, Susan!!!

    And I think you should write whatever moves you . . . if it's product reviews, great! I value your opinion and enjoy your writing.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Love your product reviews!! Those who don't can skip over them! They are very handy and help save money by not wasting on products that don't work!

    You mentioned blotchy look when using clear stamps, I was told to lightly sand the stamp and it helps. sometimes it works and sometimes not. any thoughts to help this?

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking time to comment!