As much as I love white-on-white layering, sometimes it seems...lacking. That's the case here. I think this version is just so subtle that it's, well, boring.
So I decided to try a layer of Papertrey's sweet blush cardstock as a matte. That's definitely better. The stamped panel seems so much more anchored visually to the card.
But then I wondered if it wouldn't look even better and more balanced on a sweet blush card base with a close to cocoa matte.
Ding, ding, ding!!!!! We have a winner!!!!! Still clean and simple, but definitely the way to go with this particular combination of images and color.
If only the card weren't for such a sad occasion. *sigh*
Supplies
stamps: SU Stem Silhouettes, Papertrey Mixed Messages
ink: VersaColor cinnamon and umber
paper: Papertrey white, sweet blush; SU close to cocoa
accessories: dimensionals
I love getting to see your cards evolve! I agree- #3 is the best. (but they are all beautiful)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on your cards. I agree I like #3 best but wouldn't say no to getting any of the others. They are all beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSusan these are all winners! But your right I they get better and better!! The last one is my fave too! Have a great week!!
ReplyDeleteThey are all beautiful, but I actually like the 2nd one best...just pure and simple, yet grounded.
ReplyDeleteI like all of them. Lovely work.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that you have need of these cards but I like them all but particularly the last.
ReplyDeleteKathyk
It's so nice that you share how the card develops. They are all just lovely. If I hadn't seen the last one, I wouldn't have known what you mean. But, yes, the last one is fab!!
ReplyDeleteI love all three versions, but the last one does it for me :o)
ReplyDeleteJackie xx
The second one does it for me.
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty color combination. I like the last two that are grounded with the mats.
ReplyDeleteI love all three too, perhaps the third is the best as you say though. I would border the first image with a matching pink ink I think......maybe.Your cards are always great though whatever you do:O) Viv xx
ReplyDeleteOh Susan, thanks for taking us all along on your experimental ride! I did like the first card, and it is entirely appropriate as a sympathy card. But the change for the 2nd one did make it pop, and I liked it better. When you showed up with the 3rd one, it made my eyes say "ahhhhh." Lovely progression of 3 lovely cards! And you could certainly change the sentiment to work for nearly anything.
ReplyDeleteThe middle card is my favorite. I can't begin to tell you how inspiring your cards are to me - they make me want to make cards again. I had gotten away from that for a long while! Thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing us all the versions of the card. I wouldn't be ashamed to call any of them mine. From a learning perspective, oh Yoda, it is useful to see how the master does it.
ReplyDeleteI agree, they are all beautiful but the middle one is definitely my fave :) tfs
ReplyDeleteThanks for showing the progression of your design. It's really fascinating to see. I've wondered why some designs just don't work. Now I'll know to try different mats and card colors.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the progression of your creative
ReplyDeleteprocess. I love all three cards but agree that
some kind of color for a matte, really enhances
the effect.
For me no. 2 is the winner.My eye is drawn away from the stamped image/sentiment with no. 3 that's not to say I don't like it. I love your simple approach to card making which by the way takes lots more time and talent. You're the best.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the same track as Viv. When I first saw No.1, I thought "plus an embossed border?" - then "a pink border?". Thank you for showing us your artistic thought process - No 3 is a hands down winner and No2 is next (how would a teeny weeny embossed border look?). lol
ReplyDeleteMary Mac
Beautiful cards! Thank you for showing all three examples. It's amazing how a small color change can have such an impact.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. I love playing with color like this!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely found the zing! The dark brown mat on the blush really makes that WOW statement!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful card! They are all great, but I love the last one best too. It was really interesting to hear your thought process in how you got to the last version. It really does make a difference how you mat it!
ReplyDeleteOoooooooh I like #2 the best!! But all are gorgeous as usual. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe last one is definitely the Bestest!!! In appreciation of all you do...please check my blog....There's an award there for you.
ReplyDeleteThey are so beautiful, Susan! I love the colors and pretty images! So sorry you were in need of this type of card. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI agree that the last card is the best, but I must say that they are all beautiful. Sympathy cards are very hard to make, and you did a lovely job.
ReplyDeleteEach one more lovely than the first. I love them all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your process with us. All three are lovely, but I agree the last one is the winner! I love the addition of the brown matting.
ReplyDeleteYou completely nailed it with that color combination! And you thought you'd never use up your colored cardstock. :)
ReplyDelete