A Lesson on White Space and Surprises

White space plays a key role in clean-and-simple cards. It might seem like "just empty space," but its purpose is to provide focus for a clearly defined central image. A tiny image, like an ornament, can sparkle all by itself on a card if it has a good balance of white space around it and a few unexpected touches.

Consider first the white space on the stamped panel: upper far left image, balanced with lower  far right alignment of the sentiment in strong (and mildly surprising) colors. Remember how the "sweet" spots on a card design are the intersections of lines drawn that divide a card into thirds? The ornament and sentiment are NOT in the "sweet spots" of the stamped panel; they are too far to the left and lower right for that. But their positioning puts them in the sweet spots for the whole card...which makes the stamped panel visually relate to the gloriously empty white space of the base of the card, making the whole card seem more unified and balanced.

The detail of two rounded corners and two pointed ones somewhat echoes the shape of the ornament, which again creates unity in the design and also adds some fun interest as well. Combine those corners with the use of lime green on a Christmas card with traditional red, and you've got a fresh-looking creation.

Bling needs no reason. Before I put it on, the card was sweet. Now, it's fabulous.

If I do say so myself. ;-)

Supplies
stamps: Papertrey Take a Bough (ornament), Peaceful Poinsettia (sentiment)
ink: Memento Pear Tart, SU REal Red
paper: PTI white, Mark's Finest Lime (LOVE this lime!!!)
accessories: dimensionals, corner chomper, rhinestones