Here are the first two cards I made using this strategy and A Muse's Snow Crystals set.
The first card uses a speckled blue-gray cardstock and Marina Mist (SU) ink. Three sizes of pearls are a serene and interesting accent for these beautiful stamps.
The second card uses a little masking and is reminiscent of nordic sweaters with its cream card base and Cherry Cobbler ink.
Which do you like best and why? Just for fun, I'll send a random commenter a package of pearls! Give-away deadline is Thursday at midnight, East Coast time.
Both cards are gorgeous! If I had to choose (and I suppose I do :)) I would pick the top one because my eye is drawn to the snowflake in the second one that just has five points.
ReplyDeleteI love the color and the free form of the blue flakes. I always felt bad for all those flakes trapped in a pattern. Doesn't seem natural
ReplyDeleteI love these cards, because you can't go wrong with snowflakes:) The blue one is my favorite, since I love the color, but also because I like the different sizes and placement of the snowflakes.
ReplyDeletePetra
Both are lovely & simple, but I vote for the red rather than the 'cool' blue. Maybe because I'm not looking forward to shovelling snow ! TFS ;-)
ReplyDeleteGosh, both cards are very pretty. If you want me to select my favorite I would have to choose the blue snowflakes. The speckled blue-gray CS and the Marina Mist ink look more "cool" to me and conveys the "snow feel."
ReplyDeleteThe above comment about the "snow feel" is made by this stamper who does not get snow where I live. If I got snow I might have to rethink and choose the second card where I get "warm" feeling. :)
ReplyDeleteThey're both amazing cards! But, I pick the second one because it reminds me of a Christmas sweater! :)
ReplyDeleteBoth are beautiful, and normally I prefer blue in all things, but the red is my favorite here. THat sentiment has a cute font, too!
ReplyDeleteBoth are great, but I am a sucker for SUs cherry cobbler color so my heart belongs to the second one!!!
ReplyDeleteI love both cards! However, I love the symmetry of the red card.
ReplyDeleteActually I like them both .... the cherry cobbler is such a fab colou rbut the icy blue makes me feel more Christmas-y!! Go figure - but WTG on making two such similar and yet different cards
ReplyDeleteKathyk
Although they are both gorgeous, I immediately loved the second one best!! I really like the layout and the color.
ReplyDeleteThey are both lovely but, I'll admit, I like the second one best. The colour is fabulous and it reminds me of a Nordic sweater as well especially when it's coupled with that sentiment.
ReplyDeleteBoth are beautiful but I'd have to pick the blue for it's freer, more "snowfall-y" feel.
ReplyDeleteIt is totally unrelated to this post, but I just wanted to say that I loved your Scandanavian- inspired bird card so much I "cased" it for my Chirstmas card this year. I used a kraft base and vintage looking papers, so it has a bit more of a country feel, but beautiful and simple nonetheless. Thanks!
Suzanne at we3roys(at)comcast(dot)net
I absolutely love the blue card. I like big snowflakes. I love how simple your cards are to make, but they look so good!!
ReplyDeleteBoth are great, but I must say the blue is my favorite. I like the placement of the snowflakes on the card.
ReplyDeleteMuch as I love the blue one (Christmas colours where snowflakes are concerned) I have to admit that Cherry Cobbler is one of my very favourite colours!! And I like the crisp cleanest of the second layout too. So I vote for the Cobbler Card - although they are both gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the rest of your week and God Bless,
Cynthia
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I would never have thought to use the Cherry Cobbler! I thought that I loved the blue one the best until I saw that one - wow! What a statement! Well, I'll make it easy on you - you can mail me either one! lol.... Good luck with your 100 cards!
ReplyDeleteSusan, as other have said both cards a fabulous, however, my favorite is the second 'cherry cobbler' one. I really like the way you created the "strip of snowflakes".
ReplyDeleteTo be really honest here, i cannot choose, promise, they are both gorjuss, absolutely love the simplicity of these designs with just that added touch of the pearls!! Cannot wait to see your other designs, i might have to take the same route re xmas cards, lol, time is running fast........:))
ReplyDeletelotsa luv
Both are gorgeous but I love the bright colour of the second best.
ReplyDeleteSusan, both cards are lovely! However, I'm drawn to the blue one because it looks as if the flakes are falling from the sky. The sweater one makes me think of wool and that makes me itch. lol
ReplyDeleteI love both cards! Blue is more calm, like "Silent Night" carol, and the one in red is like "Song of the Bells". Not an easy choice to make. Gorgeous cards!!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of my most favourite blogs! I wish one day I'll learn to make such simple and marvellous cards!
Susan, this is a hard choice! I think the second one is my favorite. I love the masking you did! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHard to choose, both are my favorites....SNOWFLAKES. I think the blue one, I like the larger snowflakes.
ReplyDeleteTwo beauties, Susan :) Love them both as I just love snowflakes. Think I am slightly leaning towards the blue one with the gorgeous snowflake shapes and touches of pearls.
ReplyDeleteVery hard to chose. Both cards are stunning! I am leaning towards the second one. First, I love the color! Also, I love the symmetry.
ReplyDeleteThey are both wonderful. If I have to pick I'd say I favor the red and white one. I kinda' dig the "nordic" vibe anyway, and I do love a good red at Christmas time.
ReplyDeleteI like the first, the blue one, better. I just think it's because I like the all-over stamping better than confining it to a strip. And I like the blue snowflakes better than the red, even though red is more a Christmas color. Both are lovely, though! And Susan, I canNOT believe you'll be doing Christmas cards in the middle of your moving/Holiday madness! You are tough! And we sooo appreciate your finding time for us!
ReplyDeleteOoh, personally, I prefer the top one - partly cos it's blue (my favourite colour) but also because there's a little less white space and the snowflakes are so perfectly placed. I DO also like the second one - I love plums, too - but I think there's a bit too much white space below the design - just my half penn'orth. Please don't enter me for the draw... thanks. I just enjoy your designs and your ideas. LOVE that stamp set x
ReplyDeleteTough choice, but the blue one wins by a hair -- mostly because I liked the misted background, I love snowflakes, and it would be REALLY quick to make (even I could do it). I'd probably use a stamping wheel for the second one so I didn't have to mask anything. I, too, have over 100 cards to send. The BIG difference is that you seem to have gotten a good start on yours. {sigh}
ReplyDeleteEvery card yoiu post is fantastic, but today I like the blue a little better than the cherry... don't know why
ReplyDeleteHey Susan!
ReplyDeleteBoth the cards are gorgeous! But my personal favorite is the one with blue snowflakes. It may be because blue is my favorite color but in general i think snowflakes are most adorable in blue :)
Hope to see more beautiful creations from you.
With regards,
Neha Parab
parabnehas.blogspot.com
I prefer the blue card - for color only! And, I really wish I was at home now instead of the office so that I can challenge myself to do the same thing with my stamps thanks for a great idea!
ReplyDeletePat Jackson
Usually I'd be drawn to the blue snowflakes, because in my world, snowflakes should be blue or white... but I am totally loving the red one!!!
ReplyDeleteLove them both, but the colour of the second one , to me, is more associated with the word 'warm' in the sentiment
ReplyDeleteI love the blue one . . . it's my favourite colour, it's asymetric and perfect with the pearls!
ReplyDeleteI guess I can't say that I like them both the best, can I? Ok, if forced, I will say the bottom card, because that is where my eye was drawn when I stepped back to choose. Perhaps it's the red?
ReplyDeleteBoth are fabulous but the pearls win for me:)
ReplyDeleteVal x
As everyone else has said, they are both well done...but I think I am partial to the blue one - less busy and besides, I love blue!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes to the red one because of the Nordic feeling to it... But both are great! :)
ReplyDeleteThey are both very pretty. Totally different looks. I think I like the red one a little better but not much! :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're back in full crafting mode, Susan! Although I don't envy you the number of cards you have to get made, at least we'll get to see lots of inspiration. I like both today's cards, but the red one really works for me.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are lovely, Susan, but if I must choose, I like the blue one...love the thought of drifting snowflakes...altho a cozy sweater would be nice too!
ReplyDeleteI love both but if I have to choose I would say the second card. I'm needing to get in gear on my cards also. I've been nursing a very sick dog so I'm really behind in everything Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThe marina mist one because of the triangle.
ReplyDeleteI really like the cherry cobbler one because of the way you created the nordic sweater look by masking. If you hadn't mentioned masking I would have assumed it was a roller or a whole stamp.
ReplyDeleteClever girl.
Love both designs and especially the cream and cherry (second image). I chose this one because warm winter wishes are linked, to me, with warm colors. And the bonus nod to nordic sweaters makes it perfect. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBoth are gorgeous and crisp..I love blue for the softness and the 2nd for its crispness!!
ReplyDeleteSince you ask me to pick..I have to pick the 1st...blue and pearls are my favorite!!
Happy Belated Birthday Susan!!
Better late than never to wish you!!!
They're both gorgeous, but the second one wins for me, just because I like the little banner and the colours, but the blue one is very cool!
ReplyDeleteI like your plan to use each stamp set to create two different cards. I may implement that myself on a group of stamps I have. I like both your blue and the cherry cards. The nordic look of the cherry held my eye the longest, so it gets my vote. Not only for the colors but the design, as well. :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the red one! The blue is pretty but I like something that is out of the norm...like red snowflakes! Not too often you see that.
ReplyDeleteThis was VERY difficult .... both are beautiful .... but since I have to choose, I'll say the first card using Marina Mist ink! Thanks for the opportunity to win the pearls!
ReplyDeleteI choose the Cherry Cobbler (love the name-makes me hungry) but the blue is also pretty as blue is one of my fav colors! tfs
ReplyDeleteI love both. But as I have to choose one, I'd go for the second. It looks more elegant with a border & the rich color.
ReplyDeleteBoth are gorgeous, Susan. If I had to choose one, and this is very difficult to do, I think I'd go for the blue one. I like the single line with the sentiment below and then the "spacious" feel with just three snowflakes above... and the pearls are the perfect finishing touch.
ReplyDeleteWell, as usual, they are both great!
ReplyDeleteBut I really, really like the second one on the cream card base and that luscious Cherry Cobbler!
Both are wonderful, but I would choose the second one. I'm drawn to the Nordic sweater look matching the "warm" winter wishes sentiment, the red color and what seems like more white space. It's a very neat and clean look. I think I used to own the sweater!
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are lovely, Susan! It is
ReplyDeletehard to pick a favorite because I love the color on the first card and
I love the way you masked the design
on the second card. If I had to pick
a favorite, I guess it would be the first card because of the color and that pretty big snowflake.
Very pretty cards, but I like the one with the Cherry Cobbler ink the best - don't know why as it's not a color I would ever think to use for snowflakes!! But it certainly works well.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Susan I couldn't possibly choose both are absolutely stunning, Gay xxx
ReplyDeleteThey are both great cards. I think if I have to pick my fav it would be the blue card. Love that shade of blue ink. Hope you get all your cards finished. I am done with mine, but I only made 66. I like your idea of doing them one layer. Maybe I will try that next year.
ReplyDeleteMe thinks I like the blue one best though like the design on both. Great job as always!
ReplyDelete1st before I comment on which is my favorite, I just have to say I think you are amazing for having the goal of 100 cards to stamp!!! A-MAZING!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason the one with Cherry Cobbler ink stands out a little more to me!! I just love the design....and I guess my favorite colors are in the red/pink range so this one speaks to me!!!!
Blue. It is calming and peaceful.
ReplyDeletetonilea
jiffy1212@aol.com
the first is my favourite because I love the shimmery cardstock and the blue .. snowflakes are blue ...right?! :)
ReplyDeleteLove both of these cards but if pushed I would have to chose the blue one - love how you place your stamps and sentiment - always balanced and classy - am learning a lot about how to do this by reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteMy eye was immediately drawn to the snowflake card but then I really love the design of the
ReplyDeleteNordic" sweater look. What is one to do? I guess I like the second one just a little bit better.
I love the blue best, but the red is pretty too. I just loved the colors, placement and pearls on the first one. Sounds like you have a plan for Christmas cards. I'm almost done with mine.
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are pretty, but I love the blue snowflakes. Thanks for the giveaway. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI really like the movement of the blue one or maybe it's because blue is my favorite color.
ReplyDeleteA tough decision! I love those Nordic sweaters and I'm a knitter so thought on first glance that I'd go with the second card, but after looking at them a bit longer, I decided to go with the blue one - mainly because I love blue snowflake cards, but also because I prefer the layout.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed again with your easy yet beautiful style. I prefer the blue snowflakes just because blue is a cool color. Although I like the red card, it's red warmth doesn't fit as well with me. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the blue one, snowflakes and blue are a natural to me, and I really like how the big snowflake on the left goes off the page and grounds the card. Awesome as usual!
ReplyDeleteI have to choose the red one because the design reminds me of a warm winter sweater. Oh, for Pete's sakes, I went back and read what you wrote when trying to find the words to describe the design and see you mentioned a sweater. I'm sticking with it!
ReplyDeleteBoth are gorgeous of course.
My favorite is the first one. Probably because I've never been a fan of those Nordic sweater designs! LOL!! Guess they are just not my thing. But, I do like your second card more than the sweaters! LOL!! Both cards are great and I'm so happy to see that you are back to posting cards on your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love the second card. The Nordic patterns simply appeal to me. :)
ReplyDeletemy right-brained self really likes the maroon one with the snowflakes neatly tucked between the borders
ReplyDeletethe blue one is beautiful too because of the colors and the snowfall feel
I love the abundance of white space in the second card...although it was tough to choose!
ReplyDeleteFun reading people's opinions! I like the blue one best, 'cuz blue is my favorite color and I love snow. Miss have any here yet. Maybe tonight, though. Great cards!
ReplyDeleteI'm liking them both, of course! Wish they were mine... I would have to vote for the blue one just because it's my favorite color and you're making me pick one. :0)
ReplyDeleteLura
I guess the blue one wins. I like the bigger and offset snowflake and it seems like more white space.
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous! I especially like the second one with the masking. Such an awesome way to use that A Muse set. Love it!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the blue one for me! It just says winter to me... especially here in Alaska where for the month of November we've had ELEVEN FEET of snow! Now we get a lot of snow but not ELEVEN FEET in November alone... that's like November-February's snow level!
ReplyDeleteI hope you know I save your emails in a file for future ideas ;0)
Kris in Alaska
funamom at yahoo dot com
Just beautiful and so elegant Luv Sue x
ReplyDeleteBoth cards are so pretty, but I pick the nordic sweater look - I guess it is the knitter in me that loves Fair Isle and Nordic patterns!
ReplyDeleteAsking me to choose a favourite one of those two cards is like asking which of my children I love most! I love the blue one because the Marina Mist looks frosty, like snowflakes should look; the other one looks warm and snuggly (like the Nordic sweater that you referenced), and right now I need warm and snuggly!
ReplyDelete