Extreme Make Over #3

The third of my Extreme Make Over cards was inspired by Kimberly Crawford's fabulous Christmas card in Holiday Cards and More, Vol. 4.

Two things caught my attention about this card. First, Kimberly's use of shape is masterful. Notice the circles in the patterned paper reinforcing the three layers of circles (one of which has polka dots, too) and the circular stamped image. Then she throws in a wide horizontal strip that has subtle vertical lines of texture. Curves love angles/angles love curves. The combination creates tension and interest in her design.

Second, I HAVE THAT STAMP SET! I bought it in a weak moment with a coupon at HL, and have regretted it ever since. It's just so hard for me to work with. Not sure why. So I decided to "clean and simplify" (or CAS-ify) Kimberly's card to see if I could finally make a card with this set that made me happy.

Here's what I did. First, I stripped all the patterned paper away: this is the easiest way to CAS-ify anything. Then I eliminated one layer from the focal point, so it's just the stamped panel and a scalloped matte. I made the "December 25th" stamp red rather than black (Kimberly's is all black, which makes sense in her color scheme to keep the focal point different to emphasize it amidst all those circles). By doing this, I integrated my stamped panel into the rest of my very simple card.

I layered the wide grosgrain ribbon over the scallop and under the stamped panel, which is popped up on dimensionals. I attached a knotted piece over the flat ribbon to make this card more postal friendly and because I'm scared of bows. Well, not of the bows themselves (that would be silly), just making them. Knots are easier.



Thanks, Kimberly. I'm finally happy.

Supplies
stamps: Art Warehouse
cardstock: PTI white, SU real red
ink: palette noir, SU real red
accessories: ribbon, dimensionals, CM circle cutter, marvy scalloped punch