Super Simplistic

That's my theme for the day. Simplistic. We all know "simplistic" is so NOT me.

But the other day, I was working with a 6x6 pack of Basic Grey paper (an older line that I do not even know the name of), and the paper was so beautiful as it was that I didn't want to muddy it all up with a whole bunch of "stuff". That, and the fact that I needed to whip out a bunch of cards for a special order I'd gotten, were the motivating factors for me to jump on the simplicity bandwagon. It was actually very liberating and freeing, not having to worry about layers and layout as much as I usually do. Just what the doctor ordered this week!

To start off, I made 2 of these sympathy cards....the paper was originally 6x6 (Basic Grey). The pattern was three columns of 3 squares each, so I cut off a row of three to make it fit on the front of the card. I put those 2 extra strips to the side for my next card. This is where "simplistic" comes comes in...I took my Stampendous Agapanthus stamp and inked it up with Chestnut Roan fluid chalk ink and then stamped it right on top of the Basic Grey paper on the left side of the card. Then I used one of the sentiments from SU's Close as a Memory set and stamped that in the same ink on the right side of the card. And that's it. That is all there is to this card. How's that for simple? I stamped "With Sympathy" on the inside. But I have to tell you, it's one of my most favorite cards cuz it IS so simple. No fuss, no muss. Freeing.

The second card I made after the sympathy cards is this Cherish card. I took the two left over strips from the above cards and glued them on to the front of the card. For the hearts, I just took a few scraps from my scrap drawer and cut out the hearts freehand and adhered them to the middle of the card. I used dimensional dots on one of the hearts. I stamped "cherish" in the bottom right hand corner using the Chestnut Roan fluid chalk ink. Bada bing, bada bang, bada boom. Done. But I LOVE this card. Pure and simple.

Now, don't kid yourself. I won't be doing alot of this simple stamping. I will most definitely be returning to my style of many papers and lots of layers! But once in a while, this style will be ok with me. If I found the right paper, I'd do both of these cards again! Truth be told, it's the paper, and not my fabulous stamping skills that made both of these cards stand out. I haven't completely lost my mind!

Hey! I have a brand new blog I want to share with you. I found it yesterday via a thread on the SCS forum about new blogs. Her name is Mint (I need to find out the history of her name!), and her blog is called MintStamps! She is absolutely gorgeous and her family and hubby (3 daughters-yikes) are just as stunning. She lives in the 'burbs of San Francisco, but her heart will forever remain in San Fran, where she grew up. The reason I think you'd like her blog is cuz she writes alot like me. So if you like my blog, I know you'd like hers. Please click on the link above and tell her hello. She's fairly new to blogging, so right now, she feels like she's talking to nobody but herself and her mom! We can't have that, can we? We need to show Mint some Heartfelt Greetings lovin'...today!!!!

I took another Hydro Training class this morning, in the outdoor pool this time! I am exhausted, needless to say. That's three workouts so far this week (since Wed)...2 water aerobics and one yoga. The yoga busted my butt the other day. It was NOT a pretty sight had you seen me trying to manipulate this overweight body into the downward facing dog position.....the only good news is I didn't lose my balance and flop to the ground while doing it!!! If I continue doing water aerobics and yoga, and I'll be a HOTTIE in no time, it's so amazing for toning and conditioning! I can't wait!

Remember to go and visit Mint today and tell her Amy sent you over! Have a great day!

Hugs,
Amy