Control Freaks Simple & Elegant Blog Tour

Welcome... It's time to hop along with the super fabulous Control Freaks group!  This month's theme is Simple & Elegant.  Love it!  You've probably arrived here from Wendy Weixler's blog.  Her projects are always so gorgeous and creative!

So, this month's theme... Simple, as in not many layers, but with style.  Elegant is a bit tougher.  What is elegant?  I often think of vintage or flowers.

For a project with a little bit different look, I frequently turn to a mixed media challenge.  The Mix-Ability #61 challenge, Not Monotonous, calls for different shades of a single color, which I find to be very elegant.  I also followed the Pointillism tutorial on Splitcoaststampers.

I used three ink media here, Blendabilities, Memento dye-based ink, and fine-tipped Sharpie marker.  I kept the card layout simple, to focus on the main image.  This card also satisfies DTGD challenge, DTGD14JBgreendawn, and uses Freshly Made Sketches #148.

Stamps: Regarding Dahlias, And Many More; Paper: Basic Gray, Smoky Slate, Whisper White, Confetti Celebration DSP; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Smoky Slate Blendabilities, Black Stazon fine point marker; Accessories: Smoky Slate chevron ribbon, White baker's twine, Dotted Scallop Ribbon border punch, Bitty Banners framelits, Big Shot, Dimensionals.

Here's a different interpretation of elegant, as in an elegant way to add colored card stock to a card without adding layers.  I recently learned about fun, new (to me) technique called inlaid die-cuts, which I wanted to try.  I started off with some happy, warm colors for my card.

Although the intent of the card is to be one-layer, with embedded die-cuts you need a base piece to cover up the backside of the cuts.  So ok, a two-layer card.  Then I blew the flatness out of the water with my bulky layered chipboard embellishments.  Oh well.  *shrugs*

I wanted to add a bow to the heart sequin, but the baker's twine or linen thread was too bulky, so I used thread.

Stamps: Just Sayin'; Paper: Daffodil Delight, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, Crumb Cake, Sweet Taffy DSP, Thin Chipboard; Ink: Rich Razzleberry; Accessories: In Color sequins, Rhinestone jewel, Itty Bitty Accents punch pack, Watercolor brush, Word Bubbles framelits, Big Shot, Thread, Dimensionals.

Jump over to the amazing Patty Bennett's blog to check out what fabulous ideas she has for us.