Wednesday, March 9, 2011

WOYWW - A Little Bit More of Less is More actually...

Hello Wednesday Wanderers and All,

Hope you are enjoying the spring sun. All teenage girls in my town think it's a heatwave, as they are all walking around in vest tops and mini-skirts...ah, was I but a wee lass again...Nice to see you and thanks for visiting, do linger a while. I will start with a shot of my desk to further What's on your Workdesk Wednesday's tradition...

This week it's all about my dabblings with Less is More. Quite a paradox if you know me and my ramblings. I am delighted to say I was Show-Cased by Chrissie and Mandi this week. Thank you! I am still really enjoying Less is More, it does me good on so many levels. I love it when the balance between the pleasure and the challenge is just right.
Now, don't get excited at the splashes of pink and the pram... I am just in love with this second-hand stamp I got in Holland. It's only 3cm square and just too sweet. The theme this week is pastels....yes, I know baby pink and prams. All sounds a bit twee - but that's just my point. Let me try "untwee".

I have played around and come up with a trio of cards - just one seems so fleeting. So indulge yourself and give in to the charms of some softer tones.

Here I have sponged a graduated border and then stamped the pram in three different inks. The first one is fairly dark but I think it gives the necessary definition to the first image and balances well with the other two tones. I like the way the prams are "grounded" on the border...somewhere to park your pram on! I opted for a bold but simple black sentiment for contrast. The textured card and a little pink edging helps carry off the white space.

  Number two, a tad smaller, catching some spring sun. This time I sponged a graduated square and went for just one image of the pram in a slightly darker tone. I really like that it is so subtle and almost faded which fits with the vintage pram image. I stamped the sentiment with individual letter stamps, added a ribbon and then felt it needed a glass brad to just balance out the proportions. I rounded the corners and again inked the edges.

 Third little lady. Chose a rectangle textured card this time. I sponged a vertical border allowing the top edge to just fade out. I stamped the pram - just dark enough to stand out and added a stamped hand-cut label with ribbon. Took me an hour to decide to add the button - and then ages to find the right one! Again, rounded corners and inked edges.




So there you go... my pink ponderings for today and hopefully not a twee in sight. Also joining in at Incy Wincy Designs and C.R.A.F.T. Challenge


And for all of last weeks viewers of my sneak preview - my first ever DT piece for Simon Says Stamp and Show...! See all the details on my previous post.

Leaving, but loving you,

Sarah.

81 comments:

HarmonySweetpea said...

That is a great stamp. Very nice find and you've made some lovely cards with it. Congrats on your first DT piece. Stunning work.

Susan said...

Fabulous stamp...and so versatile!! Love all three cards!!

peggy aplSEEDS said...

that's a lovely stamp and cards! i will check out your previous post now.

Carola Bartz said...

Those three cards turned out so beautifully. I like the first one the best. The stamp really is gorgeous.

jude said...

Love the cards just adore the one with the 3 prams fading!gonna pop see your simon says dt work now.Happy Wedensday
hugs jude3

Nicky said...

Wonderful cards love how they all look so different - love the stamp ~ Nicky 2

Jona Panesa said...

the pram stamp is really cute!!! loved your cards!

Jennie -The Artistic Stamper said...

Loving the little stamp, and TFS!
Jennie #19

Chrissie said...

A wonderful trio of cards Sarah!
It's difficult to choose a favourite.
You have matched the inks in the first one so well that I thought you had stamped the three images without re-inking your stamp.
I can see why you are so fond of that little stamp too!
Your sponging effects are superb.
Congratulations on last week's showcasing too!
Thanks so much and see you next time!
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Marjo said...

Gorgeous cards, Thanks for the peek and sharing. Hugs, Marjo #6

Mandi said...

Hi Sarah
What a wonderful little set
I do prefer more modern designs of stamps, but those prams are adorable!
Great work
Thank you!
mandi
"Less is More!

Helen said...

Love that pram!! and you made some lovely cards using it, gorgeous.

Cathy said...

Gorgeous pram stamp and pretty makes.
Happy WOYWW
Cathy xx

Anonymous said...

nice cards

Neet said...

Such pretty cards and lovely colours you have chosen to stamp with. Adore the DT piece you showcase at the end.

Julia Dunnit said...

Not twee at all - smashing take on the challenge! Your SSSSSS showpiece is marvellous.

donnalouiserodgers said...

ooh I really like all your pink wanderings and think they are tres sophisticated, they are beautiful, also you are not old yet, when you want to run up to them and tell them to put a coat on you have reached real old age...wishing I could get away with a mini skirt is ancient history (mutton jokes welcome) for me - but I still wear the high heels (with long skirts)

Dx

Sue said...

Hi ya hun
gorgeous cards hun,im enjoyin LIM, takes me a while to get me head round it, lol.congrats on bein showcased,have good day, happy WOYWW, sue,x

okienurse said...

Very nice cards. Thanks for sharing. Vickie #69

Zue said...

What a lovely stamp, Sasa...so versatile and I love how yo have used it!
Sue xx 72

Mrs A. said...

These are all gorgeous but my favourite has to be the 3 prams together. That is sheer inspiration. Off to see your previous post now. Another diversion!!
I hate to admit it but that was me going to bed. I was hoping to stay up long enough to be
No 1 but I can see thats gonna have to be a rug and a flask of coffee job. Hugs Mrs A.

happyglitzygirl said...

Beautiful. Simplistic designs are actually starting to become my favourites again. When I first started card making that was all I knew to do, then I got complicated, now back to the beginning again!! Lol. Love your card, looks 'clean' if you know what I mean. I love the one with the 3 prams. Thanks for the snoop. Blessings Hilde

Di said...

Such clever cards and thank you so much for explaining so well. Often blogs don't give away how things are done and I do like to learn new tricks! Di x

JoZart Designs said...

Lovely cards from that wonderful stamp. Almost like the pram I had for my girls 40 years ago! Heh he! Thanks for popping by my blog too and for your thoughts,
JoZarty x

Glenda said...

Such beautiful cards. I love the images you chose and the coloring is great!

Victoria said...

wow these are goreous love the pram getting slowly lighter. thank you for your lovely words
Vicky x

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Great to see this post, and more or less lovely cards the lot of them :).. adore that pram stamp!
TFS and happy WOYWW!
Shaz in Oz.x

Kate said...

Lovely cards. I've had a bit of fun playing at less is more this week too.

** Kate **

jodpea said...

Sheesh, I really struggle with this white space lark n u've gone n done three! I noticed u'd been showcased, ur 3 square cards were really lovely, u def deserved it! Other than I hate pink, these are lovely too - good luck in the challenge...

Franka Benjaminsen said...

They are lovely again! A complete contrast with the projects you've made for SSS&S. Go on like this.
Love Franka

Minxy said...

Beautiful cards, i can't do minimal, i start out ok but then by the time i've finished i've over added!
Loved your simon says piece and how you displayed it :D

Stay Inky
hugs Minxy #65

Spyder said...

Fabulous SSS show pieces and love the low short of your work desk, wonder if I did that minme would look tidy and crafty instead of a mess! Happy WOYWW ((Lyn))

Anonymous said...

Oh these ar gorgeous!

Happy WOYWW

Ali x #89

Gez Butterworth said...

Gorgeous cards & a fabby looking sneak peak too!
Have a great day. Gez.

The Crafty Elf said...

Your cards are just beautiful! I just found out I am going to be a great aunt again so you've inspired me for my congratulations card for my niece. Thanks for the peek!

Rainbow Lady said...

Loving that stamp - gorgeous. Do have a go at my challenges if you get chance. Love Cynthia x

Chrysalis said...

Hi Sarah - thanks for visiting my blog. I just LOVE the pram stamp! With love from nearby Worcester. Chris xx

Berry said...

You are right that little pram is just fabulous! I also adore your fab DT work for SSSand show! Fab work hugs Rebekah xx 108

Cauliflower Cupcake said...

I love those cards - the first is my favourite and I don't think they look twee!
Congratulations on the Simon says stamp and show - the work you have done is truly beautiful -absolutely my cup of tea. Love your blog and am following you now.
Well done -love it!
Rebecca

Susanne said...

Nice cards, you sure made good use of that stamp and your sponging prowess.

Chelle said...

Gorgeous cards!! 91

Pam said...

Lovely cards Sarah. Hugs Pam x

Anonymous said...

Thanks for commenting on my desk. Caan't make my mind up which of the three gorgeous pram cards I like . Just know I love that stamp and how you have used it.
x Tricia (60)

Helen Pigott said...

Super cards and this shows what a great way to use one stamp but with different results x

shazsilverwolf said...

Love that old fashioned Pram stamp, its gorgeous. The Simon Says stuff looks really interesting Shaz #118

Kathyk said...

All fab - great job

Kathyk

Virginia said...

Absolutely gorgeous cards and the stamping project is fabulous! Thanks for stopping by my blog!

lisa said...

What a gorgeous stamp that elegant pram is. No wonder you love it. The cards you've made are all stunning. It's amazing how one stamp can make so many different looking cards. I'd be hard pushed to choose a favourite.
Thanks for sharing them.
hugs Lisa (119)

Fiona said...

Love what you've done with your little pram stamp - they simple but elegant cards looks great

massofhair said...

Hi Sarah
Please can i tell you that i am really struggling to read your blog, can't see the black writing on the background you have.
Your pink wandering are all fab but i really like the second one best:-)

Jenny said...

These cards are so stylish. Great use of one tone and playing with ink x

Starla said...

Like the tone on tone. I think the first one (well, maybe the second one) is my favorite (I'm so decisive that way! ha!)
Love Your first DT project!

Caroline Hallett said...

great stamps and lovely desk - thanks for sharing x

Sarn said...

Hi ya! Great desk and terrific pink cards.
Hugs, Sandra

Penni said...

I'm not suprised you love this stamp so much - its gorgeous.

Love what you've created with it.

Hugs
Penni
x

Viv said...

G treat cards, hard to choose which is best too, well done again :O) Viv xx

Bugged Designs said...

Lovely cards, the pram stamp is just gorgeous :)

Twiglet said...

How clever to make all those so different from one little stamp - lovely!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, your DT work is amazing. I love all the paper and ribbon flowers you made, I was playing with paper flowers myself this week (late to the party, that's me). I love your clean and simple cards as well!

Dragon said...

Very dainty cards, honey, so shabby chic!!!
Frankie
xx

fairy thoughts said...

really cute cards (nothing wrong with that)
no3 daughter is having a baby soon, might make her something like this as wall art for the nursery wall.
happy wednesday
janet

TAM said...

A fabulous trio of cards - I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite out of these.

Linby said...

Three fab cards with just one little stamp - love the variation in tones of ink you used too.
Linbyx

KanataNewf said...

gorgeous cards! Thanks for visiting my blog already as well!

Happy WOYWW!

Sheena #86

SueH said...

What a beautiful trio of cards Sarah and you're right, that little stamp is so cute.

I love all that White space and only wish it was something I could carry off on my own cards but I never seem to manage it somehow.

Happy Crafting!
Sue
x

Lesley Edmonds said...

This little set of cards is just so elegant. Love that pram stamp.

Renee said...

What a pretty set. I love the waying it came out. Thanx for joining us this week at Incy Wincy. Hope to see you back again soon.
Renee DT

MvM-design said...

Love your pics, lots going on there!
Lovely cards ;-)

Greets Marleen

Sunshine Girl said...

Lovely cards you have made there and I love your DT stuff. Thanks for sharing.

Vicki B in OP NY said...

Love the idea and the examples of less is more. Gonna give it a try. Thanks for the peek!
Vicki 120

Eiglas said...

Super stamp and lovely cards! Less is defin itely more in this case!
Hope you continue to enjoy!
Hugs
Ei
x

DottyA Cards & Things said...

Very lite and airy!! love that...thanks for sharing!

Scrapcollectr said...

Love those three wee cards...the pinks are so soft and there's lots of nice white space...
*smile*
thx for visiting, too!
#80

Elizabeth said...

Your cards are gorgeous Sarah, very much 'less is more' and that vintage pram stamp is just perfect. Elizabeth x #97

Diane said...

Beautiful cards, the shade of pink you used suits that very beautiful image...love them all!
Diane x

Cherry said...

What wonderful cards in such lovely pastel pinks with beautiful sentiments. Hugs Cherry XxX

voodoo vixen said...

Love the pram cards, the first is my favourite with the fading out of the images but all three are lovely. Annette #5

Sue from Oregon said...

i am going to be looking forward to your Less is More every week! Lovely creations!

The Sparkly Fairy said...

Hi Sarah I follow your blog and think your work is amazing and would like to offer you the Stylish Blogger Award. Please visit my blog http://thesparklyfairy.blogspot.com/2011/03/stylish-blogger-award.html
for more details.

Linda Wescott said...

Well you are getting a lot for your tiny little stamp aren't you, those cards are beautiful You have inspired me to try a little less is more..CAS is just so hard for me lol Hugs lin

karen said...

Gorgeous cards you have made! That stamp is fabulous! I wouldn't have thought anyone could make an "untwee" card with a pram stamp and pastel pinks but you certainly did manage to do it!
I have an award for you on my blog today :)
xoxo Karen