KISS (Keep It Simple Saturdays) with Michelle

Hello there and Happy Saturday to you!

When I created this card for this week's blog I had 2 purposes in mind. First, was to create a much needed birthday card (actually it is now a belated birthday) for a sweet friend of mine ;) And second I wanted to know; how many supplies do I use when making a card? Why do I ask such a question? Well my husband is amazed that it takes this amount of supplies (insert supply/tool photo) to create this card (insert card photo).

Still on my color inspiration from last week; I was also inspired by my charm bracelet. So I figured 'why not create a charmed card?' And now because Spring has officially arrived, I wanted to create a card that was simple in design and color but still true to my graphic and clean style.

To help you re-create this card as quickly as possible here are some tips on how I easily assembled this week's project:

Tip: Use punches.

Punches are one of my favorite tools. They are easy and quick to use! Plus if you have stamps that coordinate with; you are only 2 steps away from creating an embellishment - stamp and punch. If you have a variety of shapes, use them to add interest to your card.

Tip: Grab whatever is easier for you to create your cardfront - stamp(s) or patterned paper.

For me this week, I found it easier to grab one of background stamps and do some clear embossing on my cardfront. Here is my column from last week on tips on how to emboss your cardfront using a background stamp. Perhaps the opposite is true for you and go for patterned paper. Whatever your choice, go with your first instinct.

Tip: Use a neutral piece of cardstock.

The quickest cards for me when I am creating are based on either white or cream color cardstock. But maybe your neutral color is kraft, gray or even black; have your color(s) ready to grab, trim and go create.

Tip: Keep your color scheme small.

My color inspiration was taken by the piece of ribbon you see across my card and carrying that through using ink, thread and metal embellishments (in brushed sliver) to coordinate. The result is graphic and clean every time (and again so easy peasy to assemble).

Here are some quick tips on how to create a 'charmed' look on your card:

1. Use eyelets on both the pieces where the 'charm' will be linked to. In this instance, I placed an eyelet on my punched shapes and along the ribbon on the cardfront.
2. For added strength and durability to the card (assuming the card will be handled quite a bit); attach one of the 2 eyelets from above in a 'thick' area of the card. Hence this is why I used ribbon.
3. Coordinate your thread color to the color of ribbon and/or ink used when stamping. This will create a 'seamless' look when the 'charms' hang.
4. Vary the lengths of how the charms will lay onto the card. As you can tell from my card that some pieces are hanging below and off to the side of the card. Personally I like that look because it closely resembles a charm bracelet look for me.
5. When attaching your eyelets (I used small ones) using the Big Bite or Crop-a-Dile, ensure your hole punched is 1/8" and when setting them your knobs are C and 3 respectively.

My husband swears that when crafting, I am in a creative storm. There is product everywhere; it is amazing I can still find the 'thing' I need. Can you imagine if I did add in more supplies and possibly tools? Oh boy... perhaps it is safe not to imagine such a site (laughing).

Have a great weekend and until next week Happy Crafting!

KISSes and Hugs ~Michelle