8 Fast Tips for Creating Clean and Simple Handmade Cards 

Do you have FOWS Syndrome? (Fear of White Space) Do you feel like every square inch of your card fronts have to be covered with color, texture or a die cut image? Ellen Hutson LLC Design Ambassador, Daniel West, is here to help you with 8 fast tips for creating clean and simple projects!

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Hey everyone! Daniel, here! Clean and Simple (CAS) cards are a delightful way to express your creativity and make someone’s day extra special. If you’re a fan of CAS designs, Ellen Hutson offers an array of quality paper crafting products to help you achieve stunning results. In this blog post, I’ll share 9 valuable tips to create greeting cards with not a whole lot one the front! Let’s dive in!

1. Embrace White Space:

Clean and simple designs often feature ample white space. Embrace the beauty of simplicity by leaving areas of your card blank or using minimal color. Let the focal point shine without overwhelming the design.

2. Focus on Sentiments:

Clean and simple cards often rely on heartfelt sentiments to convey the message. Ellen Hutson LLC offers a variety of sentiment stamps and dies that complement any occasion. Combine sentiments with simple design elements for a clean and impactful result.

3. Use Coordinating Color Schemes:

Ellen Hutson LLC offers an extensive selection of coordinating ink pads, markers, and papers. Stick to a limited color palette to maintain a clean and cohesive aesthetic. Experiment with subtle variations within the same color family to add depth and interest to your cards.

Here I’ve used pink and green, specifically Catherine Pooler’s Seafoam and Party Dress Inks. They work beautifully together and complement each other without competing for attention.

PRO TIP: Use the negative space to mask in a center background with a blending brush.

PRO TIP: You can keep the layers down to a minimum by using die cuts as a stencil instead of a part of the card.

4. Use Versatile Stamp Sets:

Ellen Hutson LLC provides an incredible selection of stamp sets. Look for versatile designs featuring simple shapes, sentiments, or floral motifs. These stamps can be used in various combinations to create elegant compositions.

Check out the way I used these simple snail images from the Snail Mail by Heather Meeson Essentials by Ellen Stamps and Dies to add an alternative flourish of swirls to the background. These, of course, are from the snail’s shell detail stamp.

5. Incorporate Embossing:

Heat embossing can add a touch of sophistication to your greeting cards. Ellen Hutson LLC offers a range of embossing powders and heat tools. Try heat embossing sentiments or simple patterns to create a focal point that stands out.

This sentiment is from the Mail Call by Julie Ebersole Essentials by Ellen Stamps and Dies.

6. Experiment with Limited Layering:

Create visual interest and dimension by incorporating layered elements. Ellen Hutson LLC offers a selection of coordinating products like patterned papers, stencils, and textured cardstocks. Combine these elements to achieve a clean and layered look.

Above, I just used simple die cuts stacked in just a corner bottom right. But I added some lighter pink color layered behind the die cuts. The dies are the Postage Dies Set.

7. Consider Minimalist Techniques:

Minimalism is key to clean and simple designs. Explore techniques like masking, where you cover portions of a stamp to create layered effects or omit unwanted parts. Ellen Hutson LLC offers a variety of masking products to aid your creative journey.

8. Focus on Clean Finishing Touches:

Pay attention to the finishing touches to ensure a polished look. Consider adding a touch of sparkle with glitter, using clear sequins for subtle embellishments, or opting for a crisp and clean border around your card.

Here I used a chrome paint pen to add some shiny dots and details for shine, instead of added more dimension with sequins or 3D embellishments.

Conclusion:

Creating clean and simple handmade greeting cards using Ellen Hutson LLC products is a delightful and rewarding experience. By following these ten tips, you can achieve stunning results with ease. Remember to embrace white space, choose versatile stamps and dies, and experiment with layering and embossing. Let your creativity shine through as you craft heartfelt cards that are sure to make a lasting impression. Happy crafting!