Less is more 4 ...

... it's hard to believe that this blog is only on its fourth challenge.  Chrissie and Mandi have built up a large and growing following.  Their aim is to "promote the making of classic Clean and Simple cards" which they do with a series of different challenges and some fabulous tutorials.  And what's really nice with the people taking part and leaving comments, is that we get "real" feedback and helpful criticism.  I've been trying to get around all the entries to see what people come up with and to leave comments - but they had nearly 200 entries last week and I didn't get to see them all!!

This week the Less is More challenge is a recipe - "to use three squares" on your card.  Mandi and Chrissie have come up with great inspirational cards - both totally different looks.  And in the spirit of learning and development, I've made two cards - there's really only one difference between them - and I'd like to hear thoughts.

Both are plain white A6 cards.  I've used a punch to make the square and mounted the stripes onto some blue swirly paper that I found in my stash.  On the card above, I mounted this directly to the card and added a greeting underneath the stripe, making sure that the greeting finished at the edge of the stripe.

On version two - I made the stripe in exactly the same way as above, but this time I emphasised the edge of the stripe with matching ink.  Then added the sentiment to finish in line with the stripe.

Stamps:  Hero Arts - Letter "U" (alphabet set, large capital letter and various images/sentiments to match)
Inks:  Memento - Danube Blue
Accessories:  Card & paper from stash; Papermania square punch (can't remember name of design)

We had a great time out at Whiz Kids this morning - the girls were absolutely shattered when we came back.  They've been playing quietly (I've had to check to make sure they hadn't fallen asleep) in Kathryn's bedroom.  Ben is making the most of the nice weather - really, the sun is shining - by going out to see some of his friends. 

While we were out this morning I finished reading The Valley of Horses - book 2 in the Earth's Children series by Jean Auel.  I read this series of books when they  first came out (too many years ago) and the final instalment about Ayla and her journey is coming out in March.  So I've been re-reading the stories.  If you've not read them - the story (very, very briefly) is about Ayla (Cro-Magnon) who is found and rescued by a Neanderthal clan and her journey as she begins to grow and mature, her natural tendencies emerge, putting her in the middle of a brutal and dangerous power struggle.  They're wonderful stories and I highly recomment them!!  This might be another reason why I've not made many cards this week :)

That's all for now.  Back later.

Edit:  I've had 14 comments so far (26/02 @ 7.00pm) and most people seem to prefer the first version.  I've found this very interesting, as when I made the card I immediately felt it needed something, which is why I made version two.  I showed hubby (via Skype) and he went for V2.  I think my preference is for V2, but I would probably make the edging a bit neater ;)