Clean and Simple Cards

[blizlady]

Is it only me, or are some of the clean and simple cards examples really quite complicated.

Please don't misunderstand - I absolutely love all types of designs whether one layer with one stamp all the way to the very intricate. But I love the CAS cards that are truly simple and I find that so many submissions have numerous layers with additional embossing, punches, ribbons, brads, eyelets, glitter, ribbons, etc. all on the same card. I know it is hard to really distinguish whether something that is considered CAS can't have more than one layer or more than an embellishment or two, but I guess I am finding more and more complicated cards being submitted as CAS in order to include them in several different challenges.

Maybe I am looking for more simplicity because of the lack of time I have to enjoy this hobby, and I always type in "CAS" to find the cleanest, simplest cards. I don't ignore the gorgeous complex ones in that category (and there are many beauties!), but just wondering what would be considered CAS.

[jazzytobi]

Well... I think Jen said it best in the beginning of all of the CAS challenges:

There are different ways people view CAS. It is very subjective. There is no list of rules that will fit everyone’s personal definition. The following are possible guidelines, only. Please do not feel afraid of playing in the CAS challenge or debate with yourself if you’ve created a CAS card. If it is a CAS card to you, put CAS in the keyword box.


1. Clean: the design is uncluttered with lots of white or open space. Simple: having a clear focal point without a lot going on to detract from it.

OR
2. simple in design regardless of the number of embellishments or how long it takes to color, stitch or to use a special technique

OR
3. can be copied and mass produced fairly quickly… usually without a lot of coloring, layers, embellishments, tools and/or techniques

OR
4. any combination of the above



The keywork being: subjective..

[k dunbrook]

"The keywork being: subjective.."

I totally agree......

[deeth1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blizlady

Is it only me, or are some of the clean and simple cards examples really quite complicated.

I have noticed that too. While it is hard to define clean and simple, maybe it would help to set a time limit on how long it takes to make the card.

[Joan B]

as the supreme court justice once said about porno -- I can't define it but I know it when I see it!

[jactop]

I have a hard time coming up with clean or simple cards but maybe the confusion is that Clean & Simple are 2 different things.

To me "clean" is crisp, tidy and uncluttered like the pink card. My version of "simple" is a card I can make in 3-5 easy steps like the medallion or mail box.

[MWDStamp]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan B

as the supreme court justice once said about porno -- I can't define it but I know it when I see it!

Too funny! But certainly applies to this. I agree with the OP that some cards posted as CAS don't strike me as being CAS. It is a very subjective classification. And no matter how many times we have tried we just can't come up with a clear cut definition of a CAS card. So, stick with what you believe to be CAS, to me that is the most important definition of CAS.

[Kristin Moore]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blizlady

Is it only me, or are some of the clean and simple cards examples really quite complicated.

Please don't misunderstand - I absolutely love all types of designs whether one layer with one stamp all the way to the very intricate. But I love the CAS cards that are truly simple and I find that so many submissions have numerous layers with additional embossing, punches, ribbons, brads, eyelets, glitter, ribbons, etc. all on the same card. I know it is hard to really distinguish whether something that is considered CAS can't have more than one layer or more than an embellishment or two, but I guess I am finding more and more complicated cards being submitted as CAS in order to include them in several different challenges.

Maybe I am looking for more simplicity because of the lack of time I have to enjoy this hobby, and I always type in "CAS" to find the cleanest, simplest cards. I don't ignore the gorgeous complex ones in that category (and there are many beauties!), but just wondering what would be considered CAS.

Yep I agree, I've seen some cards labeled CAS when I would tend to disagree and wonder about trying to cram too many challenges together. HOWEVER, I've probably been guilty of the same thing myself so I just overlook it. I've gone back and forth a few times if something actually qualifies as CAS but then I remember Jen's words of wisdom about not debating, just post it.

And please, no time limits for CAS challenges or I'd never get to use that label again!

[pjw2855]

Perhaps the person who came up with that term Clean and Simple should make a definition for it so that everyone can follow that.

Patti

[willosmama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blizlady

Is it only me, or are some of the clean and simple cards examples really quite complicated.

Please don't misunderstand - I absolutely love all types of designs whether one layer with one stamp all the way to the very intricate. But I love the CAS cards that are truly simple and I find that so many submissions have numerous layers with additional embossing, punches, ribbons, brads, eyelets, glitter, ribbons, etc. all on the same card. I know it is hard to really distinguish whether something that is considered CAS can't have more than one layer or more than an embellishment or two, but I guess I am finding more and more complicated cards being submitted as CAS in order to include them in several different challenges.

Maybe I am looking for more simplicity because of the lack of time I have to enjoy this hobby, and I always type in "CAS" to find the cleanest, simplest cards. I don't ignore the gorgeous complex ones in that category (and there are many beauties!), but just wondering what would be considered CAS.

It's definitely subjective! I find that most people here like the prefer the OLC as CAS-

I prefer a cleaner design, and agree with Joan it's hard to explain, but I know it also when I see it. I consider myself CAS, but i guess that's in comparison to the millions of cards that are many layers thick with tons of embellishments.

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan B

as the supreme court justice once said about porno -- I can't define it but I know it when I see it!

*chinkle*

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjw2855

Perhaps the person who came up with that term Clean and Simple should make a definition for it so that everyone can follow that.

Patti

*chuckle*

Somehow, I just don't think that'd work due to interpretation.

I think Joan pretty much said it. *more chuckling*

[k dunbrook]

And please, no time limits for CAS challenges or I'd never get to use that label again! [/quote]


ditto on that one for me....I am very slow sometimes with LOTS of interruptions!!

[krystie lee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjw2855

Perhaps the person who came up with that term Clean and Simple should make a definition for it so that everyone can follow that.

Patti

I just bumped the thread where we first defined CAS.

It's here if you'd like to see it.

I think the definition that Jen uses on the CAS challenges covers it. It is definitely subjective. Some people think it means "easy", that has never been my definition. To me it's about a clean look, even if the execution required is complex.

As far as a time limit....NOOOOO! I'm the slowest stamper ever!

[LateBlossom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joan B

as the supreme court justice once said about porno -- I can't define it but I know it when I see it!

I totally agree.

[dorothyjane]

I agree with the person who started the thread. I always thought it was something with clean lines and simple to make. I guess like everyone else said it is your interpretation. Don't know why I even posted this now cuz it has been said before. But I do believe it is less layers and more clean lines. To each his own.