Hello Everybody,
Christmas cards usually make me want to add a lot of things.
Flowers? Yes.
Glitter? Obviously.
A pretty frame? Probably.
Some extra greenery? Well… there is always room for that, right?
So for my Altenew Fan Group takeover, I decided to challenge myself in two ways at once: use a less-traditional Christmas color combination and keep the cards CAS — Clean and Simple.
And let me tell you… this was harder than I expected! On the year round cards I really learned to be restrained, the AECP journey learns me that, but Christmas cards is another story.
What Makes a CAS Christmas Card?
For me, a CAS card needs a clear focal point, plenty of breathing room and a design that doesn't try to fill every available space.
That sounds simple enough, right?
Well… for someone who likes adding things on Christmas cards, it isn't always that easy.
For this challenge, I wanted to combine that CAS feeling with a less-traditional Christmas color combination.
And that combination really made me think about what the card actually needed — and, perhaps even more importantly, what it didn't need.
Two Cards From One Idea
For my first examples, I made two cards using the same basic design. Really a two for 0ne.
I used the Zero Waste Ornamental Winter Pattern Die Set for these two cards. Furthermore dark blue glitter cardstock with white and kept the design very simple: one main ornament as the focal point, with plenty of open space around it. And a big sentiment on that focal point.
I made one card with a silver bow and thread and another with a light blue version.
I love making cards like this when I need more than one Christmas card. You can keep the design the same but change one or two details, and suddenly you have a little pair of cards that feel related without being completely identical. These cards are also nice as a gift in a gift-box.
And this is also where CAS, Clean and Simple helped me.
I had to resist the temptation to add more. 😂
The glitter card stock already gives the card plenty of sparkle and texture, so the rest of the design didn't need much.
A Different Take on CAS
For my second example, I went with a completely different design. I used the gorgeous Jack Pine Tree for this card.
I used a white background with a blue vertical ink blended panel behind the Christmas tree. The tree became the main focal point, with its layered branches and snowy details. I only used a bit of iridescent splattering and a stamped and heat embossed sentiment.
There is a little more going on in the tree itself, but the rest of the card stays very open.
And this is something I learned while making this challenge:
CAS doesn't necessarily mean that the focal point has to be simple.
You can have a detailed image or layered element and still create a CAS card if the rest of the design gives it enough space to breathe.
That was an important reminder for me!
Less-Traditional Christmas Colors
For this challenge, I also asked everyone to step away from the usual Christmas color combinations.
And that doesn't have to mean using completely crazy colors. 😂
Blue, pink, purple, teal, icy colors, pastels, kraft and white, black and white, silver… there are so many possibilities.
The idea is simply to look beyond the traditional Christmas palette and see what happens.
And honestly, I think that can be a really fun way to get out of a creative rut.
Sometimes changing the colors is enough to make a familiar Christmas design feel completely different.
Final Thoughts
This challenge definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone.
Not because either of these things is impossible on its own, but because Clean and Simple + a less-traditional color combination made me think much more carefully about what the card actually needed. And I think I didn't use really strange color combinations, blue is starting to become a very often used color on Christmas cards, but red and green stays the most traditional color combination for me..
But, something I have been trying to remind myself of more and more:
A card doesn't always need more. Sometimes it needs less.
Although I am still working on that one, especially when we are talking about Christmas cards. 😂
I hope these cards give you some ideas for your own Christmas cards. Not that much the cards itself, but more the playing outside your comfort-zone.
You don't have to use my colors, my designs or even make a traditional Christmas image. Take the idea and make it your own.
And most importantly, don't be afraid to stop when the card is finished.
Even if there is still room for one more embellishment.
Especially if there is still room for one more embellishment. ❤️
Used Products:
Affiliate Note
The links in this post are affiliate links. If you choose to shop through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my creative journey and Angels Happy Cards. 🤍
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for following my journey. I truly appreciate every visit and every comment.
With love and creative joy,
Angelique
Add comment
Comments
Thank you for this challenge. It will get me closer to my goal of having my cards finished before the holidays. I love the blue in your cards . . . non-traditional but gorgeous..