As a card maker for over 15 years, I’ve seen and admired many different styles of card creations. From layered and frilly to interactive with lots of fun folds, to mixed media masterpieces. I appreciate them all, but always go back to my tried and true: Clean and simple or CAS as it is known in the card making world.
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According to the forums over at Splitcoaststampers, a CAS card contains “minimal layers/elements…and lots of white space”. More of an emphasis on design rather than technique. This style first captured my interest while flipping through the pages of PaperCrafts magazine back in the mid-2000s. The cards featured had such a “pleasing to the eye” quality, I had to practice until I could achieve that fresh, clean look. After years of practice (and lots of white card bases), I’ve been able to pinpoint a formula I use to make these minimal but impactful little creations. Over the years, I’ve gravitated more toward a clean and layered design rather than a completely one layer card, but I do love both.
After reviewing past cards, I found that I use a “3 Layer Formula” keeping in mind some of the basic principles of design.
1. White Card Base
I tend to prefer a canvas of white because it’s easy, plus you’re off to a good start with your “lots of white space”. White space gives the eye a place to rest as it makes it’s way around a card creation. To incorporate a colored card stock base, I like to create a panel with colored card stock on top of the white base and leave a small border of the white. My absolute favorite card stock for white card bases is Cougar Super Smooth 100#. It’s a beautiful bright white and is a great canvas for Copic markers. I also like the Super Smooth folded cards which are pre-cut, folded and ready to go.
2. Focal Point
This is the main attraction on a card. Sometimes it is a big, bold sentiment, other times a flower or group of animals. Whatever it is, it’s main goal is to draw your eye to the card.
3. A Third Element
This would be some kind of “wow” factor such as a “pop” of color or a bit of texture. I love a background using heat or dry embossing or stenciling. A little bit of Copic coloring on one or two elements is also a great way to draw the eye’s attention. This third element is an addition that satisfies our brain’s love of seeing things in odd numbers. I have the white space for rest, a nice focal point, then an additional piece to tie everything together.
These three steps along with following the basic principles of design have helped me along in my CAS card creations. The following are a few examples of how I’ve incorporated this formula into some of my favorite cards:
This card is years old and actually one of the first I tried in the CAS style. This was definitely a more traditional one-layer CAS card. Here, the focal point is the black sentiment with the bold “you” against the clean, white card. Adding the pops of color on the leaves of the vines would be that third element that brings a little excitement to the simple black and white image. With it being a one layer card, I also incorporated multiple design principles including “movement”, with the vines going in different directions around the sentiment. This helps the eye travel around the card to read the sentiment. When I’m struggling with a design, many times I will use just black and white with a bit of bright color.
This is a Christmas card I did for Catherine Pooler Designs that is more of a clean and layered design. The focal point would be the glasses and blue “FALALA” popped up with foam tape for some texture. The additional “FALALA” in pink underneath is that extra third layer that adds depth and interest.
This card is an example of using a colored layer but leaving a border of white. It’s basically the black and white with a pop of color design, but this time, the additional background heat embossed stamp would be the third element.
If you like the CAS style, I encourage you to practice and take photos of your work to save and review later. Analyze your cards and choose the elements you like and tend to use often, and soon, your CAS style will emerge.
If you want to learn more about design principles and visually pleasing layouts, White Space Is Not Your Enemy is one of my favorite reference books. It covers all the elements of design as well as color basics and much more.
For more about my CAS card formula I have a video HERE where I go into more detail. Also, be sure to take a look at my favorite card making supplies to see what I use to create my cards.
Blue Scallop Creations 