Keep it Clean {CAS} OWH VCMP 9/11/11

Happy Sunday! It's the last day of the virtual cardmaking party (VCMP) for Operation Write Home and the party train has traveled all the way here to my blog! Woot! Happy birthday, OWH!

Before we get started, I just have to say that I find it hard to believe it's been 10 years already. Let's keep our fellow Americans in our prayers and good thoughts today, as well as our heroes. Let us support our heroes and help them maintain those ties back home so their deployments can be a bit more bearable, and let us reach out in love and compassion to families that lost friends and family members in the attacks.

I have a challenge for you today, and that is to keep it clean by making a CAS card. What is CAS? "Clean and simple" is a cardmaking style that is easier to define by what it is not (fussy, heavily embellished) than what it actually is - simple, yet presents you with that "wow" factor.  (Have you seen Kate's recent tutorial? Check it out!)

I find CAS some of the hardest cards to get just right. It's worth the effort, though! So, go dig through your stash. Find a GREAT stamp. Some BOLD color. Maybe a FUN embellishment. Pick a focal point and CREATE.

Like this:

Unity's 'Sew Cute' stamps, My Mind's Eye papers, stitched with my sewing machine
Image colored with Bic Mark-its, the heart is paper pieced

Or this:

Unity Stamp Co bird and sentiment stamps
Momento inks: bahama blue and tuxedo black

Then come back and link up to your creation. Why? Well, I believe a little candy makes life a whole lot more fun. Reese's Pieces, why yes, thank you - but blog candy is even sweeter, right??

Ready?

So sorry, small child and stuffed cat not included! However, you DO get the
$20 gift card to Joann Fabrics they are holding! Want it? You must do both:
a) leave a comment on this post
b) link up your CAS card

I'll announce a winner sometime Thursday morning. Fair warning - I'm up early. You might want to link up by Wednesday night. ;)

Party on, my card-making friends, PARTY ON. :)

Jen