CAS Challenges

Our team recently had a Clean and Simple Challenge in which to participate.  If you know me, you'll know that CAS is the biggest challenge EVER for me.  I haven't found the balance to master this art yet.  But I intend to work at it.  I always seem to want to add one more thing to the card for balance, instead of learning how to balance two or three elements.  Here was another one of my entries in the contest:

Cute it may be, but CAS it is not.  I don't think.  This is the new Oh, Whale stamp set.  Isn't it adorable?  And the Cloudy Day embossing folder?  The Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP is the perfect back drop with those cheerful rainbow colours.  Then there's the little fork bow again. (I am going to do a video tutorial on how to make them, but I have footage for two other videos I have to edit first!)  I really like the Striped Organdy ribbon from the Spring Catalogue and it makes the perfect little bow!

But tell me, how would you make this card more clean and simple?  What should I have done without?

Leave me a comment with your ideas and I will try to rework the card so you can see my progress! 

Stay tuned tomorrow for a new  "Crafty Clues by Heather" video tutorial.  Ta-ta!

Stamps:  Oh, Whale (w129129; c129132)

Paper:  Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP (126922); Whisper White (100730) card stock

Ink:  Classic Stampin' Pads in Melon Mambo (126948), Pacific Point (126953), and Marina Mist (126962)

Accessories: 3/8" Striped Organdy Ribbon in Melon Mambo (129293); Rhinestone Basic Jewels (119246)

Tools:  Cloudy Day Textured Impression Embossing Folder (127022), Paper Snips (103579)

Oh, Whale Stamp Set

Cloudy Day Embossing Folder

Sunshine and Sprinkles DSP