The Difference between Clean & Simple and Clean & Layered!

Hi everyone! Lesley here, creator of The Card Concept. 

Wow, I am thrilled with the response to our challenge! Thank you so much for joining us!

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My sweet bloggy friend Darnell, asked this excellent question:

I think a lot of us are still confused about what is CAS and what is CAL. I should say, speaking for myself, that I am confused about it. If someone could enlighten me about my card today, I would be grateful. I see that Tracy's and Deanna's brilliant cards both have layers, so I'm beginning to understand that it is really more about the "white" space than the layers? Yes? My card this week is really questionable in my own mind as far as whether I've left enough "white" space to be considered CAS. Thank you! Hugs, Darnell

Thank you for your question, Darnell!

Clean and Layered is actually QUITE a bit different from Clean and Simple. For instance, all of the designers over at Freshly Made Sketches are Clean and Layered artists. I think of clean lines, lots of design papers or embossing and usually some embellishments. There is nothing "simple" about a clean and layered card.

Here are some cards I created in the Clean and Layered style. As you can see...not simple but layered with NO sponging or distressing...they are clean and layered. The second card looks more simple, because of the white space...but it is Clean and Layered too...because of the flowers, and the flourish. It took a while to make! LOL!

Clean and Simple is all about less is more. Usually one layer...sometimes artists like Deanna and Tracey use pens to create lines that "look" like layers. I truly do not usually "do" clean and simple but there have been some great examples of it in the linky gallery. One of our winners for last week's challenge, Brian, shared an excellent example of Clean and Simple.

Our Challenge Manager, Tracey McNeely, created this awesome Clean and Simple card...no "white" but lots of white space!

I hope this helps to clarify the difference between the two styles! Thanks again for your question, Darnell!

Clean and Simple (CAS)

Definition:

• One main image
• Lots of open space (uncluttered)
• Limited layers & embellishments
• Quick & easy to recreate

Clean and Layered

Definition:

• clean lines
• lots of layers
• designer papers/embossing
• embellishments/accents
• clean and fresh looking
• some coloured images at times
• white space