Sometimes the simplest concepts can be the most difficult to execute. When I saw “single layer card” as the sketch for this week’s challenge from The Paper Players, I just about fell out of my chair. OK, so maybe I didn’t really lose my balance or plummet to the ground, but I was a little dizzy. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE clean and simple – but my version of clean and simple almost always have several layers.
I almost instantly knew this would be my chance to use my Two by Two stamp. Here’s my single layer card:
And here’s Jaydee’s incredible challenge:
Defend myself corner: Before I move on, I want to clarify that this image is perfectly centered on the note card front. It wasn’t until I started writing this post that I realized the angle of the picture makes it look off-center. Please know it is not.
Tips, Tricks and Reminders:
- Coloring with Blender Pens. Blender Pens are PERFECT for adding color to an image stamped with permanent ink. With your stamp pad closed, gently press the bottom of the case into the ink. Open the pad and pull the ink from the inside cover. How easy is that?
- Shading with Blender Pens. You can make a simple image look like a work of art. Start with lighter colors and then add darker shades. In the image below, I colored the entire boat with a thin layer of Crumb Cake and then highlighted with Soft Suede. Beware: do not add too many layers of color – handle with a light hand – or the paper will start to “pill up”. That’s not the texture you are looking for. 🙂
- Adding shape. If your card has one layer, you can add color or texture or depth. I opted to not sponge the edges so the image would speak for itself. Instead, I simply rounded the corners of the card base (just the outside edges) to add interest. It was just that “little thing” this card needed.
Stamp sets: Two by Two Papers: Note Card Inks: Jet Black StazOn, Pumpkin Pie, So Saffron, Marina Mist, Basic Gray, Pink Pirouette, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede Accessories: Blender Pen, 3/16″ Corner punch
Make sure you check out the other design inspiration cards at The Paper Players.
Thanks for stopping by today!
Brian
I love this stamp ! But, my plan has been not to use the sentiment ….maybe swap the stamp next door`s sentiment that says ” The best things in life are meant to be shared”. You did a nice job coloring all those cute little animals and you don`t have to watercolor them . Colored pencils will do a nice job too . I love all of the stamps on page 60 in the big catty but, I don`t have any of them because I don`t excel at coloring unless I use a box of Crayolas …. Cute card !!
Yes indeed Brian, this card is super cute and you did a fabulous job coloring it. This stamp is great for someone who had twin babies since it has two of each of this little animals. The image does look a bit off to the side but it’s really due to the angle in which you took the picture, we know you probably measured the distances on both sides to center it perfectly.
A “single layer card” theme – yikes! No dimensionals! No snail or glue or glue dots!! No textures! No ribbon, baker’s twine, brads, buttons, matting, jewels, punchies! Oh my!
Great stamp set choice and great blending, Brian. 😉 You hit the bullseye with this challenge!
Beautiful! And yes what a challenge! One layer card I think I would tear my hair out first! I love this Crisp White for New Baby with your soft soft coloring. You nailed it!
When I first started stamping in 2000, all I did was single layer cards. Boy, things have certainly changed. Now I don’t think I can create a card without dimensionals! It’s strange how one’s stamping style evolves but a good thing to every once in a while get back to the basics. I had forgotten how striking a simple card with a stamped image can be. You did a great job on the coloring Brian. The other day I used one of my original stamps from the Quilts Give Comfort set and used chalks to color the images. I bet it’s been 6 years since I dragged out the chalks. I was thrilled with the results and so was the recipient. I think that sometimes we get so involved with new techniques that we need to step back and relearn the basics.
Sometimes simple is better! That single stamp with the beautiful coloring becomes the focal point and speaks for itself. Nice job!
Very nice, Brian. PERFECT balance, PERFECT sentiment! I don’t think I have ever successfully made a one layer card. Maybe today is the day to try. You and Ann Schach have inspired me.
Thanks for the sweetness, Leslie! I know this was a challenge for me! I am fortunate that I have Brian to bounce ideas off!
Gorgeous and all other comments! Enjoy your Sunday!
Wow. So nice, Brian! I am terrible at colouring in… I’ll definitely come back to this post for when I do take the plunge and try to colour something in.
You have, however, made me want to by the little corner punch. I placed an order tonight (my own workshop with guests!) and was considering the punch, but had not seen it used on any projects. Now that I have, I will be adding it to my wishlist!
Looks perfect to me…..the cutest lil’ image in the whole catalog and your coloring and shading makes it come to life! Love it!
Very cute card! Nice job on the water-coloring!
Love this, Brian! Your coloring is beautiful. This is such a sweet stamp — I wish I had more occasions to send baby cards.
Expert coloring, and a great one layer card! I love this stamp, too.
Lovely coloring and perfect stamp for the challenge!
Brian, seriously, you wouldn’t believe this was a challenge for you! You rocked it! I love your subtle and detailed coloring – perfect for a baby card. I love the little touch of blue under the wave and the rounded corners were the perfect way to echo the bottom of the ark. Thanks for creating such a gorgeous card for my challenge.
jaydee
stunning!
Perfect card for this challenge, Brian! I never even thought about that stamp but it is ideal and your subtle coloring is so soft and comforting–just perfect for a baby card. Way to rock it!
Beautiful coloring job, Brian!
Absolutely adorable, Brian! You rocked this challenge!
So sweet I just want to pinch you on the cheek;)
Brian, this is such a sweet card! Perfect to welcome a wee one into the world with the soft colors and the clean design. Fantastic one-layer wonder! 🙂