Today it's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's the turn of the fabulous Elizabeth to host this week and she has my favourite, a sketch challenge for us to work with:
Yes this week it's a sketch challenge with a difference - no specific layout; instead the challenge is to make a one layer card design. I knew exactly where I was going with this, although it did take me a while to get there (more on that to follow!) For now, here's my card - take a look:
Here's the low-down on today's card:
One Layer Definition - For the avoidance of doubt, we are using the following as our definition of a one layer card:
"A one-layer card is a simple card made from a single piece of cardstock or paper, with no additional layers or embellishments. The design is directly printed, stamped, or drawn onto the surface of the card base”.
In other words, if you need glue - it isn't one layer!
Peaceful View - A background stamp such as 'Peaceful View' is great for a one layer card, in as much as the entire scene is laid out in one go. Ideally, you need a card base that is smaller than the main image, so that the image goes off the edge, however I decided I'd try something a little more complicated and stamp the image leaving a border around the edge, to give the illusion of another layer. I also wanted to heat emboss the main image (perfect for my entry into 'E is for Embossing' over at The Alphabet Challenge) to add more depth. I'm not going to lie, both of these things complicate a one layer card and it did take me a couple of attempts to achieve the end result. In case you want to give it a go, this is how I did it, step by step:
- Use a stamping platform - essential for even stamp coverage with a large stamp with solid blocks of colour like this
- Mask a border around your cardfront using masking tape
- Use an embossing buddy liberally over the cardfront before you stamp to reduce static
- Ink the image with Versamark and use a Versamrk pen to touch up the edges where the stamp borders the masking tape to ensure good coverage and clean, straight edges
- Emboss the image with black embossing powder
- Ink with a blending brush/es to colour as desired
- Wipe with a tissue or soft cloth to remove any excess ink on the embossed areas
- Remove the masking tape to reveal the border
The touching up of the edges before embossing is key to achieving a clean finish - skip this step and you will lose the effect.
Summer Sunset - There are lots of ways that you could colour the finish image; I decided to go with a summer sunset (perfect for the 'Summer' challenge over at CAS on Friday) and I was actually inspired by a sunset I saw in a movie a couple of weeks ago ('Sicario' by Taylor Sheridan if you were wondering - not up to Yellowstone standards in my view, but the sunset was amazing!) and it just so happened that the team at Color Hues were using the exact same two colours I decided to use: peach and cobalt. I used Peach Pie and (retired) Starry Sky respectively (although you could use Blueberry Bushel for a close match if you don't have Starry Sky) and I used my blending brushes to create a gradient of colour, with just two inks:
I left my card sentiment-free; I could have placed one on that area of open sky between the bird on the fence and the tree, but I really didn't want to detract from the beauty of the scene itself. I didn't add a single embellishment or other detail to my card - and I can honestly say, I love the finished result! What a great challenge - I can't wait to see what you do with it this week.
Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:
You can see all of my Product and 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any.
Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:
The Paper Players Design Team
Here's a quick recap of our challenge rules:
1. Create a new paper project
2. Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us and provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
3. Please link your card to no more than four challenges, TOTAL.
4. Have FUN!
Enjoy your day; the James Junior and I are 'home alone' this week as the hubby is in China on business, but since A-Levels are now officially over and the youngest of the James Juniors is 'unemployed' until he hopefully starts university in September, we have lots of fun planned. Today we are off to the home of British Formula 1 racing, Silverstone, for an advanced driving skills day with our local police force (unfortunately I don't get to drive - just spectate), followed by a pub meal on the way home - so looking forward to that! I'll be back soon with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!
Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:
